Summer is officially here, and with it comes the sweltering heat. When the temperature hits the 90s, it can feel like a bit of a shock, especially in California. Suddenly, the struggle isn’t about how many layers to take off while still feeling decently dressed—it’s about cooling down!
If you’re like us, finding a way to beat the heat and stay refreshed becomes a priority. So, what better way to cool off than by making a smoothie? They’re easy to blend, made with real fruit, and—most importantly—served ice cold!
A Nostalgic Treat with a Twist
When we was younger, we would drive to 7-Eleven, donning a crop top and a pair of dazzling shorts, to grab a huge drink—cherry cola, to be specific. The slushie would swirl into a mix of red and brown, delivering an intense, sugary delight.
But now, as we’ve all aged a bit, it’s safe to say that our tolerance for sugar isn’t what it used to be. In fact, if we tried to down one of those sugary drinks today,we might actually feel Our heart racing! But that doesn’t stop us from craving one of Our favorite summer treats. So, we decided to make a healthier smoothie option—something that won’t make us feel like we’re going to have a sugar crash or worse.
Creating the Perfect Smoothie Base
It all started with a watermelon-mint smoothie—a refreshing combo that immediately hit the spot. Since then, we’ve been experimenting with various fruits and flavors to create a customizable formula that works for everyone. The best part?
Making this healthier version of a summer favorite isn’t complicated at all. It’s simply about getting the right ratio of fruit, ice, and sparkling water! Whether you’re looking for something tropical or a berry blend, the possibilities are endless.
Once you’ve got your base fruit, the fun part begins—adding flavor boosters! Think about adding a dash of vanilla to elevate the taste, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or even a squeeze of citrus to add a zesty kick.
The combinations are endless, and you can mix and match based on your preferences. Below, we’ve included some of our favorite add-ins for you to try.
Fruit Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 ½ to 2 cups of chopped fresh fruit
1 cup of ice (you may need extra depending on the type of fruit)
¼ cup of sparkling water
Optional flavor boosters: herbs like mint, spices like cinnamon, or a bit of honey for sweetness
Equipment:
Cutting board
Sharp blade
Measuring cups
High-powered blender (one strong enough to crush ice)
Let’s Get Blending!
Start by washing and chopping your fruit into manageable pieces. Be sure to discard any seeds or pits. You can leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference. Measure out about 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit.
Add your chopped fruit, 1 cup of ice, and ¼ cup of sparkling water into your blender. If you’re using any flavor add-ins like mint or lemon juice, now’s the time to toss them in too.
Blend on high speed until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. You may need to add more ice or fruit to achieve the desired thickness. If you’re using water-rich fruits like watermelon, you might need to adjust the amount of ice.
Once your smoothie has reached the perfect texture, pour it into a glass and enjoy immediately! The quicker you drink it, the better, as smoothies tend to lose their signature thickness the longer they sit. So, drink up and stay cool!
Fruit Smoothie Recipe
Video: Joshua Weissman
Summer Smoothie Tips
If you want to make your smoothie even more exciting, feel free to experiment with different fruits. Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and coconut can give your smoothie a vacation-like feel, while berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries pack in antioxidants. Don’t forget to try adding leafy greens like spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost. Whether you're indulging in a fruity treat or trying a healthy green smoothie, we’re sure you’ll find a combination you love!
Orange Passion Fruit Iced Drink Recipe
We know that smoothies are an excellent way to cool off during the summer, but if you’re looking for something a little different, why not try a refreshing iced drink that combines the tangy sweetness of oranges with the exotic flavor of passion fruit? This vibrant, tropical drink is perfect for those hot days when you need something light, fruity, and utterly satisfying.
Orange Passion Fruit Iced Drink Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
½ cup of passion fruit pulp (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
1 cup of ice cubes
Sparkling water or plain water (to your preference)
A few fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
Juicer or manual press (for the orange juice)
Spoon or strainer (to scoop the passion fruit pulp)
Glass and straw
Instructions:
Prepare the Orange Juice: Start by juicing the oranges until you have about 1 cup of fresh orange juice. This will give the drink a natural sweetness and tangy flavor.
Scoop Out the Passion Fruit: If you're using fresh passion fruit, cut it open and scoop out the pulp into a small bowl. If you’re using frozen passion fruit pulp, simply thaw it and use the same amount. Passion fruit is known for its unique, tangy taste, which pairs perfectly with the orange juice.
Mix the Ingredients: In a glass, combine the fresh orange juice with the passion fruit pulp. Stir gently to mix the flavors together. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup to taste.
Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes to chill the drink. You can adjust the amount of ice based on your preference for a more diluted or stronger flavor.
Top with Water or Sparkling Water: Pour sparkling water or still water over the juice mixture until the glass is filled. The sparkling water will give it a fizzy twist, but if you prefer a smoother texture, use still water.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a touch of color and aroma. Stir again and serve immediately.
Enjoy Your Refreshing Drink!
This Orange Passion Fruit Iced Drink is the perfect way to keep cool and energized during those scorching summer days. The citrusy orange juice and the tropical passion fruit create a flavor explosion that’s both tangy and refreshing.
Whether you're lounging at home or hosting a summer gathering, this drink will definitely be a hit! Let us know if you try this one, Lykkers. We’re sure it’ll become one of your favorite summer beverages!
