Citrus and Spice Smoothie

This smoothie reminds me of fall even though I’d prefer that it was summer 365 days a year.

But since fall is approaching, I figured I’d try to embrace it with some warming spices in my smoothie.

Not that I need to be warmed up.

It’s 94F and humid in Aruba and far from fall but this is the kind of weather I love.

I tried to get into the fall and back-to-school spirit by pairing fall warming spices, including cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with Caribbean citrus.

Citrus and ginger go really well together and they do double-duty of keeping the sickie germs at bay. Ginger is a natural anti-viral and extra Vitamin C can’t hurt when all those back-to-school germs come back-to-the-house. Oh goodie.

If you like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and those flavors of fall, this smoothie has you covered unless you’re a pumpkin fanatic.

I didn’t go quite that far quite, yet.

It’s still only August and we’ve got at least three good months of pumpkin (overload) season just around the corner. I pity anyone who reads blogs and doesn’t love pumpkin because there’s no shortage. For months.

The smoothie is really creamy and frothy because I tossed in a few bananas.

I don’t think I can make a smoothie without them, actually.

If you’re not quite ready to put away your flip-flops and shorts and want to milk the last drops of summer, this cold one is light and fruity enough for all those last-bits-of-summer-milkers but embraces fall.

And boy, in this heat, it went down incredibly fast and easy.

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Citrus and Spice Smoothie (vegan and gluten-free)

Makes about 12 ounces

2 ripe small/medium bananas (previously frozen in chunks is preferred)

1 medium orange, peeled and halved

1/2 cup pineapple, diced (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1/2 to 2/3 cup cream or milk (or vegan milk)

2 tablespoons maple syrup or granulated sugar , optional and to taste

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice, optional

1/2 teaspoon orange or vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Optionally, garnish with a slice of orange or pineapple or a sprinkle of cinnamon . Serve immediately.

Optional add-ins: 1 whole graham cracker, 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes or applesauce, 1 to 2 ounces vodka or light rum, 1 scoop protein powder, add 1 scoop of ice cream for a milkshake; garnish with whipped topping or whipped cream, coconut flakes, or graham cracker crumbs.

Note: all spices are to taste; if you prefer more or less spice, adjust amounts to your personal taste preferences.

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Related Recipes:

Orange PushUp Smoothie – One of my top three most popular recipes, of all time and tastes like an Orange PushUp

Spiced Apple Pie Smoothie (vegan, GF) – Break out the apple cider and hot toddy’s and feel free to spike it

Caramel Maple Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – It’s too hot to be thinking pumpkin for me, unless it’s pumpkin pie in a cup

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Smoothie (vegan, GF) – Like drinking cinnamon raisin toast and so comforting

Cranberry & Orange Ginger Mango Chutney (vegan, GF) – Oranges and ginger is a combo I like in just about anything from smoothies to chutney

Orange Ginger Tempeh and Brown Rice Salad with Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette (vegan, GF if GF tempeh is used) – Oranges and ginger again and this time paired with tempeh and balsamic

Is fall on its way in your area? Are you happy about that or would you prefer summer awhile longer?

 I really do love hot weather and I think that’s why I love Aruba so much. I’m basically on the Equator and don’t have to turn the hot water knob on to shower. The cold water coming out of the tap is warm enough.

So although I don’t really crave fall flavors when I’m here, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been perusing pumpkin recipes and am strategizing what I’m going to make first when I’m back in San Diego. Til then, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are as fall-like as I’ve gone.

If you have any fall recipes you’re excited to try, I’d love to hear what you plan to make.

Link it up.

Thanks for the Flavor It 3-In-1 Beverage System Giveaway entries and have a great weekend!