10+ Smoothie Recipes to Beat the Heat

Created July 3, 2024

Two glasses of creamy mango smoothies garnished with mango chunks on skewers, served on a wooden tray.

When you’re looking to turn down the temperature and turn up the flavor, you can’t do much better than a smoothie. It’s the perfect way to get a rich blend of flavors in an ice-cold package. Feeling inspired? Read on to find a few of your new favorite smoothie recipes!

What Makes a Smoothie?

Most smoothie recipes start with a dairy base, like yogurt or ice cream. But you can skip the dairy and use almond milk, soy milk, or your non-dairy drink of choice. Then it’s as simple as assembling fruit, crushed ice and other flavors in a blender. Even better, when you use fresh, natural ingredients, you can make a better-for-you smoothie that tastes like a sweet treat but delivers a lot of good stuff, too.

Benefits of Hydrating Smoothies

As temperatures rise, it’s natural to gravitate toward hydrating and cooling foods, and smoothies are designed to deliver. Made from a blend of fresh fruits, vegetables and other nutritious ingredients, smoothies offer a delicious and versatile way to stay hydrated and energized during hot summer months and beyond.

Beyond being great sources of hydration, smoothies can be a source of vitamins and minerals. Fruits like berries, mangos and pineapples are high in vitamin C. Leafy greens like spinach and kale can be added to green smoothies and add a good dose of vitamins A and K, as well as iron and calcium.

Summer Smoothie Flavors

Smoothies are a delightful way to indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer. With a wide array of fresh fruits in season during the warmer months, the combinations are virtually endless. And the creamy blend of sweet fruit flavor and rich dairy goodness is an unbeatable summertime treat.

The fun lies in experimenting with different ingredients and creating your own personalized summer treat. From tart lemon-lime blends to sweet berry concoctions to chocolatey desserts, there’s a smoothie recipe to satisfy any craving.

Creative and Colorful Smoothies

In addition to featuring a wonderful blend of flavors, smoothies add a splash of color to your morning or afternoon. With all these fresh, colorful ingredients, you can’t help but end up with a bright, beautiful beverage. For an extra burst of flair, add a fun garnish. Try a slice of strawberry on the rim for a fruit smoothie or add a sprinkle of chia seeds to the top of a green smoothie. If your smoothie recipe is on the sweeter side, you can drizzle chocolate sauce on top as the perfect finishing touch.