Raspberry Martini

This raspberry martini is a vibrant red cocktail full of berry flavor! Treat yourself with this beautiful sweet drink. Here’s a sweet cocktail with a vibrant color: the Raspberry Martini! This drink is stunning and full of bright berry flavor: from first sip, you’ll be sold! The sweet tart, lightly floral flavor of raspberry is beautifully pure, thanks to homemade raspberry syrup. This cocktail is perfect for a romantic dinner, girls night, Valentine’s Day, or really any occasion that needs a red drink. It’s on the sweeter side, but the zing of fresh lemon balances it perfectly. A few more sweet cocktails? Try the Chocolate Martini or Classic Mudslide. What’s in a raspberry martini? The raspberry martini is one in a long list of flavored vodka martinis. This family of drinks has almost nothing in common with the Classic Martini…except the glass! The classic martini stars ultra-dry gin and vermouth, and has a bitter burn on the finish. Vodka martinis became popular in the 1990’s, and they’re every flavor of sweet and fruity: think cucumber, watermelon, or chocolate. Some vodka martinis have official definitions set by the International Bartender’s Association, like the lemon drop martini and espresso martini. All other […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This raspberry martini is a vibrant red cocktail full of berry flavor! Treat yourself with this beautiful sweet drink.

Raspberry Martini

Here’s a sweet cocktail with a vibrant color: the Raspberry Martini! This drink is stunning and full of bright berry flavor: from first sip, you’ll be sold! The sweet tart, lightly floral flavor of raspberry is beautifully pure, thanks to homemade raspberry syrup. This cocktail is perfect for a romantic dinner, girls night, Valentine’s Day, or really any occasion that needs a red drink. It’s on the sweeter side, but the zing of fresh lemon balances it perfectly.

A few more sweet cocktails? Try the Chocolate Martini or Classic Mudslide.

What’s in a raspberry martini?

The raspberry martini is one in a long list of flavored vodka martinis. This family of drinks has almost nothing in common with the Classic Martini…except the glass! The classic martini stars ultra-dry gin and vermouth, and has a bitter burn on the finish. Vodka martinis became popular in the 1990’s, and they’re every flavor of sweet and fruity: think cucumber, watermelon, or chocolate.

Some vodka martinis have official definitions set by the International Bartender’s Association, like the lemon drop martini and espresso martini. All other vodka martini recipes are up to the mixologist, so the ingredients vary. Here’s what’s in our spin on a raspberry martini cocktail:

  • Vodka
  • Cranberry juice (not sweetened*)
  • Lemon juice
  • Raspberry syrup (homemade is best, or use purchased)
Raspberry cocktail

It’s best with homemade raspberry syrup!

This raspberry martini cocktail gets its beautifully sweet flavor from raspberry syrup! We highly recommend making the fresh syrup because it has the best, pure berry flavor. Note that you’ll need to make it in advance: but it only takes 10 minutes of hands on time. Mix up a batch and have it ready to go for shaking up the drink. Here are the basic steps:

  • Melt sugar: Place 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook about 1 minute until the sugar dissolves.
  • Add berries and simmer: Add 1/2 cup fresh raspberries and cook until the berries break down, about 5 to 6 minutes, turning the heat to low when it starts to boil. Break down the berries with a spatula as needed. Once fully liquid, strain into a jar using a fine mesh sieve and a spatula.
  • Cool: Allow to cool, then store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

More uses for raspberry syrup? Make a Clover Club, or serve it over pancakes or mug cake.

Raspberry syrup

Use purchased raspberry syrup in a pinch

Don’t have time to make raspberry syrup? You can find it at your local liquor store, or online. It’s best with this homemade syrup, but store-bought works in a pinch.

Find unsweetened cranberry juice

The only other thing to note about ingredients: this raspberry cocktail recipe uses 100% unsweetened cranberry juice. It’s easy to find at your local grocery these days, but be careful when you’re picking it out from the shelf. There are several different types of cranberry juice you’ll see:

  • Sweetened cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail has added sugars and sometimes high-fructose corn syrup as sweetener. We prefer…
  • 100% cranberry juice is preferred here! The benefits of this type? The color is brighter and you can sweeten your drink to taste.

What if all you can find is sweetened cranberry juice? Easy. Just use only 1/2 ounce of the raspberry syrup instead of 3/4 ounce. Then you can adjust the flavors by adding more raspberry syrup to taste.

Raspberry martini

How to make a raspberry martini: basic steps

Got all your ingredients? Let’s make this raspberry cocktail! Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):

  1. Shake: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add 2 handfuls ice and shake until cold. Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with top.
  2. Strain: Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a few more fresh raspberries to be fancy.

More red cocktails!

This raspberry martini is a stunning naturally red cocktail: and there are lots more where that comes from! Cranberry, pomegranate, strawberry, and blood orange also make for brilliantly bright red drinks. Here are a few more favorites:

When to serve a raspberry martini

The raspberry martini recipe works as a signature drink, perfect for special occasions. Serve it as a:

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Raspberry Martini


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This raspberry martini is a vibrant red cocktail full of berry flavor! Treat yourself with this beautiful sweet drink. 


Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce* 100% cranberry juice (not sweetened**)
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 ounce raspberry syrup (homemade is best, or use purchased)
  • For the garnish: fresh raspberries

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake 15 seconds until cold.
  2. Strain the drink into a cocktail or martini glass. Garnish with raspberries and serve. 

Notes

*1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

**If all you can find is sweetened cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail, use 1/2 ounce raspberry syrup, then add more to taste. 

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Raspberry martini

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Grape Smoothie

This grape smoothie recipe is tangy sweet with just 4 ingredients! It’s an easy breakfast or snack that’s a great use for frozen grapes. On our way to making smoothie recipes with all the fruits and vegetables, we met a smoothie that surprised us. This weirdly delicious Grape Smoothie! The flavor is such a pop of sweet tart and delicious, you might not believe it on first sip. Who knew frozen grapes were the key to the tastiest of all smoothies? Consider us impressed. This one stood out to us in our list of 30+ smoothies as a simple, easy and healthy way to feel like you’re eating a treat. Here’s what you need to know to make it! Ingredients in a grape smoothie This grape smoothie is ultra simple: in fact, it’s got one of the shortest ingredient lists for any of our smoothie recipes. Here’s what you need: Grapes: We prefer the sweet flavor of red grapes in this smoothie! If you have green grapes, you can certainly use them too. They’re a little more tart, so you could add a little honey or maple syrup as necessary. Banana: No need for frozen banana: use a room temperature […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This grape smoothie recipe is tangy sweet with just 4 ingredients! It’s an easy breakfast or snack that’s a great use for frozen grapes.

