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How to make a smoothie (without a recipe)

By Make a Smoothie editors · Updated · How we test

Once you know the ratio, you’ll never need a recipe: 1 cup liquid, 1½ cups frozen fruit, a handful of greens, and one “boost.”

The formula

  • 1 cup liquid: milk, almond or oat milk, coconut water, or half juice, half water.
  • 1½ cups frozen fruit: any mix. Frozen fruit makes it thick and cold, no ice needed.
  • 1-2 cups greens (optional): baby spinach is undetectable.
  • One boost: ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp nut butter, 1 tbsp chia or a scoop of protein.

Try it in our smoothie builder.

Order matters

Add liquid first, then greens and powders, then soft ingredients, then frozen fruit and ice on top. The blades catch the liquid and pull the frozen fruit down.

Fixes

Problem Fix
Too thick Add liquid 2 tbsp at a time
Too thin Add frozen fruit, ice or a frozen banana
Bland Add lemon or lime juice, a pinch of salt, or vanilla
Gritty greens Blend greens with the liquid first; remove kale stems
Too sour Add ripe banana, mango or a date

Blend time

30-60 seconds on high. Underblended smoothies are gritty; overblended ones get warm and thin.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need ice in a smoothie?

Not if you use frozen fruit. Ice waters down the flavor.

Can I use water instead of milk?

Yes. It’s lighter and less creamy; add yogurt or banana for body.

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