Does anyone else find that smoothies taste especially amazing after a workout?
I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m a bit dehydrated, and any liquid sounds appealing. But there’s something about the mix of refreshing fruit and the sweetness of honey in a chilled drink that feels incredibly satisfying after a tough workout!
So, I was thrilled to find raspberries on sale again this week! It got me thinking and, after checking the blog, I realized something surprising—we’ve never made a raspberry smoothie before! How did that happen? And then, I finally created this Raspberry Green Tea Smoothie.
This brings together the invigorating essence of green tea with the sweet tartness of raspberries, the creamy smoothness of banana, and a zesty hint of lemon, all delicately balanced by a touch of honey. I can’t wait to share this with you all!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Rich: Combines antioxidant-packed green tea with the vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits, providing a healthy boost in every sip.
- Hydration Boost: The combination of green tea and fruit provides a hydrating, energizing drink that helps replenish fluids.
- Low-Calorie Option: With its healthy ingredients, this smoothie is a guilt-free indulgence that can easily fit into a balanced diet.
- Digestive Benefits: The fiber from raspberries and banana aids digestion, while the yogurt promotes gut health with probiotics.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Both green tea and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and support overall health.
Ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients for your Raspberry Green Tea Smoothie makes all the difference in flavor and nutrition.
Start with the green tea; it’s important to select a high-quality, loose-leaf or bagged green tea for a robust flavor and maximum antioxidants. Allow the tea to cool completely before blending, as this helps maintain the smoothie’s refreshing texture.
When it comes to raspberries, both fresh and frozen work well. Fresh raspberries add a bright, tangy flavor, while frozen ones can enhance the smoothie’s thickness. If using fresh raspberries, make sure they are ripe and vibrant for the best taste.
Bananas are essential for adding natural sweetness and creaminess, so choose a ripe banana with some brown spots for the most flavor.
Lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness of the fruit, so using freshly squeezed juice is ideal.
As for sweetening, honey is a natural option that complements the tartness of the raspberries without overpowering the other flavors.
Finally, ice cubes are optional but can be added to thicken the smoothie and make it even more refreshing on a hot day.
Ingredients for making Raspberry Green Tea Smoothie:
- 1 cup brewed green tea, chilled
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about half a lemon)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (optional, for a thicker consistency)
How To Make Raspberry Green Tea Smoothie
Instructions for making Raspberry Green Tea Smoothie:
- Brew and Chill the Green Tea: Start by brewing 1 cup of green tea. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes, then chill it in the refrigerator until cold.
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the tea is chilling, gather the raspberries, slice the banana, and squeeze the lemon juice.
- Combine in Blender: Once the tea is chilled, add it to a blender along with the raspberries, banana, lemon juice, honey, and yogurt (if using).
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend all the ingredients on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the smoothie and add more honey if you prefer it sweeter. Blend briefly to mix.
- Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Recommendations & Alternatives
- Swap out raspberries for strawberries or blueberries for a different berry twist.
- Blend in some chia seeds or flaxseeds for added fiber and omega-3s.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or ginger for a subtle, warming spice that complements the fruit flavors.
- Blend in a tablespoon of matcha powder for a stronger green tea flavor and an extra energy boost.
- Infuse the green tea with fresh mint leaves while brewing for a refreshing, minty undertone.
Raspberry Green Tea Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed green tea, chilled
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (from about half a lemon)
- 1-2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (optional, for a thicker consistency)
Instructions
- Start by brewing 1 cup of green tea. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes, then chill it in the refrigerator until cold.
- While the tea is chilling, gather the raspberries, slice the banana, and squeeze the lemon juice.
- Once the tea is chilled, add it to a blender along with the raspberries, banana, lemon juice and honey.
- Blend all the ingredients on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
- Taste the smoothie and add more honey if you prefer it sweeter. Blend briefly to mix.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!
