Newsflash: You’ve been making your winter smoothies wrong. I mean, I'm not judging you, but who really wants to choke down a cold and frosty drink when you’re already shivering? Not me. That’s why I whipped up these 5 warm, comforting, and super filling blends packed with seasonal produce and winter spices. Consider them your creamy, cleaned up alternatives to sugary hot cocoa. Pro tip: If you’re taking these to go, drink them from an insulated travel mug or cup to keep warm. All recipes make one meal-worthy blend or two snack-sized smoothies.
**Hot liquid blending warning** Hot liquids create pressure in your blender, so be sure to vent the lid, start the blender on a low setting, and hold down the lid while blender is running.
WARM PEAR GINGER SMOOTHIE (SHOWN ABOVE)
1 c unsweetened almond milk, heated in microwave or on stovetop
1 Bosc pear, cored
2 Tbsp almond butter
1-2” chunk fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
maple syrup (optional)
***For most of my smoothies, I also add 2 Tbsp hydrolyzed collagen (a.k.a. collagen peptides) to boost the health of my skin, hair, nails, and gut...it's tasteless and packs some protein too! Totally optional.
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Powerful blenders like Vitamix and Blendtec should be able to handle a large chunk of ginger, but you may want to grate ginger if you’re using another model.
Not warm enough? Pop the entire blend in a microwave-safe cup and heat for about 30 seconds, or until it reaches desired temp.
WARM SWEET POTATO SPICE SMOOTHIE
1 c unsweetened almond milk, heated in microwave or on stovetop until hot
½ lg sweet potato, cooked and mashed
2 Tbsp almond butter
½-1” chunk ginger, peeled and chopped
1/2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Powerful blenders like Vitamix and Blendtec should be able to handle a large chunk of ginger, but you may want to grate ginger if you’re using another model.
WARM P.B. HOT CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE
1 c unsweetened almond milk, heated in microwave or on stovetop until hot
1 ripe banana
2 Tbsp natural peanut butter
1 ½ Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
WARM CHAI TEA LATTE SMOOTHIE
1 c hot brewed chai tea
½ c canned coconut milk, heated in microwave or on stovetop until hot
2 Tbsp almond butter
1” chunk ginger, grated
1/2 Tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
WARM APPLE-CINNAMON OATMEAL SMOOTHIE
1 apple, cored and sliced (raw or sautéed in coconut oil)
1/4 c rolled oats
1 c milk of choice (cow’s milk and almond milk work well), heated in microwave or on stovetop until hot
1/2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.