Cherry Smoothie

This simple cherry smoothie is summer in a glass. Refreshing and naturally sweet it’s a wonderful alternative to sugar-laden milkshakes.

Options abound for switching this basic cherry smoothie recipe from something herbal or chocolate and everything in between.

The Basic Ingredients

This is essentially a cherry banana smoothie. The ingredients are simply cherries, a banana, and some liquid of choice.

Sweet Cherries

The sweet cherries need to be pitted first. A ground up pit in the smoothie is not a fun texture. Ask me how I know.

Because I can and generally use a lot of cherries each year. I use this cherry pitter to make the process simple and fast.

Pitted cherries can easily last a few days in the refrigerator, so pit a bunch and let sit for several days of smoothie making.

They can also be frozen for smoothies after the cherry season has ended.

A Banana

A frozen banana adds creaminess and sweetness to smoothies in general. That’s exactly why it is used here.

However, one could skip the banana and just use some ice cubes for extra chill in the final smoothie.

One small frozen banana will add all that creaminess but not overpower the cherry flavor of the final smoothie.

Liquid

I most often go for almond milk. It’s easy, dairy free and I generally have it on hand. Other liquid choices will work just as well, however. Consider the following liquid choices:

• Plain water, will lack creaminess but works
• Kefir
• Yogurt
• Any milk or milk alternative you prefer
• Apple or cherry juice

That’s the basic starting point for learning how to make a cherry smoothie, but don’t stop there, options abound.

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the blender for a chocolate cherry variation that is sure to please.

Alternatively, add a scoop of chocolate protein powder for a protein smoothie to fuel your day.

Up the chocolatey flavor by using chocolate milk or chocolate almond milk for the liquid.

Cherry Mint Smoothie

Sweet cherries and fresh mint combine in the most delicious way. Simply toss in a handful of fresh mint leaves to the blender and puree until smooth.

Have some chocolate mint growing? Use that for a lovely chocolate mint cherry smoothie that is extra refreshing.

Use cooled mint tea for the liquid for an even bigger hint of mint flavor or instead of adding fresh mint leaves.

Cherry Almond Smoothie

A bit of almond extract is what makes maraschino cherries so very flavorful and that same thing can make your cherry smoothie extra good.

Simply add 2 to 4 drops of almond extract to the blender for that hit of flavor.

Want the Smoothie Even Sweeter?

Add a Tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the blender. More or less to your own taste. A flavored and sweetened yogurt too will make it a bit sweeter.

How to Serve

The recipe makes 1 large smoothie but can easily be doubled or more to serve a crowd.

Do serve the smoothie right away, it is simply best when very cold.

A sprig of fresh mint or a few fresh cherries on top make for a lovely presentation if desired.

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