How to Make a Smoothie in Just 6 Steps

Feeling stuck in a smoothie rut and want to find that perfect creamy blend? Or perhaps you just want to know how to make a smoothie from scratch. This guide to making smoothies contains everything you need to create delicious and satisfying smoothies in your own kitchen. This includes equipment, ingredients, proportions, recipes, and tips.

There are several appliances you can use to make a smoothie, but the blender is the most common. They are capable of breaking up ice and pulverizing fruits and vegetables while creating that "just right" consistency. KitchenAid offers blenders that can take on tough ingredients and deliver smooth results.

There is also the option of using a food processor. You should be aware, however, that this method can be messy, especially if the appliance you own cannot seal in liquids. KitchenAid offers food processors that come in different colors and sizes to let you unleash your creativity.

If you want to make an individual smoothie, an immersion blender can be enough power to handle the task. Additionally, these hand blenders are easier to clean and store than typical blenders, as well as being more economical. KitchenAid offers a complete line of immersion blenders to help fuel your kitchen creativity.

Besides a good blender, you'll only need measuring cups and measuring spoons for your smoothie. To make the process flow as smoothly as possible, gather your tools and ingredients before you begin blending.

Every great smoothie starts with the right base. As well as adding flavor and texture, the base can provide nutritional value. As a general rule, using water or juice will enhance the flavor of your fruits and veggies, while using milk will give you a creamier smoothie. Here are a few popular bases:

WATER
The flavor of your ingredients really comes to life across the board when you use water as a base—water pairs especially well with fruits that make creamy smoothies like banana and mango. Ice has the added advantage of producing thicker, icier results.

1. everydrop® products and the recommending brand's products are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation

COCONUT WATER
Coconut water adds a natural tropical note to your smoothie while providing fiber and nutrients.

COLD-PRESSED JUICE
During the processing of these juices, no heat or oxygen is used. Cold-pressed watermelon juice is great in smoothies.

ALMOND MILK
Adding the creaminess and richness of cow's milk to your smoothie with a dairy alternative has never been easier, thanks to this plant-based milk.

COCONUT MILK
The fat content in coconut milk makes some people steer clear of it. Nevertheless, this base will make a delicious, creamy smoothie, just as almond milk does.

RICE MILK
Due to its neutral taste, you can rest assured it won't compete with other flavors.

COFFEE/TEA
If you want a relaxing and nourishing breakfast mashup or a pick-me-up in the afternoon, you can combine coffee or tea with your smoothie.

Greens can really improve your smoothie, and depending on which types you choose, they can also enhance the flavors. Leafy greens are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini that can be disguised with fruit.

Here are some popular greens:

KALE
Today, Kale is the star of the leafy greens. Blending kale enhances the benefits, so it's an ideal addition to smoothies. Although baby kale has a milder taste than its parent, kale has a strong, slightly bitter flavor. If the taste is bitter, add sweeter fruits to balance it out.

SPINACH
The mild flavor and soft, easy-to-blend leaves of this green make it a popular addition to smoothies. Strawberries, blueberries, apples, and pears pair well with spinach's neutral flavor.

ARUGULA
The robust and peppery taste of this green pairs well with citrus fruits. Besides cherries, dates, and cranberries, dried fruits would also go well with this green.

Smoothies are only limited by your imagination when it comes to which fruits to use. The fruit in your smoothie is what gives it its personality. The flavor of bananas and pineapple can easily overpower a drink since they are both bold in flavor. You can create a perfect balance of flavor by combining the sweetness of bananas and pineapples with the mildness and acidity of strawberries. Because pineapple is a tropical fruit, it pairs exceptionally well with coconut milk or coconut water.

You can get fat from many sources, such as nuts and nut butters, oil such as coconut, flaxseed, and avocado.

Keep in mind that the calories in these ingredients can add up quickly, so watch how much you add in in order to maintain a healthy balance.

The texture and taste of your smoothie can be enhanced with the use of add-ins. 

• Incorporate cooked oats into your smoothie to make it thicker.
• Add a few herbs to enhance the flavors. 
• Add a little raw honey or agave to add sweetness.
• Spice it up with a bit of cinnamon or ginger. 

You can customize your smoothie in so many ways, so experiment and let your creativity flow - there is no wrong answer.