Grape Smoothie

On our way to making smoothie recipes with all the fruits and vegetables, we met a smoothie that surprised us. This weirdly delicious Grape Smoothie! The flavor is such a pop of sweet tart and delicious, you might not believe it on first sip. Who knew frozen grapes were the key to the tastiest of all smoothies? Consider us impressed. This one stood out to us in our list of 30+ smoothies as a simple, easy and healthy way to feel like you’re eating a treat. Here’s what you need to know to make it!

Ingredients in a grape smoothie

This grape smoothie is ultra simple: in fact, it’s got one of the shortest ingredient lists for any of our smoothie recipes. Here’s what you need:

  • Grapes: We prefer the sweet flavor of red grapes in this smoothie! If you have green grapes, you can certainly use them too. They’re a little more tart, so you could add a little honey or maple syrup as necessary.
  • Banana: No need for frozen banana: use a room temperature banana here.
  • Greek yogurt: We love adding Greek yogurt to smoothies because it’s protein packed. You can also make this smoothie vegan by simply adding more non-dairy milk.
  • Milk: You can use any type of milk you’d like here, or if you don’t stock it, substitute water.
Grape smoothie

Allow 2 hours for frozen grapes (or overnight)

Are frozen grapes good for smoothies? Yes! Frozen grapes are perfect for adding an icy texture and sweetness to smoothies. They’re a bit sweeter than frozen blueberries and strawberries, which makes them great for adding to smoothie flavors of all kinds. Add them to your next blueberry smoothie or strawberry smoothie to mix it up!

How long does it take grapes to freeze? Allow about 2 hours for grapes to freeze completely. It’s also easy to toss them into a freezer safe container and freeze overnight.

Flavor variations and add-ins!

This grape smoothie is a great canvas for adding interesting flavors to your puree. In fact, we can think of about 100 variations. Here are some favorites:

  • PB&J: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons peanut butter for a PB&J vibe
  • Vanilla: Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Berries: Substitute 1 cup frozen blueberries, raspberries or strawberries for half of the grapes
  • Mango: Substitute 1 cup frozen mango for half of the grapes
  • Pineapple: Substitute 1 cup frozen pineapple for half of the grapes
  • Coconut: Add a handful of shredded coconut or coconut milk
  • Chocolate: Add 3 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Grape smoothie recipe

Make it a vegan grape smoothie (& add protein!)

This grape smoothie has Greek yogurt, like many of our smoothie recipes, to load on protein and healthy probiotics. But want a vegan smoothie? Here’s what to do:

  • Use non-dairy milk for the Greek yogurt and milk (start with 3/4 cup). You don’t need Greek yogurt here: though it does add some creamy body! Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk. Coconut milk also works, but it’s high fat: consider using just 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1/4 cup almond or oat milk.
  • Add back some protein! You’ll lose some protein from removing the yogurt. Here are some ideas for adding plant based protein to smoothies:
Grape smoothie

Smoothie storage

This grape smoothie is best right after you blend it up. But you can make smoothies in advance! Store them up to 1 day, refrigerated in a sealed container or a mason jar with the lid on. If it separates, just shake it up and you’re good to go!

This grape smoothie recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, see the substitutions listed in the recipe.

Print
Grape Smoothie

Grape Smoothie (4 Ingredients!)


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 small or 1 large
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This grape smoothie recipe is tangy sweet with just 4 ingredients! It’s an easy breakfast or snack that’s a great use for frozen grapes.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups seedless red grapes, frozen at least 2 hours or overnight
  • 1 banana (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk or oat milk)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or 1/4 cup non-dairy milk for vegan, see below)

Instructions

  1. Before starting the recipe, remember to freeze the grapes!
  2. Place all ingredients in the blender starting with the milk and yogurt, breaking the banana into pieces. Blend until smooth, adding a splash more liquid as necessary to come to the desired consistency. 
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Smoothie

Keywords: Grape smoothie

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Pomegranate Smoothie

This tasty pomegranate smoothie is one of the best ways to use those bright pink seeds! It’s loaded with flavor, nutrients, and protein. Got pomegranate seeds? We’ve got a recipe for you. Try this perfect Pomegranate Smoothie! This delicious pink drink is bursting with fruity flavor and one of our favorite ways to use pomegranate seeds (except eating them by the handful, of course!). It pairs the jewel-toned seeds with frozen pineapple and banana to make a creamy puree that’s full of nutrients and vitamins. Throw in a little Greek yogurt for protein and you’ve got a smoothie that’s filling and irresistibly good. In fact, our 3 year old goes gaga over this one (it was actually his idea, too). Pomegranate smoothie ingredients This pomegranate smoothie is so beautifully fruity and creamy, you’ll add it to your smoothie rotation stat! We love grabbing whole pomegranates and using the seeds to snack on and for salads and smoothies. In fact, our 3 year old Larson loves them so much he had the idea for this recipe (“What if we made a pomegranate smoothie?”). This one has a short ingredient list…the star ingredient of course being those jewel-toned fresh pom seeds! The […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This tasty pomegranate smoothie is one of the best ways to use those bright pink seeds! It’s loaded with flavor, nutrients, and protein.

Pomegranate smoothie

Got pomegranate seeds? We’ve got a recipe for you. Try this perfect Pomegranate Smoothie! This delicious pink drink is bursting with fruity flavor and one of our favorite ways to use pomegranate seeds (except eating them by the handful, of course!). It pairs the jewel-toned seeds with frozen pineapple and banana to make a creamy puree that’s full of nutrients and vitamins. Throw in a little Greek yogurt for protein and you’ve got a smoothie that’s filling and irresistibly good. In fact, our 3 year old goes gaga over this one (it was actually his idea, too).

