Refreshing Smoothies to Beat the Summer Heat

smoothies on the beach

by Kim Cooke, Acqualina’s Spa Therapy Manager

Tired of your humdrum strawberry-banana smoothie? Jazz things up (and cool down) with these summer blends that pair seasonal produce with unexpected culinary flavor-boosters.

Pineapple-Basil Smoothie

While it might seem strange to add a savory herb to a smoothie, basil has a slight licorice note, and in small quantities it adds an exotic flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 banana
  • 1½ c frozen pineapple chunks
  • 2 basil leaves torn
  • ⅛ tsp peeled and grated ginger

Procedure:

Add all of the ingredients to the blender, starting with the coconut milk. Cover and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Coconut-Carrot Smoothie

This brilliant orange-colored smoothie tastes of apple, mango, and coconut. The lemon juice intensifies the flavors, but it does make the smoothie a bit tart, so follow your taste buds.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cup coconut milk
  • ¾ cup chopped carrots chilled
  • 1 small apple cored,
  • ¾ c frozen mango chunks
  • 2 tsp lemon juice, optional

Procedure:

Add all of the ingredients to the blender, starting with the coconut milk. Cover and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.