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When you want something tangy and uplifting, this cranberry smoothie is just the thing. It’s quick to throw together with fruit and some creamy extras if you’d like. Loads of vitamin C comes with every blend, and it’s my go-to for those speedy mornings or whenever I just want something sweet and fresh. You only need five minutes to make it happen.
This started as a holiday prep drink, and it vanished in a flash. Now I blend it up anytime there’s good-looking oranges or I just want a bit of sunshine in a cup.
Delightful Ingredients
- Frozen cranberries: whole and unsweetened for that tart punch They bring a tang that mellows the citrus
- Orange juice or ginger kombucha: gives a tangy pop Fresh orange juice or some gingery kombucha keeps things zesty
- Oranges: go for juicy cara cara or navel for best peeling and flavor These add all the sunny sweetness
- Optional yogurt almond milk or cashew milk: want a creamy smoothie or more protein Toss in your favorite plain nondairy milk for more smoothness
- Vanilla extract: a splash makes everything taste a bit richer Real vanilla is best if you have it
Easy Step-by-Step
- Serve or Chill:
- If you want best taste go ahead and pour it right away You can chill it in the fridge for a day just give it a good shake if it separates
- Make It Creamy:
- Add yogurt or your choice of almond or cashew milk for a creamier sip If you do this, you can skip the kombucha part
- Taste and Adjust:
- Give it a taste Is it tangy and bright enough Add a little agave honey or maple syrup if you wish then blend again quick
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Start blending slow then move to high Keep it going for about a minute so you get that super smooth texture If your blender isn’t super strong, stop and poke things around
- Load the Blender:
- Toss in your oranges first, frozen cranberries next, then splash in juice or kombucha and a little vanilla Putting things in this order helps it all blend smoother
- Prep the Fruit:
- Peel the oranges by hand or use a small knife Take off as much of the white stuff as you can Cut the oranges in quarters so your blender doesn’t have to work so hard
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Cranberries have to be my top winter berry because they turn any drink or bake into something completely fresh. As a kid, making these after freezing walks on Saturday mornings brought that zingy aroma into our house—really the best kind of welcome home.
Keeping It Fresh
Extra smoothie? Stick it in the fridge in a tight-lidded jar, and it’ll stay tasty for about twenty-four hours. Give it a shake before sipping. Want to save it longer Freeze in silicone cubes—pop them back in the blender with some juice whenever you’d like a quick smoothie again.
Swap Ideas
No cranberries in your freezer Cherries stand in just fine and add a nice tart flavor with a pretty look. For that creamy feel, coconut yogurt or oat milk blend in great. Feeling bold A grating of fresh ginger or a bit of lime brightens everything up.
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Ways to Serve
It’s tasty enough all by itself or next to a slice of grainy toast. Want to jazz it up for brunch Pour small glasses, toss on a little orange zest or fresh mint. I love putting it out alongside muffins and a fresh fruit spread for breakfast with friends.
Cranberries Through Time
Cranberries have always grown wild in North America, and folks have been enjoying them both raw and dried for ages. Long ago, people turned to cranberries for natural remedies. These days, they make everything from drinks to sauces healthier, connecting us right back to the past.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely, swap in fresh cranberries if you want. For a frostier blend, just toss in some ice cubes.
- → What can I use instead of kombucha?
Orange juice works instead of kombucha. It keeps things tart and ramps up the citrus punch.
- → How can I make this smoothie creamier?
To up the creamy factor, trade the kombucha for any yogurt or try almond or cashew milk.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
If it tastes too sharp, just mix in a little honey, agave, or maple syrup to balance it out.
- → How long does the smoothie stay fresh?
It’s tastiest right after making, but you can stash it in the fridge for about one day if you need to.