Pomegranate smoothie ingredients

This pomegranate smoothie is so beautifully fruity and creamy, you’ll add it to your smoothie rotation stat! We love grabbing whole pomegranates and using the seeds to snack on and for salads and smoothies. In fact, our 3 year old Larson loves them so much he had the idea for this recipe (“What if we made a pomegranate smoothie?”). This one has a short ingredient list…the star ingredient of course being those jewel-toned fresh pom seeds! The pomegranate smoothie ingredients you’ll need are:

  • Pomegranate seeds: You can use the whole fruit or separate seeds; see below
  • Frozen pineapple: Pineapple melds with the pomegranate and doesn’t overwhelm. Other ideas? Frozen mango or frozen blueberries.
  • Banana: Use a room temperature banana: no need to freeze it unless you want to!
  • Ice: This completes the frothy texture.
  • Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds loads of protein: 12 grams or 6 grams per serving. You can use the vegan variations below as desired.
  • Maple syrup: We like just a hint of sweetener for this one to brighten the flavor! Feel free to substitute honey or agave syrup as your sweetener of choice.
Pomegranate seeds

Use a whole pomegranate or buy the seeds

This pomegranate smoothie uses 1 cup seeds: this is enough from 1 medium pomegranate. It’s actually very easy to seed your own pomegranate! Here are a few tips for how to get those seeds:

  • Cut the pomegranate in quarters, then remove the seeds in a bowl of water. This avoids a big mess of pink splatters all over your kitchen! We’ve got a great step-by-step tutorial: go to How to Cut a Pomegranate.
  • Or, buy pomegranate seeds instead! Pomegranate seeds that are already removed are easy to find at your local grocery. The downside? They’re not as fresh, and they go bad quickly.
Pomegranate seeds

Only got pomegranate juice? Here’s a variation

Were you hoping for a pomegranate smoothie using store-bought pomegranate juice? You can do that too! Here’s what to do:

  • Substitute 1/3 cup pomegranate juice for the pomegranate seeds.
  • Consider using a frozen banana. This can help to make a thicker texture if you’re using juice and not seeds. But it works with room temperature banana as well!

Make it a vegan pomegranate smoothie

Want to make this pomegranate smoothie into a vegan smoothie? Here’s what to do:

  • Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut milk. This works well with the texture! See also our Coconut Milk Smoothie.
  • Add back some protein! We love using Greek yogurt in smoothies because it’s packed with protein to keep you full. Here are some ideas for adding plant based protein: try 1 to 2 tablespoons cashew butter or almond butter or 2 tablespoons chia seeds.

We hope you enjoy this tasty way to enjoy this magic fruit: let us know what you think in the comments below!

Pomegranate smoothie

Pomegranate nutrition

There are lots of inflated claims around pomegranate nutrition. In fact, a popular pomegranate products company was hit with an FTC complaint around false advertising about reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. That said, pomegranates are a very healthy fruit that’s part of a healthy diet! Here’s what we do know (source: Healthline):

  • Antioxidants: Pomegranates have lots of antioxidants: punicalagins and punicic acid, if you must know!
  • Vitamin C: 1 cup of seeds has 30% of your daily vitamin C.
  • Fiber: 1 cup of seeds has 7 grams fiber.
  • Other vitamins: Pomegranates are also a good source of vitamin E, folate, potassium, and vitamin K.
  • Sugar: Like most fruits, pomegranate does have sugar! 1 cup seeds has 24 grams sugar.

This pomegranate smoothie recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For plant-based, dairy-free and vegan, see the substitutes above.

Print
Pomegranate smoothie

Easy Pomegranate Smoothie


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large or 2 small
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This tasty pomegranate smoothie is one of the best ways to use those bright pink seeds! It’s loaded with flavor, nutrients, and protein.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds (cut and seed 1 pomegranate or buy 5 ounces seeds)
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1 banana (room temperature)
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt*
  • 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Place the pomegranate seeds in the blender and blend for a few seconds until mostly liquified. 
  2. Add the remaining ingredients in a blender, breaking the banana into pieces. Blend until creamy and frothy, stopping and scraping down the sides as necessary. 
  3. Eat immediately or store 1 day in a sealed jar; if it separates, shake to re-integrate it.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pomegranate smoothie

More smoothie recipes

Love healthy smoothie recipes? Try one of the following:

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Christmas Margarita

The Christmas margarita is the best holiday drink! This brilliant cranberry spin is irresistible and perfect for festivities. Looking for a Christmas cocktail that’s fun and a little…unexpected? It’s not often that tequila features in holiday cocktails. But this one is absolutely stellar: try the Christmas Margarita! Why not bring everyone’s favorite drink to your holiday festivities? This one keeps all the character of a classic margarita and adds cranberry juice for a vibrant color and sweet tart nuance. With a garnish of fresh cranberries and rosemary, it’s holiday perfection. We created this drink especially for a virtual holiday party with our friend Sierra: it could not be more festive! What’s in a Christmas margarita? Who doesn’t love a good margarita? (No one.) This classic cocktail is one of the most iconic in the world: it was invented in the 1930’s and is even more popular today. In fact, the classic margarita is on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This means there’s an “official” definition of how its made: it’s just three ingredients: lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila. The Christmas margarita is a spin-off on the classic. We’ve kept all the classic ingredients and added 100% cranberry juice. […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

The Christmas margarita is the best holiday drink! This brilliant cranberry spin is irresistible and perfect for festivities.

Christmas margarita

Looking for a Christmas cocktail that’s fun and a little…unexpected? It’s not often that tequila features in holiday cocktails. But this one is absolutely stellar: try the Christmas Margarita! Why not bring everyone’s favorite drink to your holiday festivities? This one keeps all the character of a classic margarita and adds cranberry juice for a vibrant color and sweet tart nuance. With a garnish of fresh cranberries and rosemary, it’s holiday perfection. We created this drink especially for a virtual holiday party with our friend Sierra: it could not be more festive!

What’s in a Christmas margarita?

Who doesn’t love a good margarita? (No one.) This classic cocktail is one of the most iconic in the world: it was invented in the 1930’s and is even more popular today. In fact, the classic margarita is on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This means there’s an “official” definition of how its made: it’s just three ingredients: lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila.

The Christmas margarita is a spin-off on the classic. We’ve kept all the classic ingredients and added 100% cranberry juice. Because it’s unsweetened and very tart, we added a splash of simple syrup to balance things out. Here’s what you’ll need to make a Christmas margarita:

  • 100% cranberry juice
  • Tequila (use blanco or reposado)
  • Cointreau
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Simple syrup or maple syrup
Christmas margarita recipe

100% cranberry juice vs sweetened: what to know

When you’re shopping for the cranberry juice for your Christmas margarita, make sure to find 100% cranberry juice, which is unsweetened. You can easily find it at most grocery stores, but it’s right next to the sweetened cranberry juice. Here’s what to know for when you’re shopping:

  • Sweetened cranberry juice aka cranberry juice cocktail has added sugars and sometimes high-fructose corn syrup as sweetener. This type of cranberry juice has been available since the 1940’s for making classic cranberry cocktails like the Vodka Cranberry. However, we like using the modern 100% juice.
  • 100% cranberry juice is unsweetened and made only with cranberries: no added sugar! The benefit? The color is brighter, and you can sweeten your drink to taste.

