Really Good Fruit Smoothies - Cooks Illustrated

Published May 1, 2002.

For a smoothie with knock-your-socks-off flavor, replace the usual yogurt with milk, add juice for freshness, and then fill the blender with a lot of fruit.

The Problem

Smoothies are difficult to make well -- they often turn out tasting of ice or milk, without much fruit flavor. The ubiquitous expensive, generically flavored, candy-sweet concoctions are fare removed from the smoothies of 20 years ago.

The Goal

We wanted an icy, fruity, slightly sweet smoothie that was lightly creamy and thick but straw-friendly. A good smoothie should be satisfying and rejuvenating without tasting like a sweet milkshake or a fruity glass of Metamucil.

The Solution

Fill the blender with plenty of fruit and add just a touch of whole milk for a drink that's chock full of fruity goodness. A few spoonfuls of sugar and a squeeze of lemon balance out the flavor. Three ice cubes are enough to make a cold but not overly icy drink.

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