Imagine a creamy strawberry kiwi smoothie that’s satisfyingly sweet and naturally sweetened. This Tropical Smoothie Cafe Kiwi Quencher is a luscious blend that brings the joy of tropical flavors right to your glass, providing a delicious way to cool off on hot summer days.
Recreating the iconic taste of Tropical Smoothie Kiwi Quencher at home is a great way to save a few dollars and know what goes into your favorite smoothie. With frozen fruit as the star, this homemade recipe is just like the restaurant's version and even better, if you ask us!
As a holistic nutrition specialist, I pay close attention to the quality of what we consume. With my kids constantly craving a quick breakfast or frosty drink, crafting healthy smoothie recipes like this copycat version became a fun challenge.
While a trip to Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a treat, having a healthy smoothie with the natural sweetness of strawberries and kiwi at home ensures we’re sipping on the good stuff.
Our kitchen has seen the creation of amazing smoothies that rival the Tropical Smoothie Cafe favorites, like the Detox Island Green, Beach Bum, and the Peanut Paradise.
This Kiwi Quencher smoothie has joined the ranks as a family favorite. Its creamy texture makes it a great addition to your homemade tropical smoothie recipe collection.
Before blending up this tasty smoothie, we like to pause and set intentions for a healthy lifestyle. To get the most out of this practice, check out our free guide on setting intentions and using affirmations for well-being.
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Ingredients
Strawberries: These berries are not just for sweetness; they're packed with vitamin C. Opt for organic to avoid pesticides and frozen strawberries to give that classic frosty consistency to your smoothie.
Kiwi: Loaded with vitamins, dietary fiber, and digestive enzymes, green kiwi enhances the immune system. Using frozen kiwi ensures a thicker consistency in your drink. Go organic here as well for the cleanest, most natural fruit flavor.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Yogurt is a powerhouse of protein and healthy fats. Grass-fed means the cows were given all-natural diets, boosting the yogurt's nutritional value.
Pure Maple Syrup: A dash adds natural sweetness and a hint of richness. Using pure maple syrup ensures you're getting a natural product without additives and preserving the healthy integrity of your smoothie.
Almond Milk: Homemade is the best for freshness and to avoid added sugars or preservatives. If short on time, choose organic, minimally processed almond milk from the store. It's a lighter alternative to dairy and contributes to the smoothie's creamy texture.
If you prefer to use fresh fruit, fresh strawberries, and ripe kiwis will do just fine; they'll contribute a bright, fresh flavor. However, you might need to add a few ice cubes to achieve that refreshingly cool texture that makes this smoothie such a treat.
Instructions
Blend Ingredients: Place frozen strawberries, kiwi chunks, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and almond milk into a high-speed blender. Secure the lid and blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth.
Adjust Consistency: Check the thickness of your smoothie. If it's too thick, pour a little more almond milk into the blender. Blend again on high until you reach the desired consistency. If the smoothie is too runny, add more frozen strawberries or a scoop of Greek yogurt to thicken it. Blend as needed.
Taste and Tweak: Sample your smoothie. If it needs more sweetness, drizzle in additional maple syrup. Blend briefly to incorporate any new additions.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the smoothie to a tall glass. Garnish with a fresh slice of kiwi or strawberry slices to enhance the presentation. Enjoy!
Hint: Planning with fresh fruit, clean and slice your fresh strawberries, and peel and chop your kiwi the night before. Store them each in a freezer-safe bag and pop them in the freezer. This prep ensures your fruit is perfectly frozen for a creamy smoothie and maintains that irresistible frosty texture.
Substitutions and Variations
Different Types of Milk: You can swap out almond milk with raw whole milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or other plant-based milk depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Golden Kiwis: For a sweeter, less tangy flavor, try golden kiwis in place of the green ones.
Extra Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder, nut butter, hemp seeds, flax seeds, or chia seeds if you're using this smoothie as a meal replacement or post-workout snack.
