Drinks Archives - Barefeet in the Kitchen

Mango Banana Spinach Smoothie

Mary Younkin — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 08:30:00 +0000

As tasty as it is nutritious, this Mango Banana Spinach Smoothie highlights the tropical sweetness of mango and the creaminess of bananas.

Mango Spinach Smoothie

I was skeptical the first time I tried spinach in a smoothie. All it takes is a wheatgrass shot at Jamba Juice, and you’d be suspicious of blended greens, too. But, spinach is one of the most frequently used ingredients in our smoothies, now.

It might seem like an unlikely partner in this dance of flavors, but when blended it becomes a wonderful, earthy undertone. It adds complexity and depth to the fruit flavors in a mango spinach smoothie.

Mango Banana Spinach Smoothie

I have always struggled to get my kids to eat their leafy greens. And, if I’m honest, I came pretty late to the salad game as an adult. Smoothies became a surefire way to get them to eat an entire serving of greens in one sitting when they were little.

This spinach mango smoothie is a dream for getting ahead in the vegetable game. If you’re struggling to meet your fiber goals or to get enough spinach or kale into your diet, I strongly recommend it.

Spinach Mango Smoothie

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

baby spinach
frozen mango chunks
frozen banana
water

Add the spinach, mango, banana, and water to the pitcher of your blender (this blender is my all-time favorite). Then, puree the contents until everything is completely smooth.

I like to slice my bananas into 1″ pieces before freezing them in zip-close baggies for smoothies. This isn’t required, but it does make the process of blending them a little less chaotic.

Mango Smoothie Recipes

Looking for more mango smoothie recipes? You’ve come to the right place.

This was a delicious smoothie and definitely a great one to try if you have lots of fruit already in the house! I really enjoyed this fruity combination crafted by my oldest son.

A pineapple mango smoothie is a refreshingly delicious and naturally sweet kid-approved green vegetable and fruit smoothie.

Mango pineapple ice cream is one of the most refreshing ice creams I’ve ever made. It still boggles my mind that so much fresh flavor is possible from a couple cans of fruit, a splash of cream, and a squeeze of lime.

Oh my goodness, this Thai coconut mango rice is amazing with sweet, creamy spoonfuls of sticky rice and chunks of soft mango. We served it for dessert, but I’m telling you that the leftovers reheated for breakfast were even better.

Mango lemon bars with toasted coconut are similar to traditional lemon bars, but with an irresistible tropical flair. They start with a shortbread crust, feature a smooth mango lemon filling, and are topped with toasted coconut.

Mango Spinach Smoothie

As tasty as it is nutritious, this Mango Spinach Smoothie highlights the tropical sweetness of mango and the creaminess of bananas.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 10 oz smoothies

Calories 88kcal

Ingredients

1½ cups tightly packed baby spinach leaves
1½ cups frozen mango chunks
1 frozen banana
1½ cups icy cold water

Instructions

Combine the spinach, mango, banana, and water in the blender. Puree until smooth.

Nutrition

{originally published 5/20/11 – recipe notes and photos updated 9/27/23}

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Affogato

Mary Younkin — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:30:00 +0000

Freshly brewed espresso is poured over creamy vanilla ice cream to create Affogato, an Italian dessert that is a marriage made in flavor heaven.

Affogato

As a bona fide, lifelong lover of homemade ice cream, Affogato is an absolute dream come true. It’s the perfect blend of hot and cold, as the warm espresso meets cool ice cream.

Because the ingredients are not mixed or blended, you end up with a wonderful range of colors, textures, flavors, and temperatures in this recipe. Eating it is such a treat, because each bite is a slightly different experience.

What is an Affogato?

If you’re wondering “What is an affogato?”, it’s really quite simple. Affogato is simply a shot of espresso poured of a scoop of gelato or ice cream. That’s it. No stirring required, just start eating.

The hot and bitter espresso is cooled and sweetened by the ice cream, while the freezing cold ice cream is softened and warmed by the espresso. Together, they become something more, something magical.

Affogato Shot

Don’t happen to have a fancy espresso machine? NO WORRIES! (The one pictured above is a very new addition to my kitchen and I love it dearly, but it is not a requirement!)

You can use freshly brewed dark coffee from any kind of coffee maker, you can brew espresso with these K-cups (I really like them!), or you can brew authentic espresso shots with an inexpensive stovetop espresso maker like the one above that I’ve used for years to make Cafe con Leche.

When making the espresso for an affogato shot, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind:

Freshly ground coffee is best for making a quality shot of espresso. Also, you typically will want to grind the beans as finely as possible when making this type of coffee.
Your first few shots might not be ideal, and that’s okay! Just as when cooking, you’re going to want to taste it and make adjustments. If it’s too bitter, try a coarser grind. If it’s too sour, adjust for a finer grind.
The amount of time it takes the water to finish moving through the tamped coffee grounds and reach the cup is known as extraction time. If it takes more than 30 seconds, you will probably benefit from a coarser grind.
Make sure to clean the espresso machine well between uses, and to run a shot of hot water through it before brewing. This will give you more consistent results.

