Vitamix Drinks

About a month ago we took the big leap and bought a Vitamix. It was a long and well thought out decision with lots of research. Everything I saw said that it was the best blender on the market; the only downside being the price. Now after owning one and using it almost daily, I can say it is absolutely worth every precious penny. All of it's claims have held true. In just a short time it has already done so much to impress me and I am constantly looking for news way to use it. It does so much more than just make smoothies, but that's a different post for another day.

Today I'm sharing 4 different drinks we enjoy thanks to our Vitamix. 


The first is a simple berry smoothie. It's great as an afternoon treat on a hot day or as an after dinner dessert. Sometimes we have one in the evening after a long walk with our dog.

{Makes 24 ounces}


INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 to 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 pitted medjool date
3/4 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen cherries

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Place all ingredients in blender.

2) Start on the lowest speed and slowly move to high until everything is completely combined and smooth.


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The next drink is also smoothie, but this one is green! I feel like green drinks are so popular right now, but if I'm being honest I just can't drink a bunch of blended up vegetables. I had to find a way to make something that was healthy but also tasty enough to want to drink.

{Makes 32 ounces}


INGREDIENTS
1 cup water or unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 tsp chia seeds
pinch of ground turmeric
1 pitted medjool date 
1 cup fresh pineapple
1 whole orange peeled
1/2 of an avocado
2 (huge) handfuls spinach or kale
5-8 frozen green grapes
Ice as needed

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Pour liquid into blender along with date, turmeric, and chia seeds. Let sit while preparing other ingredients. (This helps soften the seeds to blend easier)

2) Place greens on top of liquid, followed by pineapple, orange , avocado and grapes.

3) Start on the lowest speed and slowly move to high until everything is completely combined and smooth.

4) Check consistency and temperature. Add more liquid if it needs to be thinner. Add ice and blend for a colder drink.


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The 3rd drink is a refreshing blueberry mint lemonade. I love all sorts of lemonade and this one hits the spot. Shout out to my Mama's mini herb garden for the mint! 

{Makes roughly 1/2 gallon} 


INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh blueberries
handful mint leaves
5 to 7 cups water

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Make simple syrup by combining 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar is small saucepan. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved. 

2) Cool syrup, then add in mint leaves. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.

3) Strain mint leaves from simple syrup and add syrup to blender.

4) Also add in lemon juice and blueberries. Blend until all is completely combined.

5) Strain liquid to remove any blueberries solids and pour into pitcher.

6) Add 5 to 7 cups of water to pitcher depending on taste preference and stir.

7) Serve over ice. It tastes best if left to sit overnight in the fridge. The flavors really meld together and intensify.


***If the flavor becomes too intense just add more water to dilute. I like mine on the strong side.
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Rounding out this list is a cocktail! This is my twist on a bellini. A bellini is a cocktail that originated in Italy, traditionally made with prosecco and peach puree. I've combined two of my favorite flavors, pineapple and pomegranate, for a tangy and sweet celebratory drink.

INGREDIENTS
fresh pineapple
chilled pomegranate juice
chilled prosecco


INSTRUCTIONS

1) Blend desired amount of fresh pineapple with pomegranate juice. I used equal parts.

2) Pour prosecco into glass, top with juice. Proportions are up to you! 

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BONUS:

1) Strawberry Milkshake: Blend milk, vanilla ice cream, and fresh strawberries

2) "Reese's" Milkshake: Blend milk, vanilla ice cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and smooth peanut butter

3) Fruit tea: Blend pre-made sweet tea with fresh fruit like mango or peach. Strain and serve over ice.


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