I recently helped throw a bridal shower for a friend and it was the host’s brilliant idea to have a smoothie bar along with gourmet s’mores around a fire pit. Best, shower, ever.
I was selected as the smoothie recipe generator, so I offered up a few variations that were made into recipe cards for the guests to follow. This recipe for Summer in a Cup was one of them, which just so happened to be a total fave among guests.
If you like berries, citrus and sweet-creamy smoothies, this is the recipe for you.
It starts with frozen banana and loads of frozen raspberries. This provides a cold, creamy-thick base, as well as a sweet-tart flavor contrast. Next comes unsweetened Almond Breeze almond milk, orange juice and pomegranate juice for the perfect mix of creamy, sweet and tart.
This smoothie truly is summer in a cup.
What’s it taste like?
Mega creamy
Cold
Perfectly sweet
Not too tart
Refreshing
Citrusy
& Satisfying
Of all of the smoothies I’ve made (and I’ve made a lot), this is definitely one of my favorites to date!
If you want, add a handful of greens for extra nutrition (although it will likely turn it a not-so-flattering hue). Add silken tofu for a protein boost.
If you make this smoothie – and you totally should – take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram! I’d love to see what you come up with! Cheers and happy (almost) summer!
Summer in a Cup Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 large ripe, sliced and frozen banana (1 banana yields ~1 cup)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 3/4 cup Plain Unsweetened Almond Breeze Almond Milk
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed. Add more milk or fruit juice if too thick. Add more frozen banana if not sweet enough. Serve immediately. Freezes well (or make into Popsicles).
Notes
Nutrition (1 of 2 servings)
Maureen Morales says
I just made this. My husband and I thought it was delicious. The only change I made was to use dark chocolate covered frozen banana slices rather than regular as that’s what we had. We will try it as popsicles next time.
Yum! Thanks so much for the great review, Maureen!
Diana Bingham says
Skipped the pomegranate juice since I didn’t have any. Still came out tasting delicious. Just increased the Orange juice and almond milk.
Thanks so much for sharing, Diana. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Susan says
Hi, I have a food sensitivity to almonds, what could I use instead ? Also can I sub the raspberries for strawberries ? Do you think it would taste good ?
Hi Susan, you could sub any non-dairy milk such as cashew or oat milk. We haven’t tried with strawberries, but we think it would work! Let us know if you try it!
Leigh says
I loved the idea of this smoothie when I came across it this afternoon. I went right to the store and got the ingredients but tweaked it for my tastes. I omitted the almond milk and added chia seeds. Since pomegranate juice is so expensive I got the Farmstand Pom/Blueberry juice and instead of orange juice I got the orange/mango/banana juice for a bit more fruit. I made way too much but I’m saving the rest to go with my overnight oats tomorrow morning! Perfect smoothie for the 90 deg day we had!
Jenna says
I just made this smoothie this morning, and it was so good I had to rave about it immediately. It is the perfect combination of sweet and citrus. It’s amazingly creamy while also refreshing. Not to mention: HEALTHY!! Cannot rave enough.
Shadat Hosen says
It looks so delicious! Of course I would want to drink such a yummy smoothie everyday of the summer. Though the steps are well detailed…. But I am still felling lazy to make it for me… But I shouldn’t be worried… Because my mom will do that for me and I don’t wanna miss it.
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Alice says
This smoothie looks so delicious! Just wondering, if I don’t have a banana on hand, what can I replace it with? Would a greek yogurt work?
Mmm, it wont’ be as sweet. SO be sure to throw in a couple dates or something to offset the flavor!
Webbyrå says
This looks delicious!!! I’ll definitely make this recipe some time next week.
Rachael says
Smoothies are the best option for summers. We can also serve it to the guest and the main thing is that it does not take so much time to make it. Just one cup of sweet and creamy smoothie can make your day.
Brittany says
Now that the hot weather is here I’ve been craving smoothies every day. This one looks delicious and I love the photos!
Thanks Brittany! your smoothies always look BOMB.
HannahL says
Hi! This looks really good but I was wondering if I could sub avocado for the banana? Or would that give it a strange flavour? I have everything else in my freezer and would like to try!
It would give it a strange flavor, unfortunately. And not enough sweetness.