You may have heard of an affogato-style shot, too. Starbucks offers it for their blended Frappuccino drinks. It’s not exactly authentic, but it is certainly a delicious way to get an extra shot of caffeine.

It is possible to use espresso in this way at home, too. Iced drinks, milk shakes, smoothies, etc. would all be viable candidates to have a shot of piping hot espresso poured over the top of them.

How to Make Affogato

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

vanilla ice cream or gelato
espresso or strong coffee

Want to make your Affogato without caffeine? We like this decaf espresso by Lavazza for after-dinner drinks and desserts.

Brew a one-ounce shot of espresso. This can be done in a number of ways. I adore my Breville Infuser Espresso Machine, but I also swear by the Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker.

As the espresso or coffee brews, place a scoop of ice-cold ice cream or gelato into a small serving bowl or cup. Then, pour the hot espresso over the ice cream. Serve immediately.

You can garnish an affogato with a number of optional toppings. While I usually enjoy mine simply with espresso and ice cream, it could be fun to try it with chocolate shavings and homemade caramel sauce. You can also add fresh berries, mint leaves, or even biscotti.

Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

Interested in another coffee ice cream recipe? I’ve got you covered!

Cafe con Leche Ice Cream ~ rich, creamy, coffee-flavored ice cream. Just sweet enough to take the bitterness out of the coffee, without so much sweetness as to be overwhelming and cancel the richness of the coffee.

Irresistibly rich, Coffee Ice Cream is a dessert that captures the morning joy of a freshly brewed cup of your favorite java. Perfect any time of day. I’ve got my eye on this Hot Chocolate Affogato recipe, too!

I love a simple, smooth yet rich and creamy authentically coffee-tasting ice cream. Espresso Ice Cream is quite easily one of my favorites.

The perfect creamy, thick, and frothy coffee milkshake doesn’t require a single scoop of ice cream! Two ingredients, plus time to chill, are all that you need in order to blend together an awesome Coffee Milkshake.

Affogato

Freshly brewed espresso is poured over creamy vanilla ice cream to create Affogato, an Italian dessert that is a marriage made in flavor heaven.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings

Calories 139kcal

Ingredients

½ cup vanilla ice cream or gelato
1 ounce espresso (1 shot) or strong-brewed coffee

Instructions

Scoop the COLD ice cream into a small serving bowl or glass.
Pour the HOT espresso or strong-brewed coffee over the ice cream and serve immediately.

Nutrition

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Mary Younkin — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:30:00 +0000

Rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and frozen bananas are blended together in blissful harmony to make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie – that tastes more like a peanut butter banana milkshake than a breakfast drink.

Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake

My kids were so excited the first time I handed them these smoothie milkshakes with chocolate sauce drizzled on top. It’s hard to believe that was over ten years ago. Their tastes may have changed, but desserts still disappear in the blink of an eye.

This smoothie really does taste like a peanut butter banana milkshake. When I say my kids were excited about it, that really doesn’t even cover it. They likely thought their mom had lost her mind when they were handed milkshakes for breakfast.

I love this treat almost as much as they do. The banana contributes just a hint of background flavor in this smoothie, leaving the peanut butter and chocolate as the stars of the show.

Peanut Butter Milkshake without Ice Cream

Frozen fruit and ice cream are the two main ways to get that signature smoothie texture. But, I prefer my peanut butter milkshake without ice cream. I use frozen fruit, so I can keep my ice cream in a bowl where it belongs.

This frosty concoction seems much closer to a milkshake than our typical smoothies. The fats in the peanut butter react similarly to ice cream in the blender, giving it that smooth, creamy finish.

Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake Recipe

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

frozen bananas
creamy peanut butter
chocolate sauce
milk

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

To make these milkshake-like smoothies, combine the frozen bananas, peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of chocolate sauce to the blender. Puree until smooth.

Add the extra milk only if needed. Taste and add more chocolate sauce, if desired.

Pour into glasses and drizzle the top of each smoothie with an additional teaspoon of chocolate sauce. Top each smoothie with sliced bananas or whipped cream, if desired.

If you have kids who balk at eating their veggies, you simply have to try a Peanut Butter Banana Spinach Smoothie! It’s a deliciously creamy blend that they will never guess contains a full serving of spinach.

I also strongly recommend my Favorite Green Smoothie. I mean, I don’t call things my favorite unless they are. But, for years this was the most frequently made smoothie in our house. It’s another great way to hide the greens.

And, since we’re talking about blendable goodness, this Easy Chocolate Mousse looks incredible. (And it sure doesn’t look low-carb to me!) What’s not to love about a dessert you can whip up in minutes?

For a more decadent treat, my kids used to go wild for a Caramel Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake Smoothie. Seeing the drizzled caramel on the sides of the glass always elicited a round of smiles.

