Smoothies are not only a popular breakfast drink, they’re also great as a satisfying in between meal snack.
They are easy to make and you can put almost any fruit (or vegetable) in them.
And while you can make a smoothie with several types of liquids, many people prefer to use milk, yogurt or juice as the base. But what about water?
Can You Make Smoothies With Water?
If you’re looking for a way to create a thick and creamy smoothie without using milk or yogurt, you can definitely use water! Add some fresh or frozen fruit, ice cubes, and/or honey to your drink for extra texture and flavor. And don’t forget to give it a good blend.
In this blog post, you will discover some of the best ways to make smoothies with water.
On top of that I will also provide a few recipes for you to try out.
So don’t miss out, keep on reading!
Using water instead of milk or yogurt is an excellent alternative for people who are vegan, or who simply don’t enjoy the taste of dairy products.
When it comes to making smoothies, it is often assumed that you need milk or yogurt to get that nice creamy texture.
However, water is a great base for smoothies and can be used to create delicious drinks that are both satisfying and good for you.
Instead of regular tap water, you could also choose to use sparkling water for that extra fizz!
If you want to make smoothies with water, there are a few things that can help.
First of all, try to add some frozen fruit and vegetables instead of just fresh ones as it will help give your drink an extra-creamy texture and will make your smoothie taste great too!
Some examples of frozen fruits that will give extra texture to your smoothie are avocado’s, bananas, pineapples, berries and mangoes.
Another thing you can do is add some ice cubes to your smoothie, as this will also help to thicken it up and give it a nice frosty consistency.
It is important to note however that in case you’re looking to blend ice or frozen fruit, make sure to use a blender that has high power so you don’t end up with chunks of fruit in your smoothie!
I personally love to use my Ninja blender for this purpose because they are powerful, durable and can handle ice cubes and frozen fruits very well.
And lastly, if you find that your smoothie is too watery or bland tasting, you can add some honey or maple syrup for sweetness and extra flavor.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of making smoothies with water, let ‘s take a look at some tasty recipes that you can try out yourself!
Berry Water Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
– ½ cup of water
– ¼ cup of blueberries
– ¼ cup of raspberries
– A few sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– ½ banana
– honey or maple syrup to sweeten (optional)
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instruction:
Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If you find that the drink is too thick, you can add more water until desired consistency is reached. Serve in a tall glass with an extra sprig of mint and enjoy!
Green Smoothie Recipe with Water
Ingredients:
– ½ cup of water
– ½ a ripe banana
– A handful of spinach leaves
– ¼ cucumber, peeled and chopped
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Again, if the consistency of the smoothie is too thick, add a bit more water until you’re content with the result. Serve in a tall glass or a cute mason jar and enjoy!
Banana-Spinach-Berry Smoothie Recipe
Another great and simple smoothie recipe (and my own personal favorite!) that you can easily make at home is a smoothie mix that contains banana, spinach, strawberries & blueberries.
Ingredients:
– ½ cup water
– ¼ cup fresh spinach leaves (or frozen)
– 1 small banana, peeled and chopped into chunks
– ¼ cup (frozen) strawberries
– ¼ cup (frozen) blueberries
Instructions:
Add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Add some crushed ice if you’re in the mood for extra refreshment.
Serve immediately for best results!
Is Water Or Milk Better For Smoothies?
Whether water of milk is better for smoothies depends on your own individual preferences. Some people prefer the taste of milk or yogurt in their smoothies, while others find that water works just fine. Milk will give it a bit more taste, but you can also add honey to a smoothie made with water.
It’s also worth noting that using milk or yogurt will add some extra protein and calcium to your drink.
However, if you are vegan or don’t like dairy products then using water is probably better for you.
You can of course also choose a plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk to make your smoothie with.
But if you’re looking for a refreshing drink that’s quick & easy, as long as you have the right ingredients and a good blender, then using water is definitely the way forward.
How Much Water To Add To A Smoothie
When it comes to the amount of water that you add to your smoothie, there is no right or wrong answer.
It really depends on what consistency you prefer and how thick/thinly blended your ingredients are (for example bananas vs berries).
There are many people who like their smoothies very thick with minimal liquid, while others prefer a thinner drink with more liquid.
Generally speaking though, when preparing a smoothie for 1 serving, you’ll want to start with about ½ cup of water and then add more as needed.
So experiment until you find the perfect balance for you!
Can I Make A Smoothie With Coconut Water?
You can make smoothies with coconut water. In fact, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a hydrating and refreshing drink.
It also has a light coconut flavor which can be enjoyable in smoothies.
So if you’re looking for a new twist on your regular smoothie recipe, definitely give coconut water a try!
A great example of a recipe that contains coconut water is this amazing Watermelon-Mint Smoothie. It’s a great smoothie recipe to make in the summertime when watermelons are fresh and plentiful!
Watermelon-Mint Smoothie Recipe with Coconut Water
Ingredients:
– ½ cup of coconut water (or more as needed)
– ¼ cup of diced watermelon
– A handful of fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a glass of choice and enjoy!
Other Questions You May Have
Is it better to use fruit juice or fresh fruit in smoothies?
In general, using fresh fruit is the best way to get the most nutrients and fiber in your smoothie. However, 100% fruit juice can also be a great addition in small amounts. Just be aware that fruit juices often contain a lot of natural sugar and fewer fibers than fresh fruit.
Can I add protein powder, nut butters, or seeds to a water-based smoothie?
Adding protein powder, nut butters like almond or peanut butter, or seeds like chia or flax seeds is a delicious way to make a water-based smoothie more filling and nutritious. These ingredients help thicken up the smoothie and add healthy fats, protein, and extra nutrients.
Besides water, what are some other liquid base options for smoothies?
Some popular liquid base alternatives to water include unsweetened coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, cow’s milk or Greek yogurt. Dairy options like cow’s milk and yogurt add protein, while non-dairy milks like coconut or soy milk make for a great vegan smoothie.
Even fruit juices like orange juice or apple juice can be used in small amounts.
Can I add leafy greens like kale or spinach to a water-based smoothie?
Leafy greens are a great addition to any smoothie for an extra nutritional boost. Just be sure to use water or another liquid base, as the greens will help bulk up the smoothie texture. Kale, spinach and other greens add vitamins, minerals and fiber without affecting the taste too much.
What are some of the best fruits to use in tropical fruit smoothies?
Some of the most delicious and nutritious tropical fruits to use in smoothies include mango, pineapple, banana, coconut, papaya and berries like strawberries. Their natural sweetness and high water content blend beautifully in water-based smoothies for a refreshing, healthy drink.
Is it okay to add ice cream or frozen yogurt to a smoothie?
While ice cream or frozen yogurt will definitely make for a thick, cold and creamy smoothie, these ingredients are higher in sugar and fat than most other smoothie additions. A better option is using frozen fruit like banana, or small amounts of ice cream as more of a treat or to sweeten up the taste without overdoing the sugar.
In Conclusion
So to conclude, it is totally possible to make tasty smoothies with water.
In fact, if you’re looking for a satisfying and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed any time of day (and is quick & easy), then using water in your smoothie recipes is an excellent choice!
There are many different types of water that you can choose from, whether it’s filtered water, sparkling water or coconut water.
So experiment until you find the perfect recipe or try one of the recipes mentioned in this article!
And if you happen to give them a try, please let us know what you think!
Lastly, be sure to check out our other blog post for more ideas on delicious foods to eat with your smoothie.