Sunshine Citrus Smoothie

The Sunshine Citrus Smoothie is a delightful and energizing beverage perfect for starting your day or as a midday pick-me-up. Its bright yellow-orange hue comes from a blend of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, combined with the classic sweetness of orange. This smoothie is not only delicious but also loaded with Vitamin C and other essential nutrients, making it a healthy and tasty choice. It offers a thick, creamy texture thanks to the addition of banana and yogurt.
Sunshine Citrus Smoothie

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Sunshine Citrus Smoothie is classified as a healthy smoothie. It is a blended, non-alcoholic beverage focused on fresh fruit and nutritional benefits, perfect for a healthy lifestyle.

Serving

Serve this cold, non-alcoholic smoothie in a large pint glass or tumbler right after blending. It is a substantial drink, perfect for a single, fulfilling serving.
Serving size
Approximately 400-450 ml (14-15 oz)
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Pint glass or a large tumbler
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While not tied to a specific historical event, the Sunshine Citrus Smoothie is a modern creation born from the health and wellness movement of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It represents the trend of combining delicious, natural ingredients to create nutrient-dense beverages. Its name is inspired by its vibrant color and its ability to brighten up one's morning, much like a ray of sunshine.
Origin
This type of fruit smoothie is a contemporary creation, popularized in Western countries, particularly the United States, from the 1990s onwards as part of the growing health food trend and the rise of smoothie bars.

Sunshine Citrus Smoothie

This smoothie is commonly known as the Sunshine Citrus Smoothie for its bright, sunny color and flavor. It is also sometimes called Citrus Burst Smoothie or Orange Sunrise Smoothie, highlighting its zesty ingredients and vibrant appearance.
Original name
Sunshine Citrus Smoothie
Alternative names
  • Citrus Burst Smoothie
  • Orange Sunrise Smoothie

Characteristics overview

This smoothie boasts a vibrant orange color with a thick, creamy texture and a sweet, tangy balance of citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Its aroma is fresh and fruity, leaving a clean, refreshing aftertaste.
Flavor
Citrusy, tropical, sweet, tangy, fruity
Aroma
Fresh orange, sweet mango, pineapple
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, fruity, refreshing
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Bright orange, vibrant yellow, opaque, thick
Texture
Thick, smooth, creamy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by high fruitiness and natural sweetness, balanced by a pleasant sour tang. It is completely non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and has a satisfying creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This smoothie requires orange juice, frozen mango, frozen pineapple, a banana, and Greek yogurt. An optional pinch of turmeric can be added for extra color and health benefits.
  • Orange Juice1 cup / 240 ml / 8 oz
    Freshly squeezed is best for flavor and nutrients.
  • Frozen Mango Chunks1 cup / 150 g
    Using frozen mango helps make the smoothie thick and cold without needing ice.
  • Frozen Pineapple Chunks1/2 cup / 75 g
    Adds a tropical tang and natural sweetness.
  • Banana1/2 medium, preferably frozen
    Adds creaminess and sweetness. Using a frozen banana enhances the texture.
  • Greek Yogurt1/4 cup / 60 g
    Adds protein and creaminess. Use plain, unsweetened. Can be substituted with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
  • Turmeric Powder1/4 teaspoon(optional)
    Optional, for color and anti-inflammatory benefits. A pinch of black pepper can help with absorption.

Ice type

  • None (if using frozen fruit)

Mixing equipments

The only equipment needed is a high-speed blender to effectively combine the frozen fruit and other ingredients into a smooth consistency.
  • High-speed blender for blending all ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

Simply combine all ingredients in a blender, starting with the orange juice, and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
1. Gather all your ingredients: orange juice, frozen mango chunks, frozen pineapple chunks, half a banana, and Greek yogurt.
2. Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender. Add the liquid (orange juice) first to help with blending.
3. Add the optional turmeric powder if using.
4. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
5. Check the consistency. If it is too thick, add a splash more orange juice. If it is too thin, add a few more frozen fruit chunks.
6. Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
7. Garnish with a slice of orange on the rim or a fresh mint sprig, if desired. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the smoothie with a fresh orange slice on the rim of the glass or a sprig of mint on top.
  • Orange slice on the rim of the glass.
  • Mint sprig on top.

Dietary Information

This smoothie is vegetarian, caffeine-free, and gluten-free, but contains dairy. For a vegan and dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This smoothie contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving, with a notable carbohydrate and natural sugar content from the fruits. It offers a good source of vitamins and some protein from the yogurt.
Calories
Averagely 250-300 kcal / 1046-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 50-60 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 35-45 g (mostly natural fruit sugars)
Sugar level

Occasions

This smoothie is ideal for a quick and healthy breakfast, a revitalizing post-workout snack, or a refreshing treat on a warm day. Its energizing properties make it suitable for any time you need a nutritious boost.
  • Breakfast
  • Post-Workout
  • Healthy Snack
  • Summer Refresher

Pairing suggestions

This smoothie is delicious on its own as a snack or light meal replacement. For a more complete breakfast, pair it with whole-grain toast, a bowl of granola, or a side of nuts and seeds for added fiber and healthy fats.
  • A light breakfast like toast with avocado or a handful of nuts.
  • Granola or muesli for a more substantial meal.
  • Enjoyed on its own as a fulfilling snack.

Sunshine Citrus Smoothie: A Taste of Liquid Sunshine

The Sunshine Citrus Smoothie is a wonderfully refreshing and nutritious beverage that lives up to its name with a bright, sunny color and flavor. Made from a simple blend of orange, mango, pineapple, and banana, it is packed with Vitamin C and natural energy. This alcohol-free smoothie is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few minutes and a blender. It is the perfect choice for a healthy breakfast, a post-workout recovery drink, or a delicious anytime treat.

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