Strawberry Blueberry Banana Smoothies and Blueberry Grape Banana Smoothies were also big hits. My little comedians would consistently assure me that the smoothies were… berry good.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Chocolate, peanut butter, and frozen bananas are blended to make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie – that tastes more like a peanut butter banana milkshake than a breakfast drink!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 393kcal

Ingredients

3 frozen bananas
2-3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
2-3 tablespoons chocolate sauce plus more to drizzle
1 cup milk plus an additional ¼-½ cup as needed

Instructions

Combine the bananas, peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of chocolate sauce, and milk in the blender.
Puree until smooth, adding more milk only if needed. Taste and add more chocolate sauce, if desired.
Pour into glasses and drizzle the top of each smoothie with an additional teaspoon of chocolate sauce.

Nutrition

{originally published 4/24/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 7/5/23}

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Banana Spinach Smoothie

Mary Younkin — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 08:30:00 +0000

Crisp, earthy spinach leaves blend with ripe, frozen bananas and orange juice to create a Banana Spinach Smoothie that is out of this world.

Banana Spinach Smoothie

Long ago, my boys wanted a smoothie or breakfast, but we were due for a trip to the produce store. I decided to try making our Favorite Green Smoothie and just skip the grapes.

Necessity is the mother of invention, so I tweaked the recipe a bit and I’m happy with the spinach banana smoothie that resulted. All three of the boys enjoyed this and I barely managed to get a sip for myself.

Simple Spinach Smoothie

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

frozen bananas
baby spinach
orange juice

Add the bananas, spinach, and orange juice to a blender. Then, puree until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

This 3-ingredient smoothie is easy to make and delicious as written. But, you can also opt to garnish with fresh sliced bananas or oranges. It also goes well with whipped cream or even a sprinkle of chia seeds.

Smoothie with Banana and Spinach

If there is any ingredient that I use more than bananas and spinach in smoothies, I can’t think of it. Frozen bananas are a staple at my house, and I love the nutritional content and fiber that spinach brings.

If you enjoyed this smoothie with banana and spinach, try the Peanut Butter Smoothie next! It makes eating those leafy greens a pure delight.

Smoothies with Spinach and Fruit

There are a whole lot of recipes on this site for smoothies with spinach and fruit. Give this Pineapple Orange Banana Spinach Smoothie a go. It’s a fabulous breakfast option that you won’t regret.

Green smoothies are one of the most frequently made drinks in my home, and a Mango Banana and Spinach Smoothie is a great example. And, this Simple Peach and Spinach Smoothie is the perfect afternoon treat.

For those who want to try other ways to hide spinach in their dessert, check out these Chocolate Spinach Cookies. I’ve had my eye on them or a while and can’t wait to try them out.

I really enjoy a freshly blended Orange Blueberry Banana Spinach Smoothie too. It’s a frosty concoction that is sweet and refreshing. I’ve been making it since my littlest was a toddler.

Banana Spinach Smoothie

Crisp, earthy spinach leaves blend with ripe, frozen bananas and orange juice to create a Banana Spinach Smoothie that is out of this world.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Servings 10-12 oz servings

Calories 220kcal

Ingredients

2 large frozen bananas
1 cup tightly packed baby spinach
2 cups orange juice

Instructions

Add the bananas, spinach, and orange juice to a blender. Then, puree until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Nutrition

{originally published 10/02/2011 – recipe notes and photos updated 07/4/2023}

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Homemade Chai

Mary Younkin — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 08:30:00 +0000

There is nothing – and I do mean nothing – that compares with steeping whole spices and tea leaves to make an authentic pot of fragrant, spicy, sweet homemade chai.

I’ve enjoyed plenty of powdered chai in coffee shops and I’ve brewed my own a few times with chai-flavored teabags and mixes. I’m warning you now, once you’ve made real chai you will never be as happy with the other versions.

Easy Chai

I heard about my brother-in-law’s homemade chai for a few years before it finally worked out for me to sample it at their house.

If you recall, this is the same sister and her husband who introduced me to Spanish Cafe con Leche after they visited Spain almost 15 years ago. When they tell me that something is delicious, I tend to believe them.

Now that I’ve had a chance to make Jason’s recipe for myself, it most certainly does not disappoint. I’ve been making this easy chai in doubled and tripled batches for years now and I love having a jar or two stashed in the fridge.

Served with a plate of Almond Bars, a steaming cup of chai (or an iced chai latte) becomes an afternoon snack that no one turns down.

Chai Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

cardamom pods
whole cloves
cinnamon stick
fresh ginger
black peppercorns
bay leaf
loose black tea leaves
water
half and half
light brown sugar or honey

Chai Recipe

Place the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, ginger, peppercorns, and a bay leaf in a medium size saucepan.

Add the water and bring to a boil. Allow this to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 10 minutes.

Add the tea leaves and return to a boil. (I like to use English Breakfast tea when making chai.) Reduce the heat and simmer on medium for 5 minutes.

Add the half and half and the sugar. Stir for about a minute, over low heat, until steaming.

Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot, mugs, or glasses. Chai can be served warm or cold. It’s a refreshing treat when served icy cold and poured over ice.

Pour any remaining chai mixture into small jars to store in the refrigerator. Reheat or enjoy cold, as desired.

The recipe doubles perfectly and is a terrific way to make and keep several days worth of morning chai ready to drink with just a few minutes of warming on the stove or in the microwave.

