We love this Strawberry Banana Smoothie recipe because it’s ready to drink in 5 minutes and uses fresh or frozen fruit, so you can enjoy it year round.

If you love smoothie recipes you have to try our Green Smoothie, Orange Julius, Healthy Breakfast Smoothie, Chocolate Protein Shake, and Vanilla Protein Shake.

Why I love this smoothie recipe:

• 5 Minutes – This easy strawberry banana smoothie recipe couldn’t be quicker! I love to pour it in a tumbler and enjoy it on the go too.
• Enjoy Year Round – My favorite part of this smoothie is that I can enjoy it anytime by using fresh or frozen fruit.
• Family Favorite – Everyone in our house inhales this smoothie! From the youngest to the oldest and even the pickiest, it’s a refreshing treat we can make anytime of day or alongside a delicious breakfast.

Ingredients Needed:

• Strawberries: use fresh or frozen. If fresh, be sure to wash and hull them.
• Bananas: fresh or frozen.
• Milk: use low-fat milk or dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy milk.
• Honey: optional, depending on how sweet the berries are, to add additional sweetness
• Ice to thicken it. Less ice needed if using frozen fruit.

How to make a Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

Blend: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk. If it is too thin, add more fruit or ice, to your preference.

Enjoy! I love to serve this healthy strawberry banana smoothie to my family for breakfast with Whole Wheat Pancakes, Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, or Yeasted Waffles.

More Breakfast Recipes:

• Cottage Cheese Pancakes
• French Toast Casserole
• German Pancakes
• Huevos Rancheros
• Breakfast Quesadillas
• Breakfast Skillet

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Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie recipe is sweet and refreshing and ready to drink in just 5 minutes. Enjoy it year round by using fresh or frozen fruit.

Course Beverage, Breakfast, Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 132kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 3

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries , or frozen
• 1 banana fresh or frozen
• 1 cup almond milk low-fat milk, soy or oat milk
• 1/2 Tablespoon honey , optional
• ½ – 1 cup ice cubes*

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a blender (if using frozen fruit, don't add additional ice). Blend until smooth. Add a splash of milk, to thin, or additional ice, to thicken, if needed.

Video

Notes

Add Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder, or ½ cup Greek yogurt, or ¼ cup rolled oats. 

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 434mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 90mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 1mg

I originally shared this recipe January 2017. Updated May 2021 and April 2024.

This easy Hot Cocoa recipe is rich and creamy and will warm your soul. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make a cup of homemade hot cocoa.

Looking for more beverages? Try Wassail, Homemade Eggnog, Frozen Hot Chocolate, or even a Chocolate Milkshake!

Why I love this Hot Cocoa recipe:

• Delicious – This creamy hot cocoa recipe is so much better than any of the powdered mixes you’ll find at the store. You will never buy another one again!
• 10 Minutes – Such a simple and quick recipe, only using one pot!
• Ingredient Control: most powdered hot chocolate mixes from the store are actually “hot cocoa” (they’re made with cocoa powder, rather than real chocolate), and they’re full of strange ingredients. I love knowing, and controlling, exactly what is in my hot cocoa!

How to make Hot Cocoa:

Combine cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a dash of salt and the boiling water. Bring mixture to a slow boil, stirring continuously. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Add Milk: Stir in milk and heat until very hot, but not boiling! Remove from heat then add vanilla.

Serve: Divide between four mugs then add the half and half. Let it cool to drinking temperature then top with whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

More Holiday Drinks:

• Homemade Eggnog
• Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
• Homemade Sparkling Apple Cider
• Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch
• Frozen Hot Chocolate

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Hot Cocoa

This easy Hot Cocoa recipe is creamy and will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will warm your soul! You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make a cup of homemade hot cocoa.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 250kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• dash of salt
• 4 cups whole milk , divided
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Combine the cocoa and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a dash of salt and the boiling water.
• Bring to a slow boil, stirring continuously. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and stir continually for 2 minutes. 
• Stir in 3 ½ cups milk and heat until very hot, but not boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs.
• Serve: Add another splash of milk to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature, if desired. Top with whipped cream.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Rewarm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.