Did you buy unsweetened? That’s ok, just don’t sweeten your drink as much. Use half of the simple syrup in the recipe below — or even add it to taste.

How to make a salt rim

Of course, a perfect Christmas margarita needs a salt rim! Why is salt used in margaritas? Salt brings out the sweet and sour flavors in the drink. Plus, it’s ultra classic. For the Christmas margarita you could also make a sugar rim if you’d like! Just use superfine or granulated sugar and follow the instructions below. Here’s how to make a salt rim:

  1. Use kosher salt or flaky sea salt (not table salt!). These types of salt are chunky and make for just the right texture on the rim. Or, you can make festive Margarita Salt!
  2. Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle. Then slide it around the rim of the glass. This moistens the rim without having to use your fingers.
  3. Rim the outside edge only. Spread the salt on a plate in an even layer. Tilt the glass into the salt so that the sugar sticks to the outside edge. Shake off any loose salt into the sink.
Christmas margarita

How to make a Christmas margarita!

Once you’ve rimmed the glasses, making a Christmas margarita is very simple: all you have to do is shake the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker! Here’s what to do:

  1. Rim the glass with salt. See above!
  2. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Shake the cranberry juice, tequila, lime juice, Cointreau and simple syrup together with ice in a cocktail shaker (or use a mason jar with a lid).
  3. Strain into a glass and add ice. Strain it into a glass and serve with ice! You can also add fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary as a beautiful garnish. Speaking of ice…

Step it up with clear ice

Want to have the most beautiful look for this Christmas margarita? Look in the photos: see that beautiful crystal clear ice block that looks like it’s cut off a glacier? It’s called Clear Ice. Clear ice is artisan style ice that’s crystal clear, unlike normal ice that’s cloudy. It’s very easy to make at home: Alex created a method that we do with all of our cocktail recipes! Go to How to make clear ice.

Salt rim and clear ice

What to serve with a Christmas margarita

This Christmas margarita is ideal for holiday gatherings: especially a holiday cocktail party! We made this cocktail and our Christmas martini for a special virtual cocktail party with our friend Sierra from Eclectic Kurves. These drinks pair perfectly with nibbles and appetizers! You can make up a holiday platter with some of the ideas below:

When to serve a Christmas margarita

The Christmas margarita is ideal for holiday gatherings in the fall and winter. It works as a:

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Christmas margarita

The Christmas Margarita


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

The Christmas margarita is the best holiday drink! This brilliant cranberry spin is irresistible and perfect for festivities.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila blanco or reposado**
  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) 100% cranberry juice (not sweetened)*
  • 3/4 ounce (1 1/2 tablespoons) Cointreau
  • 3/4 ounce (1 1/2 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup or maple syrup*
  • Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim (optional)
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
  • For the garnish: cranberries, rosemary sprig

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use Margarita Salt).
  2. Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold. Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice, garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig, and serve.

Notes

*If all you can find is sweetened cranberry juice, use half the simple syrup quantity (or add to taste). 

**To make a pitcher of 8 servings, mix together in a pitcher: 1 1/2 cups tequila, 2 cups 100% unsweetened cranberry juice, 3/4 cup Cointreau, 3/4 cup lime juice, 3 tablespoons simple syrup. Add three handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into individual glasses. 

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Christmas margarita

More Christmas drinks

There are so many great cocktails to serve in the holiday season! Here are a few ideas:

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Apple Cider Mimosas

This may be a no-brainer for my cocktail aficionado friends, but for those who aren’t naturally cocktail savvy, allow me to present these Apple Cider Mimosas, which are the perfect simple daytime cocktail for Thanksgiving.

The post Apple Cider Mimosas appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This may be a no-brainer for my cocktail aficionado friends, but for those who aren’t naturally cocktail savvy, allow me to present these Apple Cider Mimosas, which are the perfect, simple daytime cocktail for Thanksgiving. Chances are you have some apple cider on hand (especially if you’re making my Cider Roasted Turkey Breast), and maybe some fresh rosemary, so just pick up a bottle of sparkling wine and you’re in business! 🥂

three apple cider mimosas with apples and a bottle of wine in the back

What Kind of Sparkline Wine Should I Use?

While you can use just about any sparkling wine that you have available, I prefer a dry or brut sparkling wine because apple cider is already extremely sweet. Since apple cider also has quite a powerful flavor, it can also help mask subtle flavor differences in your wine. In other words, you don’t have to buy anything super high quality. ;) I just used a $7.49 bottle of Tourner brut sparkling wine from ALDI. And if all the varieties of sparkling wines confuse the heck out of you, this article about Champagne vs. Prosecco is a great place to start.

Sparkling wine being poured into a flute with cider

What Kind of Cider Should I Use?

Again, this drink is extremely flexible. I used an inexpensive cider, but I think it would be really fun to use a fresh local cider if that’s something that is available in your area. You can also experiment with steeping the cider in some mulling spices, then chilling it before making the mimosas.

Make Your Own Mix

I kept the formula simple, with a 50/50 ratio of cider to wine, but as any mimosa drinker knows, you can tweak that to be any ratio that you like. Want a full glass of sparkling wine with just a splash of cider? Go for it! Want mostly cider with just a tickle of bubbles? You got it! This drink requires no expertise, no skill, just pour and drink. ;)

one apple cider mimosa held close to the camera
sparkling wine being poured into a champagne flute in a group of three flutes

Apple Cider Mimosas

Just two simple ingredients and one optional fresh garnish make these Apple Cider Mimosas the easiest holiday cocktail around.
Total Cost $1.46 each
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 145.2kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 4 oz. apple cider $0.18
  • 4 oz. sparkling wine $1.18
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional garnish) $0.10

Instructions

  • Make sure the cider and sparkling wine are chilled. Pour four ounces (½ cup) cider into a champagne flute, followed by 4 ounces (½ cup) sparkling wine. Top with a sprig of fresh rosemary as a garnish, then serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 145.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.5g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 5mg | Fiber: 0.3g
sparkling wine being poured into a champagne flute in a group of three flutes

The post Apple Cider Mimosas appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Garibaldi Cocktail (Campari & Orange!)

