Drinks

While we need to eat (obviously), we also need something to drink. If you're ready to try a new drink recipe or two (or six), today's post is for you. Today's offerings include Apple Cider Floats and Cafe De Olla. Enjoy!

CHERRY SMOOTHIE

This comes from Yishane Lee in the July 2012 issue of Runner’s World, page 48. I couldn’t find a link for it…

Ingredients

1 cup pitted cherries

3/4 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons honey

3/4 cup ice

CLASSIC STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

This is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Whether you've got a busy morning and need a meal on the go, or you're looking for a way to give the kids their morning boost of protein and vitamins, this classic strawberry smoothie is a healthy dish in a cup.”

Yield: For 2 people; Time: 8 minutes.

To view this online, go to https://www.mydailymoment.com/recipes/classic_strawberry_smoothie.php.

Ingredients

8 strawberries, hulled

1/2 cup skim milk

1/2 cup plain yogurt

3 tablespoons white sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

6 ice cubes, crushed

Directions

In a blender combine strawberries, milk, yogurt, sugar and vanilla. Toss in the ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and serve.

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

This is from Christel Oerum on DiabeteStrong. Christel wrote, “Avocado and chocolate are a killer combination in this easy chocolate avocado smoothie with coconut milk recipe! This recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan!”

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes; Servings: 2

To view this online, go to https://diabetesstrong.com/chocolate-avocado-smoothie/.

Ingredients

1/2 ripe avocado

3 tbsp. cocoa powder

1 cup full fat coconut milk

1/2 cup water

1 tsp. lime juice

pinch mineral salt

6-7 drops liquid Stevia

Fresh mint (for decoration)

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Chopping the ingredients beforehand will help the blender process everything better.

Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the taste to your liking by adding more avocado for creaminess or liquid Stevia for more sweetness.

Serve immediately with fresh mint and a straw.

Recipe Notes

You can store this smoothie in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

BANANA-BLUEBERRY-SOY SMOOTHIE

This recipe begins, “Succulent, summer-ripe blueberries burst with flavor in this delicious smoothie. If you like, skip the sugar; the fruit makes it naturally sweet.”

Servings: 2

1 1/4 cup light soy milk

1/2 cup frozen loose-pack blueberries

1/2 frozen banana, sliced

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Combine 1 cup of the milk, the blueberries, banana, sugar or sweetener, and vanilla extract. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds, or until smooth. Add up to 1/4 cup more milk if a thinner smoothie is desired.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 125; Protein: 3 g; Carbs: 25 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 11 g; Total fat: 1.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 60 mg

CAFE DE OLLA

The recipe for this yummy coffee is from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 47. It starts off, “Literally 'coffee from the pot,' this recipe offers a simple way to make coffee for a crowd, with a spiced twist that no one can resist.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

4 cinnamon sticks

4 star anise

4 allspice berries

4 whole cloves

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or 4 oz. piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar cones)

2 cups medium grind, dark roast coffee beans

2 cups low-fat milk

1 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, optional

Lightly crush cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, and cloves with mortar and pestle. Place in resealable plastic bag, and pound with rolling pin. Transfer to large saucepan, and add sugar and 8 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add coffee, and let steep 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm milk in small saucepan, and whisk until frothy.

Strain coffee through fine sieve or coffee filter into pitcher. Stir in coffee liqueur (if using). Serve with frothed milk.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 3 mg; Sodium: 35 mg; Fiber: 0 g; Sugar: 16 g; Gluten-Free

APPLE CIDER FLOATS

This is from Lauren Miyashiro on Delish. The recipe begins, “You'll want to float away with these apple cider floats!”

Total Time: 10 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Level: Easy; Servings: 2

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 c. caramel sauce

1/2 c. cinnamon-sugar

2 c. apple cider, warmed

Vanilla ice cream, for serving

cinnamon sticks

Whipped cream, for serving

Apple slices

Directions

Pour caramel in a small dish. Dip the top of each mug in the caramel to rim the cup. Then dip the caramel rim in cinnamon-sugar.

Ladle apple cider into each mug then add a scoop of ice cream to each. Top with whipped cream and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon stick.

Drizzle more caramel over the whipped cream and serve immediately.