Video

Notes

Slow Cooker: Add cocoa and sugar to a slow cooker. Add a dash of salt and the boiling water. Cook over low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir in milk and cook for 30 more minutes, or until cocoa is hot. Ladle into mug, and top with half and half, as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 102mg | Potassium: 471mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 453IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 305mg | Iron: 1mg

I originally shared this recipe November 2013. Updated November 2019 and February 2024.

This refreshing and delicious Green Smoothie recipe is my favorite way to start the morning, made with veggie and fruits.

If you love smoothies for breakfast as much as I do, try my Chocolate Protein Shake, Strawberry Banana Smoothie, or this Healthy Breakfast Smoothie.

What I LOVE about this smoothie:

• Secret Ingredients: A little touch of fresh ginger and mint is what really sets this smoothie apart! It’s completely refreshing and delicious.
• Healthy – I love kale because it’s low calorie and packed with vitamins and fiber. The flaxseed oil is a great addition no one can taste, and we often add a scoop of protein powder, or some chia seeds for even more protein and fiber.
• Customizable– Use spinach instead of kale, add your favorite fruit, and try adding protein powder, nut butter, or rolled oats. See my variation ideas below.

Green Smoothie Ingredients:

How to Make a Green Smoothie:

Blend: Add all ingredients to a high-power blender and blend until smooth.

Serve and enjoy this healthy green smoothie recipe for breakfast, or a healthy snack.

Recipe Variations:

• Add rolled oats: A great whole grain that will add additional protein and fiber and a thicker texture that I love.
• Nut Butter: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter to this kale smoothie recipe for some healthy unsaturated fat and protein.
• Switch up the greens by adding spinach or collard greens.
• Add powder: A scoop of unflavored protein powder, collagen peptides, or acai berry powder.

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Green Smoothie

Our favorite easy Green Smoothie recipe is delicious and refreshing made with veggies and fruit.

Course Beverage, Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 161kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 3

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped kale , packed, large ribs removed
• 4 ounces sliced apple (about ½ of a medium apple)
• 3 fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• ½ of a frozen banana
• ½ cup water
• 1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 Tablespoon flax seed oil
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• ¾ teaspoon refrigerated pureed ginger , or fresh minced ginger
• 4-6 Ice cubes

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a high-power blender and blend until smooth.

Video

Notes

Variations:

• Add rolled oats.  Whole rolled oats are a great whole grain that will add additional protein and fiber as well as a grainy texture that I love.
• Add peanut butter.  A spoonful of peanut butter will also add some healthy unsaturated fat as well as protein.
• Switch up the greens.  Try adding collard greens or kale in place of spinach.  Or try a little of each.
• Add powder. Try adding a heaping tablespoon of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, collagen peptides, or acai berry powder.
• Make it vegan or dairy-free.  Leave out the yogurt and use soy or almond milk.

Old Green Smoothie Recipe: I’ve been making this posted version of a green smoothie for last two years and absolutely love it. The old version I shared years ago on this post is below (although not as healthy as my new version). Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup milk
• juice of 1 orange, freshly squeezed
• 5 ice cubes
• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 banana
• ½ cup frozen fruit: pineapple, strawberries, mango, peaches, or raspberries
• 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed, optional
• chia seeds, optional

 

Nutrition

Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 6851IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 1mg

I originally shared this recipe April 2013. Updated December 2019, February 2023 and January 2024.

When I’m looking for an extra touch of festiveness during the holidays, I lean on this easy Christmas Punch. It’s made with sparkling cranberry and apple flavors, can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic and is ready in 15 minutes.

Looking for more Christmas recipes? Try my Homemade Caramels, Christmas Cornflake Wreaths, Caramel Hot Chocolate, and Peppermint Brownies!