The Garibaldi cocktail is an Italian drink with only 2 ingredients: Campari and orange juice! It’s a surprisingly balanced combination. Here’s a unique drink to whip up at home: the Garibaldi cocktail! This Italian cocktail has so much going for it, it’s hard to know where to start. It’s got only two ingredients, which makes it supremely easy to mix up. There’s a little textural little flair with a foamy topping. And the flavor? It comes out balanced and refreshing, with bitter, sweet and tangy notes all intermingling in the perfect sip. From the first drink, I was both surprised, delighted, and ready to make another one. Here’s what to know about this seriously simple drink! What’s a Garibaldi cocktail? The Garibaldi is a two-ingredient Italian cocktail made with Campari and orange juice. The drink is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a general who contributed to the unification of Italy back in 1871. The idea is that Campari comes from the North of Italy and oranges come from the South…hence the unification of the North and South occur right in your glass! The drink is an aperativo or aperatif, meant to be drunk before dinner. You’ll find the Garibaldi on cocktail […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

The Garibaldi cocktail is an Italian drink with only 2 ingredients: Campari and orange juice! It’s a surprisingly balanced combination.

Garibaldi Cocktail

Here’s a unique drink to whip up at home: the Garibaldi cocktail! This Italian cocktail has so much going for it, it’s hard to know where to start. It’s got only two ingredients, which makes it supremely easy to mix up. There’s a little textural little flair with a foamy topping. And the flavor? It comes out balanced and refreshing, with bitter, sweet and tangy notes all intermingling in the perfect sip. From the first drink, I was both surprised, delighted, and ready to make another one. Here’s what to know about this seriously simple drink!

What’s a Garibaldi cocktail?

The Garibaldi is a two-ingredient Italian cocktail made with Campari and orange juice. The drink is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a general who contributed to the unification of Italy back in 1871. The idea is that Campari comes from the North of Italy and oranges come from the South…hence the unification of the North and South occur right in your glass! The drink is an aperativo or aperatif, meant to be drunk before dinner.

You’ll find the Garibaldi on cocktail menus in Italy, and it’s also a famous drink served at the Dante cocktail bar in NYC. The only ingredients you’ll need for a Garibaldi cocktail are:

  • Campari
  • Fresh squeezed orange juice (see more below)
Garibaldi cocktail

The orange juice to use

The important part about the orange juice in a Garibaldi: do not even think about using a bottle of purchased OJ here. The magic is in the fresh squeezed orange juice. You can use any type of orange; here are our favorite options:

  • Valencia oranges are most classic for the drink.
  • Blood oranges are another great choice. This is what we used here: blood oranges have a beautiful red color which goes well with the bright red Campari. The dark red of the blood orange slice also looks dramatic as a garnish.

How to make the Garibaldi: blend the juice to make a frothy top!

Here’s the cool thing about the orange juice in a Garibaldi cocktail: it’s blended so that the top forms a frothy foam. It’s almost like a natural version of the classic egg white foam that tops a whiskey sour. The froth was traditionally from the juicer, but you can also use a blender or a few other tools to achieve the same effect. Here are a few tools you can use:

  • Blender: Throw your orange juice in the blender and blend until foamy.
  • Hand frother: We have a hand frother to froth milk for lattes, and it works like a charm here!
  • Whisk: You can also just use a handheld whisk. Whisk it vigorously until you see some froth.

From there, all you have to do is combine the two ingredients in a highball glass and fill it with ice. It’s that easy: no cocktail shaker needed!

Campari

More about Campari

If it’s not already in your liquor cabinet, you should grab a bottle of Campari! It’s a well known spirit that can make all sorts of drinks. Here’s what to know:

  • Campari is an Italian bitter with a bright red color. It’s easy to find, most famously used in the Negroni and other classic cocktails like the Americano and Boulevardier.
  • What does Campari taste like? It’s tastes bitter, fruity, and spicy all at once. It’s infused with different herbs and fruits, part of a secret recipe.
  • Fun fact: Campari was originally colored so brightly red due to a dye made of crushed insects! That’s no longer in the modern recipe, so it shouldn’t deter you from grabbing a bottle.

Step it up: try clear ice!

Want to take your Garibaldi cocktail to the next level? Make with clear ice. It’s an artisan style of ice that’s crystal clear and looks like the type you’d get at a fancy bar. You can cut large chunks and they take this drink to superstar level. All you need is 24 hours and a small cooler! Go to How to Make Clear Ice.

Garibaldi cocktail

More Campari cocktails

What else to make with a bottle of Campari? This Italian liqueur stars in lots of famous and unique cocktails. Here are a few more to try:

  • Classic Negroni The Negroni is the most famous Campari cocktail: equal parts gin, Campari and dry vermouth. It’s ultra dry and bitter, so we prefer some of the spin-offs on this famous drink.
  • Negroni Sbagliato is a Negroni made with Prosecco, or the Boulevardier Cocktail is a Negroni made with bourbon. Both are even better than the original!
  • Campari Spritz Bitter and bubbly, this refreshing mixed drink is perfect for sipping! Make this easy cocktail with 3 ingredients in 3 minutes.
  • Jungle Bird Truly special! A tropical rum cocktail with a twist: bitter Campari offsets sweet pineapple juice.

When to serve a Garibaldi cocktail

The Garibaldi cocktail is a festive and fun drink that’s very easy to whip up. The brilliant red-orange color makes it great for parties, or it’s perfect for a laid back evening! (With the blood orange juice, it’s also a fun Halloween cocktail idea.) It’s great as a:

  • Italian cocktail for a dinner party
  • Signature drink
  • Cocktail hour drink
  • Party drink
  • Happy hour drink
  • Dinner party drink
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Garibaldi Cocktail

Garibaldi Cocktail (Campari & Orange!)


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

The Garibaldi cocktail is an Italian drink with only 2 ingredients: Campari and orange juice! It’s a surprisingly balanced combination.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Campari
  • 4 ounces (1/2 cup) fresh squeezed orange juice (or blood orange juice)
  • Garnish: orange wedge (optional)

Instructions

  1. Squeeze the orange juice. Use an immersion blender, hand frother or whisk to blend the orange juice until it is foamy.
  2. Add Campari to a highball filled with ice. Top with foamed orange juice and stir gently. Top with an orange wedge. 