This will make a terrific dirty chai with a shot of espresso in the morning. If you prefer coffee, try adding a generous splash of the chai mixture to your next cup.

Homemade Chai Latte

Wondering how to turn this chai recipe into a perfectly frothed warm or iced latte? It’s easy as pie. (Actually, it’s a whole lot easier than that, as there is no pie crust making involved here!)

Simply froth the milk or half and half before pouring it into the steeped chai concentrate. I have used this frother on a daily basis for almost ten years now when making my morning coffee and it works great for chai lattes too.

For more homemade drinks that are better than the coffee shop, try the ever-popular London Fog or an Iced Brown Sugar Espresso.

Italian Cream Liqueur is a favorite around the holidays and I often make it and gift it to friends. Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a great match for a splash of that cream liqueur.

You can make Vanilla Coffee Syrup at home, using just a few common ingredients and no preservatives or artificial flavors. It takes less than 5 minutes to stir together the syrup and it tastes better than any store-bought options.

Can’t get enough chai? Fragrant cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are steeped with black tea leaves to infuse each scoop of this Chai Ice Cream with the classic flavor of chai tea.

Homemade Chai

There is nothing that compares with steeping whole spices and tea leaves to make your own authentic pot of fragrant, spicy, sweet chai.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 94kcal

Ingredients

3 cardamom pods lightly cracked open with the back of a spoon
6 whole cloves
½ cinnamon stick
¼ ” slice of fresh ginger
5 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves
3½ cups water
½ cup half and half
1-2 tablespoons light brown sugar or honey adjust according to taste

Instructions

Place the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, ginger, peppercorns and bay leaf in a medium size saucepan. Add the water and bring to a boil. Allow this to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 10 minutes.
Add the tea leaves and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer on medium for 5 minutes. Add the half and half and the sugar. Stir for about a minute, over low heat, until steaming. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot or mugs.

Notes

The recipe doubles perfectly and is a terrific way to make and keep several days worth of morning chai ready to drink with just a few minutes of warming on the stove or in the microwave.

Pour any remaining chai mixture into small jars to store in the refrigerator. Reheat (or pour over ice) as desired.

Nutrition

{originally published 1/20/13 – recipe notes and photos updated 6/22/23}

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Strawberry Simple Syrup

Mary Younkin — Mon, 15 May 2023 08:30:00 +0000

Strawberry Simple Syrup is easy to make with just 3 ingredients and it can be used in so many ways!

Add a splash of strawberry syrup to a glass of mint lemonade or to a pitcher of mojitos and you just might find your new favorite drink to sip this summer. Pour it over a stack of buttermilk pancakes or my grandmother’s German pancakes for a breakfast that everyone will love.

Strawberry Simple Syrup

My sister introduced me to this strawberry simple syrup years ago. She excitedly called me up to tell me that she’d made a double batch, and I just had to have the recipe.

We played around with the recipe during a visit later that month. This syrup works well in cocktails, as a topping for pancakes and waffles, and I’ve even been known to add it with some fresh fruit to a bowl of vanilla ice cream.

This delectable infusion of juicy, sun-ripened strawberries has the perfect amount of sweetness. Strawberry syrup takes whatever you put it on and adds a bright pop of color and flavor to it, beyond what you would get with regular syrup. I love having it on hand for guests and special occasions.

This syrup keeps in the fridge for weeks, though I’ve found that at my house it doesn’t last that long before I have to make another batch. My boys love pouring it over a stack of perfect pancakes.

Strawberry Syrup

In addition to pouring this syrup over pancakes and waffles, we enjoy it in cocktails like these brunch martinis and the St-Germain citrus splash. It’s also a terrific swap for the simple syrup in mojitos.

Try adding a splash to your next batch of lemonade, or drizzling it over this strawberry basil fruit salad for extra sweetness. I may have even been known to add it to my yogurt or oatmeal.

Strawberry Syrup Recipe

You’ll need just three ingredients to make this recipe:

strawberries
water
sugar

How to Make Strawberry Syrup

To make the syrup, start by washing the berries and removing the stems. Then, roughly chop or quarter the strawberries and place them in a medium saucepan. Add the water and bring to a boil.

Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the berries for 20 minutes. Carefully skim and discard any foam that rises to the top.

After 20 minutes, the berries will be much lighter in color, and the water should be a dark pink or red. Place a fine mesh strainer over a second saucepan and pour the contents into it.

Resist the temptation to press down on the cooked berries to extract more juice. This will make your syrup cloudy. After straining, discard the cooked berries.

Add the sugar to the liquid and bring it back to a boil. Stir constantly, until the sugar has dissolved completely. Skim and discard any foam that rises to the top.

Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to glass jars for storage in the refrigerator. The syrup will last for several weeks.

Strawberry Pancake Syrup

If you want a thicker syrup for a topping on pancakes, ice cream or other desserts, simmer the syrup for 5-10 minutes longer, until the liquid reduces and thickens further.

Also, you can absolutely make this syrup with frozen strawberries. I cannot tell the difference between the taste of fresh versus frozen berries. And, if you get a craving for them out of season, why not grab a bag from the freezer?