Why I love this recipe:

• Quick – Only 15 minutes from start to finish for the best Christmas punch recipe to compliment your meal.
• Festive – This bright red punch will add the perfect holiday touch of color and make it feel like Christmas.
• Delicious – Everyone always raves about this easy Christmas drink when I serve it. It’s refreshing, full of flavor, and an absolute crowd pleaser. We look forward to it every year.

How to make Christmas Punch:

Combine Ingredients: Pour the water, sugar, and cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. 

Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop. Pour into a container and allow it to cool to room temperature, or chill in the fridge until cooled.

Add Juice: Pour cooled cranberry syrup in a pitcher, followed by apple cider, cranberry juice and lime juice and chill until ready to serve. 

Once ready to serve, pour in Ginger-Ale and ice.

Serve this easy Christmas punch recipe with thinly sliced lime, apples, or oranges floating on top, or even a cinnamon stick to add to the festive appearance (optional). Add them all last so they don’t add any bitter flavors to the drink.

Make Ahead and Instructions:

To Make Ahead: The whole traditional Christmas punch recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead of time, just don’t add the ginger-ale, ice, or any garnishes until ready to serve. Store covered in the fridge.

More Holiday Beverages to Try:

• Homemade Eggnog
• Wassail
• Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
• Creamy Hot Cocoa

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Christmas Punch

This easy Christmas Punch recipe is ready in 15 minutes and is perfect for a holiday gathering! It has sparkling cranberry and apple flavors and can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic; making it great for kids and adults.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 152kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 6

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 3 cups apple cider
• 2 cups cranberry juice (not juice cocktail)
• juice from half of a small lime
• 3 cups ginger ale , chilled
• crushed ice

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Combine the water, sugar and cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop. Pour into a tupperware and allow to cool to room temperature, or chill in the fridge until cooled.
• Add cooled cranberries to a pitcher. Add apple cider, cranberry juice and lime juice and chill until ready to serve. 
• Once ready to serve, add ginger-ale and ice.
• Optional: Serve with thinly sliced lime, apples, or oranges floating on top, or even a cinnamon stick to add to the festive appearance. Add them all last so they don't add any bitter flavors to the drink.

Video

Notes

To Add Alcohol: Instead of 3 cups Ginger ale, use 1 ½ cups Ginger ale and 1 ½ cups of an inexpensive champagne, cava or prosecco, or dark rum, or brandy. You could also add a few shots of vodka.

Make Ahead Instructions: This is a great drink to make in advance. You can make all of it, except for adding the ginger soda or champagne, a day ahead of time.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.4mg

I originally shared this recipe November 2016. Updated December 2020 and December 2023.

This creamy and refreshing homemade Orange Julius recipe is made with orange juice, milk, water, ice, vanilla, a frozen banana, and a secret ingredient that makes it the best!

Looking for more refreshing drink recipes? Try this Oreo Milkshake, Strawberry Lemonade, Green Smoothie, or Frozen Hot Chocolate!

Why I love this recipe:

• As good as the Original: I remember strolling the mall as a kid and begging my mom for a drink from Orange Julius. This homemade Orange Julius recipe is the perfect copycat recipe that’s every bit as good as the original, and so inexpensive and easy to make from home.
• Secret Ingredient – Our secret ingredient is adding a little powdered sugar for a pinch of sweetness and fluffy smooth texture.
• Adaptable – Feel free to add other fruit to change up the flavor profile! See variations below.

What is an Orange Julius?

Orange Julius is a fruit smoothie that is made by combining orange juice with ice cubes, sweetener, milk, and vanilla. The term was originally the name of an American beverage store that created the original Orange Julius recipe. Since it’s so easy to make at home, it’s become a household name.

How to make an Orange Julius:

Blend: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Serve immediately!