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Garibaldi cocktail, Garibaldi

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Pumpkin Smoothie

This creamy pumpkin smoothie tastes like pie…but it’s loads healthier! This tasty drink features yogurt, fruit and pumpkin spice. Ready for pumpkin season? We’re here for it! Many of the season’s recipes are sugar loaded: pumpkin cookies, cakes, and of course good old pumpkin pie. But why not enjoy all the flavors in a healthy and delicious way? This Pumpkin Smoothie is creamy and full of pumpkin-spiced flavor: and made with Greek yogurt and fruit! It’s a deliciously cozy way to usher in the season…without the sugar high. It’s also packed with protein from the yogurt. Our son Larson was very into this one (especially sipping it out of his new pumpkin mug.) Bring on the pumpkin! Ingredients in this pumpkin smoothie This pumpkin smoothie is full of good-for-you ingredients. It’s also got a drizzle of added maple syrup to make it just sweet enough that it feels like a treat. Here are the ingredients in this tasty smoothie: Pumpkin puree: Make sure not to use pumpkin pie filling! You’ll just need plain unsweetened pumpkin puree. If you do have pumpkin pie filling, omit the spices and maple syrup, then add to taste. Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a creamy […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This creamy pumpkin smoothie tastes like pie…but it’s loads healthier! This tasty drink features yogurt, fruit and pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin smoothie

Ready for pumpkin season? We’re here for it! Many of the season’s recipes are sugar loaded: pumpkin cookies, cakes, and of course good old pumpkin pie. But why not enjoy all the flavors in a healthy and delicious way? This Pumpkin Smoothie is creamy and full of pumpkin-spiced flavor: and made with Greek yogurt and fruit! It’s a deliciously cozy way to usher in the season…without the sugar high. It’s also packed with protein from the yogurt. Our son Larson was very into this one (especially sipping it out of his new pumpkin mug.) Bring on the pumpkin!

Ingredients in this pumpkin smoothie

This pumpkin smoothie is full of good-for-you ingredients. It’s also got a drizzle of added maple syrup to make it just sweet enough that it feels like a treat. Here are the ingredients in this tasty smoothie:

  • Pumpkin puree: Make sure not to use pumpkin pie filling! You’ll just need plain unsweetened pumpkin puree. If you do have pumpkin pie filling, omit the spices and maple syrup, then add to taste.
  • Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a creamy body and loads on the protein. It also provides probiotics for gut-health. You can also use any type of plain yogurt.
  • Banana: No need to freeze your banana! Use it room temperature, and it helps to add creaminess.
  • Apple: Apple also adds texture and body.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: This brings in the magic! Use store-bought or our homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice blend.
  • Maple syrup: Adds the final sweetness: you’ll need this to combat the bitterness of the pumpkin.
Pumpkin smoothie

Blending up the perfect smoothie

This pumpkin smoothie has just the right texture using Greek yogurt and pumpkin puree as the main liquid components. But here’s a note if your smoothie doesn’t start to blend right away:

  • Place all the liquid items into your blender first. This helps the blades not get stuck when you start to blend.
  • If necessary, add a splash or milk or water to your smoothie to help it blend. Whether you’ll need it depends on the consistency of your yogurt and how powerful your blender is.

Variations and add-ins!

This pumpkin smoothie tastes pretty great as is. But you can mix it up if you like! Here are a few ideas for other add ins for this smoothie:

How to make a pumpkin smoothie

Pumpkin smoothie topping ideas

Want to take this pumpkin smoothie over the top? If you’re serving it for guests for a fall brunch, it could be fun to step it up a bit. Here are some ideas for toppings: let us know what other ideas you have!

  • Granola: Add healthy maple pecan granola for a tasty treat!
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts: A few chopped nuts look like lovely confetti.
  • Pumpkin seeds: Pepitas would be perfect! Or even pumpkin seed granola.

Vegan pumpkin smoothie variation

Want to make this into a vegan pumpkin smoothie? You can substitute oat milk or almond milk for the Greek yogurt! You can also use your favorite brand of vegan yogurt. It will have a slightly thinner texture than with yogurt, but it will taste just as good.

This pumpkin smoothie recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use the variation in the recipe.

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Pumpkin smoothie

Pumpkin Smoothie


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 small smoothies or 1 large
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy pumpkin smoothie tastes like pie…but it’s loads healthier! This tasty drink features yogurt, fruit and pumpkin spice.


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt (or oat milk for vegan)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 medium ripe banana
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh apple chunks (skin on, about 1 medium apple)
  • 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • For the topping: pumpkin pie spice, maple pecan granola, etc.

Instructions

  1. Place the ingredients in the blender in the order indicated, breaking the banana into pieces as you add it.
  2. Blend on high until fully pureed and smooth, stopping and scraping as necessary. Depending on your blender and the consistency of your yogurt, you may need to add a splash of milk or water to get it to start. Eat immediately or refrigerate up to 1 day. 

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pumpkin smoothie

More smoothie recipes

Looking for healthy smoothie recipes? Here are some of our favorites:

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Apple Cider Mule

This apple cider mule is festive and easy fall cocktail! This seasonal spin on the Moscow mule features cider and ginger beer. Here’s a festive cocktail that’s perfect for cool weather: the Apple Cider Mule! Everyone loves a classic Moscow Mule, and this seasonal spin is even more fun. It pairs apples and ginger in a bubbly, effervescent mix that looks perfectly cozy nestled in a copper mug. Why stop drinking the mule when fall hits? This autumnal variation is ideal for when the temps start to drop: it even works as a winter cocktail for holiday gatherings, too. Here’s what you need to know! Ingredients in an apple cider mule The apple cider mule is a fall themed Moscow mule: or, a mule with apple cider added. But here’s the thing. You’ve got to have just enough cider so you can taste its sweet flavor, but not so much that it waters down the ginger beer and vodka. Many cider mule recipes don’t get the right blend of flavors. We tinkered with the ratios to make this apple cider mule the perfect balance of the Moscow mule elements: Vodka Lime Apple cider Ginger beer What’s a classic Moscow mule? […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This apple cider mule is festive and easy fall cocktail! This seasonal spin on the Moscow mule features cider and ginger beer.

Apple cider mule

Here’s a festive cocktail that’s perfect for cool weather: the Apple Cider Mule! Everyone loves a classic Moscow Mule, and this seasonal spin is even more fun. It pairs apples and ginger in a bubbly, effervescent mix that looks perfectly cozy nestled in a copper mug. Why stop drinking the mule when fall hits? This autumnal variation is ideal for when the temps start to drop: it even works as a winter cocktail for holiday gatherings, too. Here’s what you need to know!