For those of you who love breakfasts as much as I do, you’re going to have to try this as a strawberry pancake syrup. Create a classic flavor combination with these irresistible banana pancakes.

This syrup would also go great with these mini german pancakes. And, you could get chocolate and strawberry flavors with this one-bowl hershey’s chocolate cake. But, I must warn you, that cake is hard to stop eating!

Strawberry Simple Syrup

Strawberry Simple Syrup is easy to make with just 3 ingredients and it can be used in so many ways!

Course Condiment, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings tablespoons

Calories 76kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh strawberries
4 cups water
2 cups sugar

Instructions

Wash the berries and remove stems. Roughly chop or quarter the strawberries and place them into a medium saucepan. Cover with the water and bring to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer and cook the berries for 20 minutes. Carefully skim and discard any foam that rises to the top.
After 20 minutes, the berries will be much lighter in color and the water should be a dark pink or red. Place a fine mesh strainer over a second saucepan and pour the strawberry liquid through it.
Resist the temptation to press down on the cooked berries to extract more juice. This will make the syrup cloudy. After straining, discard the cooked berries.
Add the sugar to the liquid and bring it back to a boil. Stir constantly, until the sugar has dissolved completely.* Skim and discard any foam that rises to the top.
Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool completely before transferring to glass jars for storage in the refrigerator. The syrup will last for several weeks.

Notes

* If you want a thicker syrup for a topping on pancakes, ice cream or other desserts, simmer the syrup for 5-10 minutes longer until the liquid reduces and thickens further.

Nutrition

{originally published 7/11/13 – recipe notes and photos updated 5/15/23}

recipe barely adapted from and with thanks to The Shiksa

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Blueberry Mojito

Mary Younkin — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:30:00 +0000

Get ready for a tasty combination of fresh fruit and cool mint in this Blueberry Mojito recipe. You’ll find yourself hooked from the first sip!

Blueberry Mojito

These cocktails are perfect for sipping at a party or for relaxing on the porch with friends on a warm summer evening. A blueberry mojito is just summer in a glass, for me.

Having lived in one of the hottest cities in the US for a very long time, mojitos became a favorite pretty much year-round. But, the blueberry mojito adds a twist on the classic beverage.

Blueberries have a distinct flavor that starts off sweet but leaves a tanginess that lingers. The taste will vary depending on the ripeness of the berries, with riper blueberries tending to be sweeter.

But, I adore the way that the sweetness of the muddled blueberries in this drink balances the zesty citrus of the lime juice. This recipe is so good, it makes it harder to appreciate the drinks that are made outside your kitchen.

Blueberry Mojito Recipe

fresh mint leaves
fresh or frozen blueberries
lime juice
simple syrup
white or light rum
ice and club soda

How to Make a Blueberry Mojito

Start by combining the mint, blueberries, and lime juice in a small pitcher or mason jar. Use a muddler (I love this one!) to crush the mint and berries in the lime juice.

Then, add the simple syrup and the rum. Add the ice and stir or shake to mix it all together.

Fill individual glasses halfway with ice and divide the mojito mixture between them. If you want to remove the mint and berry pieces, pour the drink through a strainer. Top with club soda and garnish with mint and blueberries, if desired.

Homemade Simple Syrup

It is really easy to make homemade simple syrup. Just combine equal parts water and sugar in a jar and shake it until the sugar dissolves. It only takes a few minutes.

Homemade simple syrup will be much thinner than the syrup you can get at the store, and it mixes smoothly into cocktails. And, it lasts for weeks in the fridge.

You can use bottled lime juice for these mojitos, but I strongly recommend halving and squeezing fresh limes with a handheld juicer for the best flavor. It’s definitely worth the little bit of extra effort.

Blueberry Mint Mojito

If you are a fan of the blueberry mint mojito, I have good news. I’ve got a lot of other fabulous cocktails to try! This recipe consistently yields a perfect mojito – the classic, refreshing experience.

Or, you can indulge in a tropical twist with these pineapple mojitos. For a unique herbal kick, give these basil mojitos a go.

And, for those who are sadly out of rum, this whiskey smash is a must. And, these watermelon margaritas will make your next party unforgettable.

For now, I’m going to take a break and drink this cocktail on the porch with a slice of this fabulous lemon blueberry bread.

Blueberry Mojitos

Get ready for a tasty combination of fresh fruit and cool mint in this Blueberry Mojito. You'll find yourself hooked from the first sip!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings servings, depending on size

Calories 176kcal

Ingredients

¼ cup fresh mint leaves plus more for garnish
¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
½ cup fresh lime juice about 5 limes worth
2-4 tablespoons simple syrup add more to taste as desired
⅓ cup white or light rum add more to taste as desired
3 cups ice divided
club soda

Instructions

Combine the mint, blueberries, and lime juice in a small pitcher or mason jar. Use a muddler to crush the mint and berries in the lime juice.
Add the simple syrup and rum. Add 1 cup of ice and stir well or shake to mix and chill. Then, fill individual glasses halfway with ice and divide the mojito mixture between them..
Top each glass with club soda and garnish with mint and blueberries, if desired.

