How to Make Raspberry Smoothies

Raspberries provide a good source of disease-fighting antioxidants.

Make a raspberry smoothie the next time you're craving a frosty beverage or a healthier dessert. One cup of this fruit contains nearly half your recommended daily vitamin C intake. Change the basic recipe to fit your preferences and dietary needs. For instance, sweeten your drink with honey instead of sugar. Peel and chop a frozen ripe banana to add potassium and fiber to your fruit smoothie. Reduce the amount of sugar if you include banana chunks, which naturally contain sugar.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz. fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 cup nonfat milk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/8 cup sugar
• Blender
• 1 cup crushed ice
• Glass
• Mint

1. Pulse the raspberries, milk, vanilla and sugar in a blender, just until smooth.

2. Add the crushed ice to the blender. Pulse the mixture in small bursts to maintain the proper texture -- blending it too long will result in a watered-down smoothie.

3. Use a spoon to test your raspberry smoothie. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add ice for a thicker smoothie or thin it with a small amount of milk or vanilla yogurt. Sprinkle in a little more sugar if the smoothie isn't sweet enough.

4. Pour the raspberry smoothie into a tall glass. Garnish your beverage with a sprig of fresh mint.

Tips & Warnings

• Add blackberries, strawberries or blueberries to make a mixed berry smoothie.

• Freeze coconut water in an ice tray; use it in place of crushed ice.

References

• Taste of Home: Raspberry Smoothies Recipe
• Mayo Clinic: Food Sources the Best Choice for Antioxidants
• Bon Appétit: Why Smoothies Aren't Healthy (and How to Make One that Is)
• North America Raspberry and Blackberry Association: Raspberries -- Nutrition Facts

Resources

• Healthy. Happy. Life.: Twenty Smoothie Tips! How to Blend Like a Pro
• Epicurious: Mixed-Berry Smoothie
• Mayo Clinic: Diabetes Foods: Is Honey a Good Substitute for Sugar?