Ingredients in an apple cider mule

The apple cider mule is a fall themed Moscow mule: or, a mule with apple cider added. But here’s the thing. You’ve got to have just enough cider so you can taste its sweet flavor, but not so much that it waters down the ginger beer and vodka. Many cider mule recipes don’t get the right blend of flavors. We tinkered with the ratios to make this apple cider mule the perfect balance of the Moscow mule elements:

  • Vodka
  • Lime
  • Apple cider
  • Ginger beer
Apple cider mule

What’s a classic Moscow mule?

The Moscow mule is a classic cocktail invented in the 1940’s. This drink may have been invented as a ploy to sell vodka, ginger beer and copper mugs. (Here’s more about the history of the mule.) The mule is part of a family of cocktails called bucks: drinks made with ginger beer or ale, citrus juice, and liquor. So a Moscow mule is a vodka buck: and this apple cider mule could technically be called a cider buck.

How to make an apple cider mule (basic steps)

The mule is one of our top easy mixed drinks because here’s the thing: you can mix it all in a glass. No cocktail shakers required! The only thing you have to actually do is juice a lime. Pour it into the glass, and you’re good to go!

  1. Pour 1/4 cup vodka, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/4 cup apple cider into a copper mug or serving glass of your choice. Add about 1/3 cup ginger beer.
  2. Add ice and garnish with lime. Done!
Apple cider mule

Tips for making it for a crowd!

Are you entertaining and don’t want to worry about measuring out each drink? Here’s what we would do:

  • Mix up 8 servings without ginger beer. That would be 2 cups vodka, 2 cups apple cider, and 1/2 cup lime juice.
  • In each copper mug, pour about 1/2 cup mixer and 1/3 cup ginger beer. The exact measurements are 4 1/2 ounces (9 tablespoons) mixer plus 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) ginger beer. But you don’t have to be that exact for an apple cider mule!

Do you have to serve a mule in a copper mug?

A traditional Moscow mule is served in a copper mug. Of course, you can serve this apple cider mule however you like! It looks great in a copper mug, but it also works in a low ball glass (try it with clear ice for a glamorous look). But there are two reasons why you’ll see this drink served in copper:

  • Drinking out of ice cold copper brings another sensory element. The copper turns ice cold with the drink, giving another element to a sip. You can really taste the difference!
  • Tradition! Back in the 1940’s, the drink was originally served in copper. Photos of Hollywood celebs drinking mules in copper mugs were all over the place. It caught on, and it’s still the traditional way to drink this cocktail!
  • Where to buy copper mugs for mules? You can use copper mugs for any type of drink, and they make great gifts, too. Here’s a link to some solid copper mugs on Amazon.
Fall moscow mule

More apple cider drinks

Apple cider is great for fall themed drinks! Here are some of our favorite ways to make boozy apple cider drinks:

  • Apple Cider Cocktail Pairs sweet cider with bourbon and lemon: the ideal fall or winter drink.
  • Apple Cider Sangria This cozy drink lets you drink sangria all season! It pairs apple cider with red wine, orange and cinnamon.
  • Apple Cider Slushie Easy to make and looks stunning: a frosty version of the tasty fall elixir.
  • Mulled Cider Perfect for entertaining! Infused with spices, you can make it in a slow cooker or on the stove.

When to serve an apple cider mule

The apple cider mule is a refreshing spin on this classic cocktail! Try it as a:

  • Fall cocktail or winter drink
  • Holiday party drink
  • Happy hour drink
  • Dinner party drink
  • Guys or girls night drink
  • Cocktail hour drink
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Apple cider mule

Apple Cider Mule


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This apple cider mule is festive and easy fall cocktail! This seasonal spin on the Moscow mule features cider and ginger beer.


Ingredients

  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) apple cider
  • 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) ginger beer
  • For the garnish: lime wedge, thyme sprig or apple slice, sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a copper mug or glass, pour in the vodka, apple cider, and lime juice. Add the ginger beer.
  2. Add ice and garnish with a lime wedge and a thyme sprig or apple slice. If desired, sprinkle with a tiny hint of cinnamon. Serve immediately.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Poured
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Apple cider cocktail, cider cocktail

Moscow mule variations

There are so many different spins on the Moscow mule: it’s hard to know where to start! Here are some of our favorite variations:

  • Kentucky Mule Switch vodka for bourbon in this spin on the classic!
  • Mexican Mule or Mezcal Mule The bite of the tequila with spicy ginger and zingy lime makes it impossible not to immediately take another sip. Or try it with a hint of smoky mezcal.
  • Irish Mule Love Irish whiskey? Use that in your mule and you’ve got the Irish version.
  • Gin Gin Mule A modern classic! It’s essentially a mashup of a bubbly Moscow mule with gin and a minty Mojito.
  • Watermelon Mule A fruity spin starring that bright pink summer fruit.

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Vegan Chai Latte

Here’s how to make a vegan chai latte as good as a coffee shop! There’s a secret to getting the perfect foam topping with dairy free milk. A great chai latte doesn’t need dairy milk. Meet the perfect Vegan Chai Latte! It’s warm and cozy spiced, lightly creamy with a fluffy foam topping. And honestly, that’s a feat! Dairy free milks can act more like water than milk. So this vegan latte: it’s a revelation! It’s just sweet enough with the perfect intrigue from the chai spices. It’s much lighter than a typical latte, so you don’t feel like you just ate a bowl of ice cream. Here’s the trick you need to know to make a vegan chai latte! How to make a vegan chai latte: the secret! So what’s a chai latte, anyway? The chai latte is a cultural fusion: it combines traditional masala chai, a milky spiced tea from India, with frothy steamed milk of a latte. This started to become popular with second wave coffee shops in the 1990s (read: Starbucks). Most coffee shop versions of chai have little left of the traditional Indian tea, making it too sweet with too many spices. This vegan chai […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Here’s how to make a vegan chai latte as good as a coffee shop! There’s a secret to getting the perfect foam topping with dairy free milk.

Chai latte

A great chai latte doesn’t need dairy milk. Meet the perfect Vegan Chai Latte! It’s warm and cozy spiced, lightly creamy with a fluffy foam topping. And honestly, that’s a feat! Dairy free milks can act more like water than milk. So this vegan latte: it’s a revelation! It’s just sweet enough with the perfect intrigue from the chai spices. It’s much lighter than a typical latte, so you don’t feel like you just ate a bowl of ice cream. Here’s the trick you need to know to make a vegan chai latte!

How to make a vegan chai latte: the secret!