Sherri@ The Well Floured Kitchen says
A smoothie bar has to be the most brilliant idea I’ve heard in a while. I feel this overwhelming need to host a party asap. Looks absolutely amazing, can’t wait to try :)
hippymomelizabeth says
Me and my husband will love this recipe!! And kids too…
Ala says
Ooh–people who love creamy sweet smoothies, that’s me! Love the idea of throwing in silken tofu for an extra protein boost, Dana; I’d almost be skeptical (had a bad run-in with silken tofu chocolate “pudding”), but if you say so, my blender shall do so. Thanks for sharing this, and happy summer!
silken tofu in a smoothie is the best! Give it a go! I’m sure you’ll like it. A little goes a long way.
Shelby says
How funny! I just posted my “Perfect Summer Smoothie” recipe the other day. Definitely need to try this one, though!
Matt Robinson says
Summer in a cup pretty much sums this up. Love this smoothie!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Hey Dana! I always love a good smoothie recipe. This looks delicious, quick and satisfying! Thank you for your recipe and enticing photography!
Thanks Traci! Too kind.
Ashley says
These are the prettiest, cheeriest photos everrrr. Teach me your ways!
Oh dear! That’s coming from the master. Teach me YOUR ways!
Ashley says
Master…hahaaha Your photos are ridic!
Lisa H says
Hi Dana,
This looks great, but my only problem is that you specify and promote “Almond Breeze” almond milk. They still use carrageenan (a type of seaweed)as an emulsifier, even though it is a known carcinogen and is extremely hard to digest. If you happen to be one of the many people with IBS or other stomach disorders, it can be a real problem. I have to carefully check all labels (including canned dog food, since my pooch has a problem with it as well) on a regular basis and stopped buying Almond Breeze when I realized they were using it. I do realize I don’t have to use that brand in your recipe, but just wanted to put that out there for anyone possibly having digestive issues.
Lisa, thank you so much for the insight. I’m sure anyone with IBS or digestive issues would pay attention to ingredients in any product that may upset their stomach. Thanks for sharing – I appreciate it.
Justina says
Totally stealing the smoothie bar idea for my next party! Cute!
Molly @Doughvelopment says
What a gorgeous color! I am all about the smoothies lately, got to try this one!
A smoothie bar is such a great idea, too!
Lillie says
I can attest to the amazingness of this smoothie. SOO refreshing. When I made mine at the smoothie bar I added spinach and it didn’t affect the flavor (just color turned dark purplish) because the pomegranate juice is so deliciously strong. Thankful for all these wonderful smoothie recipes… and the clever names ;-].
Whoop! Thanks Lil. Miss ya!
Alex says
Nothing is better than a smoothie in the summer! They’re my favorite way to start the day. I can’t wait to make this for my next morning smoothie!
Yay! Let me know how it goes, Alex. Cheers!
Angela says
That looks amazing and healthy!
If you don’t have pomegranates where you live, what could you replace it with??
Thanks!
Perhaps a similar juice, such as cherry or grape?
Angela says
Thank you! We don’t have fruits such as pomegranates, cranberries or blueberries in Colombia!
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
love the pink and orange: my favorite color combo.
Lauren says
This looks light and so refreshing! I’ve been using pomegranate juice lately and I love it- tasty, sweet, and tart. Plus, it’s a gorgeous color!
Xo, Lauren
Agreed! Pom juice BELONGS in smoothies. Hope you love it!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
This sounds so delicious and refreshing!
Allison says
A smoothie bar is such a fantastic idea! I might just have to “steal” this for a birthday party I’m throwing this summer :) I’d also like this smoothie for breakfast today please!
Yeah! It worked out really well! A smoothie bar at any party is pretty much a great idea.
Emily @ Life on Food says
How beautiful is this color? I have a smoothie each day. These look great – lovin’ the flavors, the color and the rim decoration! Talk about a way to start the day!
Easy, Healty and Yummy says
loving your photographs!
I will add baby spinach and replace orange juice for water, but this will be great for summer..
Thank you! Yeah, spinach would be a great addition. Let me know how it goes!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Very pretty! I can see why this was a fave. :)
Kathryn says
Summer in a cup sounds exactly my kind of thing!
It’s like a hug from summer :D DO IT!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Smoothies like this make my mornings brighter. Love this recipe!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Gorgeous, Dana! Pinned! I’m so thirsty after seeing this :)