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The American Mixologist Online® Newsletter
Vol. 15, No. 22 All Rights Reserved
Drinks
Some of us still subscribe to the theory that
anything high in nutritional value must taste awful. Likewise, if
something tastes bad, it must be just what the doctor ordered. It
is, however, difficult to cling to this point of view after taking
a long draw from a smoothie. Even its name sounds comforting.
In fact, smoothies could possibly be the best of all things. They’re
delicious and nutritious, which for many, is a completely alien
concept. Nevertheless, smoothies are healthy, potable meals with
the look, feel and taste of fruit milkshakes. In this time-conscious,
nutrient-depleted day and age, smoothies are something of a panacea,
a 21st century concoction perfectly in step with the times.
So what is a smoothie? Essentially, they are blended drinks made
with fruit, non-fat frozen yogurt, sherbet and/or sorbet and ice.
Some are even dairy-free. But there’s no reason to stop there.
For example, mega-popular Jamba Juice, a national chain of smoothie
purveyors, adds such highly beneficial things as vitamins, minerals,
fiber, herbs, amino acids, soy protein and phytonutrients to their
various blended concoctions. They have smoothies designed to do
everything from provide a boost of energy or fight a cold, to bolster
one’s immunity or to help shed a few unwanted pounds. All this
and they’re sumptuous too.
Creating Smoothie Classics
The essential first step in preparing a classic smoothie drink is
to plug in the blender, after that, let the creative juices flow.
To give the process a shove in the right direction, think of smoothies
as containing four basic elements, namely juice(s), fruits, modifiers
and base mix.
- Juice —
If it’s true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, smoothies
could seriously dent the medical profession. In addition to the
likes of orange, apple, pineapple and cranberry juice, consider
adding other less conventional juices such as grape, raspberry,
peach nectar, apple cider, tangerine, kiwi, passion fruit nectar,
strawberry nectar and mango. It is a continuing mystery of nature
exactly how and why various juices taste great blended together.
Unexplained as it may be, feel free to mix and match various juices
according to personal taste and preference. No need to justify
inspiration.
- Fruits
— In addition to adding flavor and nutrients to a smoothie,
blending in fruit boosts the drink’s fiber content and enhances
its texture and consistency. Since these are cold, blended drinks,
for the best consistency freeze fruit prior to use
Featuring frozen strawberries, bananas, apples, or raspberries
in a smoothie are an excellent beginning. But it’s a big
world and fruit comes in all shapes and sizes. Smoothies should
reflect this diversity. To that end, some of the possible fruit
selections to be mixed and matched include frozen peaches, cantaloupe,
honeydew, apricots, pears, watermelon, oranges, tangerines, pineapples,
dates, avocados, papaya, persimmons, pitted cherries, mangos,
blackberries and blueberries. Of course, fresh, ripe fruit is
always an option.
- Modifiers
— Much of the fun begins with the addition of modifiers,
those things that begin to give the creation its individuality.
Modifiers come in two basic categories. There are those ingredients
intended to improve the quality of the recipient’s life.
Perhaps they’re antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E and beta-carotene,
or fiber, such as wheat germ and oat bran, or sources of protein,
such as bee pollen, brewers yeast and soy. Also falling into this
health store variety of modifiers are flaxseed oil, ginko biloba,
ginseng, lecithin, protein powders, wheat grass, echinacea, calcium,
folic acid and vitamins B, C, D and K.
Then there are smoothie modifiers that just plain taste great.
They may be intended to add flavor or provide a welcome touch
of sweetness. Either way, these are ingredients that are bound
to satisfy the kid in all of us. This tasty category includes,
but is not limited to chocolate or caramel sauce, coffee, agave
nectar, espresso coffee, Reese’s peanut butter cups, candy
bars, walnuts, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, grenadine, chai
tea, coconut cream, coconut milk, peanut butter, raspberry or
strawberry preserves, honey, malted milk powder, maple syrup,
cookies, (dried) unsweetened coconut and brown sugar.
- Smoothie Base
— The final consideration is the foundation of the drink.
Because of its low-fat nature, frozen yogurt is a popular choice
as a smoothie base. It has a rich, creamy texture and comes in
a slew of interesting flavors. Others may prefer using soy milk
or soy yogurt for health reasons.
Both sorbet and sherbet are frequently featured in smoothies.
They are easy to use and also available in a wide variety of flavors.
Finally, people looking for nothing but pleasure tend to prefer
building their smoothies on a base of ice cream.
Fortunately, there are a number of superior smoothie mixes available
on the market. Offering a delicious, convenient and cost-effective
method of preparing smoothies. These mixes can be paired with
fruit, or used as a fabulous base upon which to create a smoothie
masterpiece.
So rev up the blender and join one of the hottest, most delectable
beverage trends in the country.
 The Original Guide to Alcohol-Free Beverages and Drinks
Don't miss out on this hot new category! Serve delicious taste-tested
alcohol free specialties to your customers and friends and enjoy low
cost and great taste. The recipes span the breadth of alcohol-free
mixology, including blended drinks, coffee, tea and cocoa specialties,
ice cream drinks, and specialties made with lemonade, juices and sparkling
cider. Plus reviews of the best products to use when making your creations!
~ by Robert Plotkin ~ 108 pages ~ 6" x 9" Item# ALF54 ~ $15.95 ~
Shipped in the US only
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