Different Sweeteners: If maple syrup isn't on hand, agave syrup or raw honey are great alternatives for adding natural sweetness to your smoothie.
Greens: Tuck in some baby spinach, arugula, or kale for a nutritional boost. It’s a quick way to add greens without overpowering the tropical flavors.
Non-Fat Yogurt: If you’re looking to cut down on fat, use low-fat Greek yogurt. However, full-fat yogurt contributes to a richer, creamier texture and healthy fats.
Additional Fruits: Feel free to add different fruits to mix up the flavors. Mango or pineapple can enhance the tropical essence.
Coconut Water: For a more tropical twist, use coconut water instead of milk for hydration and a subtle coconut flavor.
Remember, making your version of the Tropical Smoothie Café Kiwi Quencher is all about what suits your taste and nutritional needs, so feel free to experiment!
Storage
To keep leftover smoothies fresh, pour them into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. They'll stay good for a day. For longer storage, pour the smoothie into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can blend up a fresh-tasting smoothie whenever you like.
Top tip
One of my best tips for smoothies is, to begin with the smallest recommended amount of sweetener and liquid when you first blend your smoothie. This allows you to gradually adjust to your preferred taste and consistency. After each blend, do a quick taste and thickness check, then slowly add more sweetener or liquid as needed. This method ensures you end up with a smoothie that's just right for you.
FAQ
At Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the liquids used in their smoothies can vary. Common choices include ice, water, juice from concentrate, and sometimes milk, depending on the specific recipe. It's important to note that the juice from concentrate often contains added sugars and potentially other ingredients. For those reasons, making smoothies at home allows for better control over the quality and type of ingredients used.
Yes, Tropical Smoothie Cafe uses turbinado sugar in their smoothies. This is one of the reasons we prefer using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or raw honey in our recipes. Natural sweeteners can provide a healthier alternative, offering the sweetness smoothies need without the refined sugars.
More Smoothie and Juice Recipes
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Breakfast
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Recipe
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Kiwi Quencher Recipe (Copycat)
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Tall glass
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries frozen
- 1 cup kiwi frozen
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ cup almond milk
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In your blender, combine 1 cup of frozen strawberries, 1 cup of frozen kiwi chunks, ½ cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and ½ cup of almond milk. Blend on high until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- Adjust Consistency: If the smoothie seems too thick for your liking, add a little more almond milk and blend again. If it's too thin, incorporate more frozen fruit or Greek yogurt to achieve your desired thickness.
- Taste and Tweak: Sample the smoothie. If you prefer it sweeter, add an additional bit of maple syrup and blend briefly to incorporate.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once satisfied with the taste and consistency, pour the smoothie into a glass. For an added touch, garnish with a slice of kiwi or a strawberry.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This copycat recipe of the Tropical Smoothie Kiwi Quencher is more than just a delicious strawberry smoothie; it's a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Perfect as a refreshing afternoon snack, this simple recipe shows how easy and rewarding it is to make a healthy drink at home. If you're intrigued by the idea of incorporating more high-vibrational foods into your diet, foods that can elevate your energy and overall wellness, this smoothie is a great start. It works as a base for other superfoods that can be explored to amplify your diet. PS: It is a great way to sneak in some greens, these flavors hide it well!
For those interested in exploring further, we invite you to check out our free guides. Whether you're looking to avoid processed foods, desire a cancer-free diet and meal plan or you're navigating the clean keto lifestyle, we've got something for you. Each guide is designed to support your health journey with nutritious and energizing meal ideas.
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Be well,
Natalie
Nora says
Super flavourful and gorgeous smoothie! Loved it!
Natalie Perry says
Happy to hear!
Nicole NK says
No better way to cool down on a hot summer day. Strawberry and kiwi in a smoothie. Yummy🍓🥝
Natalie Perry says
Agreed!
Nicole NK says
Summer time is perfect for smoothies. Strawberries and kiwi are a perfect combination 🍓
Natalie Perry says
This has always been a favorite smoothie combination of mine!