Notes

Note: To make simple syrup, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup white sugar in a jar and shake until the sugar is dissolved. It should only take a couple minutes.

The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks. The syrup will be much thinner than traditional simple syrup and will mix smoothly into the drinks.

If you aren’t a fan of the crushed mint leaves and berries in your drink, I recommend pouring the drinks through a small strainer into each glass.

Nutrition

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The Perfect Mojito

Mary Younkin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Crisp, tart, slightly sweet, and always fragrant, the classic mojito is a cocktail that I never get tired of sipping.

I’ve been a fan of mojitos for a while now. I tried my first mojito about 15 years ago, while on a camping trip with several families. Our friend Tony made the mojitos and I was hooked.

(Yes, that would be Tony, the same person who introduced us to the crazy delicious Slow Cooker Baked Beans recipe and Italian Cream Liqueur.)

We’ve tried quite a few mojito recipes over the years. I enjoy the Pineapple Mojitos and Basil Mojitos as well, but I always circle back to the classic cocktail made with plenty of fresh mint, lime, and rum.

Classic Mojito

Add in a refreshing splash of club soda and you have summer in a glass. This cocktail recipe is ideal for sipping at a garden party or for relaxing on the porch with friends on a warm summer evening.

And since I lived in one of the hottest cities in the US for a very long time, this drink became a favorite pretty much year-round.

I’ll warn you now that once you start making your own mojitos at home, you won’t be nearly as happy with anyone else’s. The exception to that is my friend Holly. She makes an absolutely fabulous mojito and I never turn one of hers down.

You can check out Holly’s recipe here, if you want to give her version a try. You might notice our recipes are close to identical. (That just might be the reason I love hers too!) Great mojito-loving minds obviously think alike.

Mojito Ingredients

A classic mojito is simultaneously elegant yet simple. It brings together some of my very favorite beverage ingredients in a simple and much-loved cocktail.

What’s in a mojito? Lime juice, plenty of fresh mint, rum, simple syrup, and club soda.

White rum is the best rum for mojitos. You can use light rum as well, just be sure to avoid flavored rums so as not to overpower the other flavors we’re adding to the drink. No need to spring for the most expensive rum on the shelf. A middling rum will do just fine for a pitcher of mojitos.

The bright, tart, citrusy flavor in a perfect mojito comes from plenty of freshly squeezed lime juice. For a pitcher of mojitos, I use at least a full cup of lime juice (roughly the equivalent of 9 or 10 limes depending on how much juice they yield).

I strongly recommend slicing and squeezing your own limes with a handheld juicer for the best flavor. Your mojitos will taste so much fresher than if you use bottled lime juice and it’s definitely worth the little bit of extra effort.

What is it that makes mojitos so unique? It’s the abundance of fresh mint. The abundantly fragrant, ever-so-slightly-spicy fresh mint leaves make this cocktail as refreshing as they come. Even my friends who aren’t huge mint lovers enjoy this drink; the lime and mint complement each other so well.

Simple syrup, a (you guessed it) simple mixture of sugar dissolved in water, adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the mojito.

When you sweeten your cocktail with simple syrup you won’t end up with any grainy clumps of sugar at the bottom of the glass. All the sugar granules get dissolved and incorporated completely into the rest of the drink.

Finally, a splash of bubbly club soda brings the whole drink together.

Want to know my not-so-secret tip for a Perfect Mojito? I add more than a generous splash of club soda to the final glass when serving a mojito. The bubbling club soda gives this cocktail its light, refreshing and summery taste, making it so easy to sip and enjoy.

Mojito Pitcher Recipe

The recipe I’m sharing here is for a pitcher of classic mojitos. One of these small pitchers can be shared between 2 to 4 people, depending on how large you pour your drinks and how much club soda you like to add to the glass.

If you don’t already have simple syrup on hand, make a batch before you mix the other mojito ingredients. To quickly make simple syrup, add half a cup of sugar to a half cup of water in a jar. Close the jar and shake vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved (a couple of minutes).

Mojitos begin by muddling lime juice and mint leaves together at the bottom of a pitcher or glass. This step helps the lime and mint flavors intermingle. I typically use this muddler (best ever!) and this pitcher to make this recipe.

Next, add the rum and simple syrup to the lime and mint along with enough ice to fill the pitcher 2/3 of the way. Chill in the fridge until you’re ready to pour your mojitos.

If you aren’t a fan of having crushed mint leaves in your drink, simply pour the drinks through a small strainer into each glass. I do this most of the time when I’m serving guests.

When it’s time to serve the drinks, fill individual glasses halfway with ice then add the mojito mix until the glasses are about 2/3 full. Top with club soda to fill the glass. A garnish of mint leaves and a lime wedge makes a nice addition!

If you’ve ever had a mojito at my house, I likely made the recipe with the lesser amounts of simple syrup and rum. I like to adjust the individual drinks with more or less alcohol and sweetness. That way everyone gets to enjoy their drink exactly the way they love it best.

Still, the recipe below is my standard “base” for mojito making. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your desired strength, sweetness or mintiness.

