Horchata, a seasonal Juice It Up smoothie recipe, captures everything you love about the classic Mexican drink, reimagined as a creamy, energizing blend. Naturally sweet dates combine with banana and almond milk to create a silky-smooth base, while a sprinkle of cinnamon adds that comforting spice that makes horchata so irresistible. This dairy-free version is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it as nourishing as it is indulgent. One sip instantly transports you to a sunny afternoon with a cool breeze and a smile.
I first fell in love with horchata while traveling through Baja, where every beachside café seemed to have its own take on this timeless drink. Bringing that flavor home was easy once I started experimenting with almond milk and frozen yogurt for a thicker, smoothie-like texture. It’s now one of my go-to summer blends, especially after a morning workout or a long walk in the sun. The mix of cinnamon and banana gives it the perfect comfort-meets-refreshment vibe.
Everything You Need To Make A Horchata Smoothie
Key Ingredients
The Juice It Up Horchata smoothie ingredients are:
- bananas
- dates
- almond milk
- nonfat frozen yogurt
- chia seeds
- cinnamon
- Collagen Boost, optional
Health Benefits
Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
Dates – Dates are the sweet and chewy fruit of a palm tree that are typically consumed dried. They are highly nutritious, containing significant vitamin B6, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. Dates are abundant in disease-fighting antioxidants and have been shown to improve brain function by reducing inflammation and preventing plaque formation.
Almond Milk – Almond milk is a popular nut-based milk replacement that is naturally lactose-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan. It has a surprisingly diverse set of nutrients, including significant amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. Almond milk is also a heart-healthy beverage for those interested in lowering their cholesterol.
Nonfat Frozen Yogurt – Nonfat frozen yogurt is often hailed as a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream. It includes yogurt culture probiotics lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus and is often made with agave nectar instead of high-calorie sugar. Nonfat frozen yogurt is a common choice among those wanting to reduce their caloric intake.
Chia Seeds – Chia seeds are small in size, but big in nutritional value. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and are rich in dietary fiber. In addition, the compounds in chia seeds have been shown to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, assist with lowering blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is high in powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and is loaded with cinnamaldehyde, which also provides significant health benefits. Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory, helps reduce cholesterol, improves sensitivity to insulin, and aids in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Smoothie Making Tools Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these delicious smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Vitamix blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using glass or BPA-free airtight storage containers with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Juice It Up Horchata Smoothie
The Juice It Up Horchata smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place bananas, dates, almond milk, nonfat frozen yogurt, chia seeds, and cinnamon into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
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Juice It Up Horchata Smoothie Recipe
Juice It Up Horchata smoothie recipe tastes like creamy cool cinnamon toast crunch milkshake. This recipe will show you how to make one.
Ingredients
- 1 banana, frozen, sliced
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted
- 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup nonfat frozen yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1 scoop Collagen Boost, optional
Instructions
- Place bananas, dates, almond milk, nonfat frozen yogurt, chia seeds, and cinnamon into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don't have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 344Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 415mgCarbohydrates: 188gFiber: 14gSugar: 137gProtein: 30g
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
You can substitute any dairy-free milk, such as almond, coconut, or oat milk for the nonfat frozen yogurt to make this delicious smoothie dairy-free. Just add a little extra ice.
Horchata is a term that originated from the Latin word “hordeata,” which means “made from barley.” Today, it commonly refers to a type of sweet, creamy beverage traditionally made in Spain and Latin America. The ingredients vary by region, but it typically includes some combination of rice, nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and milk.
More Juice It Up Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this copycat Horchata smoothie, try more of our delicious favorites on our Juice It Up Smoothie Recipes page.
Source
Juice It Up: Website