Recipe Variations:

• Other Fruit: Add frozen strawberries, pineapple, etc either in place of the banana or in addition. Add additional liquid if needed, so it blends smooth.
• Strawberry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries in place of the banana.
• Pineapple Orange Julius: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple.
• Triple Berry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
• Mango Orange Julius: Add mango from 1 whole mango or 1 cup frozen mango chunks.
• Vegan Orange Julius: Substitute almond milk or other non-dairy milk.
• Protein Orange Julius: Add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.

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Orange Julius

This homemade Orange Julius recipe is made with orange juice, milk, water, ice, vanilla, and a frozen banana for the most refreshing creamy orange smoothie.

Course Beverage, Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 158kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 3

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup powdered confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• zest of 1 orange
• 1 small frozen banana
• 1 cup Ice cubes

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

• Strawberry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries in place of the banana.
• Pineapple Orange Julius: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple.
• Triple Berry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
• Mango Orange Julius: Add mango from 1 whole mango or 1 cup frozen mango chunks.
• Vegan Orange Julius: Substitute almond milk or other non-dairy milk.
• Protein Orange Julius: Add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 0.2mg

*I originally shared this recipe in February 2014. Updated March 2020 and June 2023.

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This homemade Horchata recipe is so easy to prepare, made with rice, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and water. It’s my take on the popular favorite.

Do you love Mexican recipes as much as I do? Check out my versions of Tacos Al Pastor, Elotes, or Tres Leches Cake.

We love to make homemade Horchata at our house because I usually always have the ingredients I need, and it’s easiest enough for my kids to do. Plus, horchata is an extra fun addition to taco night. I can’t say this recipe is authentic, but it’s my take on it and I think it tastes incredible. (Here’s an authentic Horchata recipe from Isabel Eats.) Let me know how you make horchata, in the comments below!

What is Horchata?

Horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah) is a popular Mexican drink that is often described as a sweet rice milk beverage. Horchata is made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and is served in many Mexican restaurants.  There’s an important balance to the creamy rice and cinnamon flavors found in horchata and this homemade horchata recipe is my favorite.

How to Make Horchata:

Blend: Combine the rice, hot water, and cinnamon sticks in a blender and blend until the rice and cinnamon sticks are roughly ground. Add the remaining water and blend again. Pour contents into a pitcher or container with a fitted lid and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).

Strain: Pour the rice mixture into a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a pitcher and discard the rice.

Finish Horchata: Stir in the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar (to your preference). Chill until ready to serve. Stir well before serving and serve over ice.

What is Hochata de Chufa?

Horchata de chufa is popular in Spain and it differs from Mexican horchata (or horchata de arroz) in that Mexican horchata is made with rice and horchata de chufa is made with chufa (also known as tiger nuts).

Recipe Variations:

Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute equal parts almond milk for the milk in the recipe.

You may also like these Mexican recipes:

• Wet Burrito
• Smothered Green Chili Chicken Burritos
• Authentic Mexican Rice
• Cheese Enchiladas
• Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
• Mole Enchiladas
• Esquites (Mexican Corn in a Cup)

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Horchata

This Horchata recipe is my take on the popular favorite. It's made with rice, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and water. It takes seconds to prep, is refreshing and absolutely delicious!

Course Beverage

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours

Servings 6

Calories 269kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 2

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 Mexican cinnamon sticks
• 4 cups hot water
• 2 cups milk , or almond milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ – 1/2 cups granulated sugar , to taste

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• To a blender, add rice, 2 cups of hot water, and 2 Mexican cinnamon sticks. 
• Blend until the rice and cinnamon sticks are roughly ground. Add the remaining water and blend again. 
• Pour contents into a pitcher or container with a fitted lid and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours. 
• Pour the rice mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, into a pitcher. Discard the rice. 
• Stir in the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar (to your preference). Chill until ready to serve. Stir well before serving and serve over ice.

Video

Notes

Serve this with one of my favorite Mexican meals.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 1mg

I originally shared this recipe April 2016. Updated July 2019 and April 2023.