If you have a larger pitcher, you can easily double the recipe for a crowd!

Virgin Mojito Recipe

Oh! And before I forget, these mojitos are wonderfully refreshing for all ages without any alcohol at all.

When serving mojitos at a gathering, I often make a pitcher with rum and a pitcher sans alcohol so everyone can enjoy. Every time I mix one of these rum-free pitchers together for friends, someone asks for the recipe.

It’s so easy to make non-alcoholic perfect mojitos: Just follow the recipe as usual but skip the alcohol! No other adjustments are required.

Looking for more rum cocktail recipes? It’s hard to go wrong with a Classic Mai Tai. For something a little out of the ordinary, this Pomegranate Rum Cocktail looks divine.

And in the wintertime, nothing says comfort like a mug of Hot Buttered Rum. I created a Non-Alcoholic Hot Buttered Rum too, so everyone in my family could enjoy this one.

Can’t get enough Mojito Recipes in your life? Try Mango Mojitos by Crazy for Crust, Strawberry Mojito Slushies by The Little Kitchen, Champagne Mojitos by Foodie Crush, Cherry Limeade Mojitos by The Noshery, or my own Blueberry Mojito.

You’ll be in Mojito heaven all year long!

The Perfect Mojito

Crisp, tart, slightly sweet, and always fragrant, the mojito is a classic cocktail.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings servings, depending on size

Calories 236kcal

Ingredients

1 cup fresh lime juice about 9-10 limes worth
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup simple syrup, add more to taste as desired see cook’s note above
3/4 cup white or light rum, add more to taste as desired
ice
club soda

Instructions

Combine the mint and the lime juice in a small pitcher. Use a muddler to crush the mint in the lime juice, this should take a minute or two. Add the simple syrup and rum to the pitcher. Fill the pitcher about 2/3 of the way to the top with ice and stir well to mix and chill.
Fill individual glasses halfway with ice, then 2/3 of the way full with the mojito mixture, then top each glass with club soda. Enjoy!

Notes

To make simple syrup, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup white sugar in a jar and shake until the sugar is dissolved. It should only take a couple minutes. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator until you need it again. The syrup will be much thinner than traditional simple syrup and will mix smoothly into the drinks.

If you aren’t a fan of the crushed mint leaves in your drink, simply pour the drinks through a small strainer into each glass. I typically do this anytime I’m serving guests.

Nutrition

{originally published 9/20/16 – recipe notes and photos updated 2/22/23}

The post The Perfect Mojito appeared first on Barefeet in the Kitchen.

Strawberry Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Mary Younkin — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Strawberry Blueberry Banana Smoothie brings summertime straight to your glass. Sweet and creamy, this good-for-you smoothie is an easy way to start your day or refuel in the afternoon.

My family loves smoothies and I make them several times a week either with our breakfasts or as snacks. Pink, purple, green, blue, brown, they come in countless colors and flavors. Strawberry Smoothies and Blueberry Banana Smoothies are some of our favorites that get made often.

A while back, I combined both of those smoothies into this one and it was an instant hit.

Strawberry Blueberry Banana Smoothie

This is a very simple combination that we all agree is delicious. I like to freeze all of the fruit ahead of time so that the smoothies get cold without any ice needed. On the rare occasion that I forget to pop some berries in the freezer in advance, I’ll add an ice cube or two but it waters down the flavor a bit.

When strawberries and blueberries are on sale I buy a ton to freeze so we always have smoothies on hand. If you prefer, ready frozen berries from the freezer section work beautifully in this smoothie recipe, too.

I prefer smoothies that are similar to a milkshake consistency and frozen bananas are the key. I buy extra bananas and simply peel them and put them into a ziploc bag in the freezer.

When I am ready to make a smoothie, I just grab however many I need and toss them in the blender. It’s also a great strategy for using bananas that are getting overripe and gives smoothies the perfect consistency.

Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie

A tasty strawberry, blueberry, and banana smoothie that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks or anytime you need a refreshing treat.

Layer the bananas, blueberries, and strawberries in the blender. Drizzle with honey and add the milk.
Puree until the mixture reaches a thick, creamy consistency. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Note: I love the creaminess that whole milk gives this smoothie recipe. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk, soy milk, or almond milk will work just fine as an alternative. I recommend using an unsweetened non-dairy milk as the bananas and honey add all the sweetness this smoothie needs.

Banana Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie

Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in this recipe to your taste. I’ve found that letting my bananas get almost overripe before I freeze them makes for a sweeter smoothie that needs less honey.

If you like a sweeter smoothie (or are making this for a kid with a major sweet tooth), try adding more honey by the half-teaspoon until you get the level of sweetness you’re looking for.

With fruit smoothies, the sweetness of the frozen fruits will have a direct impact on the flavor of the smoothie. The same combination of ingredients that tasted perfect one day, might need an extra boost of sweetener another day. Play with the ingredients to find the perfect smoothie combination for your tastes.

Smoothie Recipes

I’ve made what seems like hundreds of different kinds of smoothies over the years. Everyone in my family likes them and they’re a great way to get some extra fruit into our diets.

For a smoothie with a hint of tropical flavors try a Pineapple Banana Smoothie and a Pineapple Orange Banana Smoothie. This Pina Colada Smoothie is a sweet and refreshing summertime treat, too.

Have you tried green smoothies? Made right, a green smoothie tastes as good as it makes you feel. Check out my Favorite Green Smoothie for one of the best-tasting smoothies I’ve made.

I put together this list of 50+ Healthy and Delicious Smoothie Recipes to keep your blender busy. There’s no end to the number of great tasting flavor combinations you can add to your smoothies. From berries and spinach to Chocolate and Peanut Butter, there’s a smoothie recipe to suit every taste.

No matter how many times I make smoothies, I never get tired of them. Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe that you just can’t get enough of?

Strawberry Blueberry Banana Smoothie

This smoothie brings summertime straight to your glass. Sweet and creamy, this good-for-you smoothie is an easy way to start your day or refuel in the afternoon.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 12-16 oz smoothies

Calories 215kcal

Ingredients

2 frozen bananas ripe and sweet
½ cup frozen blueberries
8-10 frozen strawberries
1-2 tbsp honey adjust to taste
2 cups whole milk

Instructions

Layer the bananas, blueberries, and strawberries in the blender. Drizzle with honey and add the milk.
Puree until the mixture reaches a thick, creamy consistency. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition

(originally published 5/18/11 – recipe notes and photos updated 1/23/23}

The post Strawberry Blueberry Banana Smoothie appeared first on Barefeet in the Kitchen.

Milk Punch

Mary Younkin — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Have you heard of Milk Punch? This old-school cocktail is made with bourbon, whisky, or brandy. It is a very lightly sweetened drink that starts with milk and half-and-half, it’s flavored with hints of vanilla and nutmeg.

What is Milk Punch?

Milk Punch is about as old-fashioned as a cocktail can get. This creamy, dairy-based cocktail actually dates back to Scotland in the 1600’s. And as far as I can tell, there isn’t just one way or accepted recipe for the drink either.

This drink was originally made and served warm, as refrigeration wasn’t a thing when Benjamin Franklin was sipping his own milk punch. Lucky for us, the cocktail is now more commonly served cold.

This particular recipe creates a slushy-like drink that is irresistible both in the winter months and in the midst of a hot summer. Imagine a boozy milkshake that’s not overly sweet, and still refreshing. Yes, it’s possible and yes, it’s good.

Milk Punch Recipe

This recipe is one that I found in my Canal House Cooks Everyday cookbook and as soon as I saw it, I had to try it. I’d never even heard of Milk Punch prior to that day.

I absolutely love finding fun new recipes to share with you and like the Italian Cream Liqueur that our friend Tony introduced us to a few years ago, this Milk Punch begged to be shared from the very first sip.

It was a real hardship, but I went ahead and made another batch to photograph and share with you this year for the holidays.

In case my sarcasm wasn’t clear enough, it’s no hardship to mix this recipe together. Pour everything into a jar and pop it in the freezer. Shake a few times as it chills. That’s it. You’ll be sipping an old-fashioned, new-to-you drink in no time!

Milk Punch Ingredients

whole milk
half-and-half
powdered sugar
whiskey, bourbon, or brandy
vanilla extract
ground nutmeg, fresh if available

Milk Punch Cocktail

Milk Punch has officially been added to our holiday list, along with the Hot Buttered Rum that we’ve enjoyed for years.

Homemade Chai is a fragrant, spicy tea that can be served hot or cold. And if you’d like another milkshake-like dessert cocktail to try, The Dirty Banana continues to be a popular favorite.

Have you ever used fresh nutmeg? It is my favorite spice to use fresh because the aroma and the flavor is unforgettable.

I started grating fresh nutmeg over my Grandmother’s Waffles with Waffle Sauce years ago and ever since then, I’ve been grating nutmeg every chance I get.

Don’t be intimidated by this rock-hard spice. It’s easy as can be to use and once you’ve tried it, you’ll likely be as hooked on it as we are. I use this microplane to grate fresh nutmeg and the flavor is incredible every time.

Milk Punch

This very lightly sweetened cocktail is made with bourbon, brandy, or whisky, flavored with hints of vanilla and nutmeg.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 243kcal

Ingredients

1⅔ cups whole milk divided
½ cup powdered sugar
⅓ cup half-and-half
⅔ cup bourbon, brandy, or whiskey see note below
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
ground nutmeg for topping

Instructions

Combine 1 cup of milk and the powdered sugar in a quart-size jar. Whisk or shake to combine. Add the remaining milk, half-and-half, bourbon, and vanilla to the jar. Stir well.
Place the jar in the freezer and chill the milk punch until it is quite slushy, about 3-4 hours, shaking the jar or stirring the mixture a couple of times while it is chilling.
Once frozen into a slushy mixture, stir well and pour into glasses, top with a dash of nutmeg.

Notes

Bourbon, brandy, and whiskey are all used in Milk Punch. Feel free to use whichever one you like best.

If you have it available, fresh nutmeg is always my preference for the best flavor.

Nutrition

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