So what’s a chai latte, anyway? The chai latte is a cultural fusion: it combines traditional masala chai, a milky spiced tea from India, with frothy steamed milk of a latte. This started to become popular with second wave coffee shops in the 1990s (read: Starbucks). Most coffee shop versions of chai have little left of the traditional Indian tea, making it too sweet with too many spices.

This vegan chai latte is just sweet enough, and gently spiced with a blend of chai spices. Even better, you can get that beautifully frothy top! Most vegan chai latte recipes simply add coconut whipped cream to the top as a faux foam. But this recipe actually works! The secret? Oat milk.

Foam on vegan chai latte

What’s the best milk for a vegan latte?

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! What’s the best milk for a vegan latte? Regular oat milk. Here’s why:

  • Oat milk is the best milk for frothing. It’s creamy enough so that you’re able to foam it using the traditional methods. (Almond milk does not hold up.)
  • Oat milk has the best neutral flavor. It has a lightly sweet but neutral flavor that’s closer to dairy milk than other substitutes. Coconut milk and soy milk can work for a latte, but they have a stronger flavor.

Oat milk is becoming easier to find and a more popular dairy free milk. Make sure to buy unsweetened oat milk: it has the best flavor. Plus, we’ll be adding sweetner…

The sweetener for a vegan chai latte: maple syrup

This chai latte recipe is intentionally just sweet enough: it’s not a copycat Starbucks recipe that’s packed full of sugar! But don’t worry: it’s sweet enough that it tells your taste buds that it’s a chai latte! Here are a few notes on the sweetener to use for a chai latte:

  • The best: pure maple syrup. It has just the right caramel-flavored nuance (it doesn’t taste like maple, promise).
  • Alternate: agave syrup. If you have it on hand, agave also adds gentle sweetness.
  • Optional: simple syrup. Got some on hand for cocktails? It also works for lattes.
Chai spices

DIY chai spices blend

The word chai translates to “tea” in Hindi, so saying chai tea is technically like saying “tea tea.” The more correct term for the Indian tea blend is masala chai. The word masala refers to a blend of spices used in cooking. Just like the word curry, a Westernized reduction of a complex blend of Indian spices, the word chai can oversimplify and appropriate a rich Indian cultural tradition.

Masala chai spices can include many different ingredients based on the cook, just like curry powder. This Homemade Chai Spice mix uses common chai spices, but note there are many more used regionally in Indian blends. Here’s what you’ll need for the chai spices:

  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Cardamom
  • Black pepper
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves
  • Fennel seed

Traditionally, whole spices are simmered with water and tea to make make masala chai: like whole cinnamon sticks and cloves. This chai spice blend is a shortcut by using ground spices that you might already have in your pantry. It makes the process quicker and easier, and also lets you use the leftover spice blend for baked goods like cookies and muffins.

Vegan chai latte

How to froth milk for a vegan chai latte

Here’s the thing: frothing milk for a vegan chai latter is a little different than with dairy milk. The main difference? You can over-froth the oat milk. That’s right: if you froth too much, it will deflate. Keep in mind that the foam is not quite as creamy as you get with 2% or dairy milk, because there’s less milk fat. Here’s what to know about how to froth non dairy milk:

  • Heat the milk to 150 degrees (scalding). The temperature is important for the perfect frothy foam. Use a candy thermometer if you have one. Or, eyeball it: 150 degrees is hot to the touch with some small bubbles starting to form on the outside, but it’s not yet simmering.
  • Use a French press, hand frother, or whisk. We used our French press and it worked great. You can also use a hand frother. If you don’t have any fancy gadgets, you can vigorously whisk the milk.
  • Do not overwhip! Here’s the important part: don’t go too far! With our French press we needed only 25 pumps (compared to 100 pumps for 2% milk). Pump or froth just until you see it becoming fluffy. If you go past that point, the froth will deflate.

Want a regular latte with dairy milk? We got that too. Go to Perfect Chai Latte.

Dairy free chai latte

Serving your vegan chai latte

And that’s it! Make your masala chai (see below), then mix in that frothed milk. You’ve got a beautiful vegan chai latte with actual foam, thanks to the oat milk! No need to make extra vegan whipped cream. We like to add a sprinkle of chai spices on top as a finishing touch.

*Want to make vegan chai lattes to order throughout the week? Make a big batch of the spiced tea and refrigerate. When you’re craving a latte, warm up 3/4 cup of the tea, then froth the 1/2 cup milk.

This recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based and dairy-free.

Print
Chai latte

Perfect Vegan Chai Latte


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large or 2 small lates
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Here’s how to make a vegan chai latte as good as a coffee shop! There’s a secret to getting the perfect foam topping with dairy free milk.


Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon Homemade Chai Spices
  • 1 1/2 cups regular oat milk (unflavored)
  • 1 bag black tea (or 1 teaspoon loose leaf black tea in a tea strainer)
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or simple syrup)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium high heat, whisk together chai spices, 1 cup of oat milk and the tea bag and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and allow it to rest for 1 minute. Then strain through a fine mesh strainer* into one or two mugs (one for a large latte and two for small).
  2. Rinse the saucepan. Add the remaining 1/2 cup milk and maple syrup. Heat the milk to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (measure using a thermometer): this is hot with some small bubbles forming around the outside, but not simmering. The exact temperature is helpful for getting the perfect foam (if you don’t have a thermometer you can approximate).
  3. Use hand frother, whisk, or french press to foam the milk. The french press is our favorite method: Add the scalding milk to the french press and pump vigorously until frothy, about 25 times. Do not overwhip, as the foam will deflate!
  4. Pour the milk and foam evenly between the mugs (or into 1 mug). Sprinkle with additional chai spices and serve.

Notes

*You can skip straining if desired: the spices will settle to the bottom of the drink.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Vegan chai latte, how to make a vegan chai latte

More cozy drinks

Here are a few more vegan drinks that are perfect for cool weather! Make sure to try:

  • Vegan Hot Chocolate There’s no need for a packaged mix if you’re craving hot cocoa! This homemade vegan hot chocolate is easy, refined sugar free, and tastes incredible.
  • Mulled Cider Infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves, you can make it in a slow cooker or on the stove.
  • Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee This vegan pumpkin spiced coffee is perfect for when cozy pumpkin season starts.

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Cinnamon Apple Smoothie

This cinnamon-spiced apple smoothie is creamy and irresistibly tasty! It’s full of natural sweetness and packed with protein. Here’s a smoothie that’s full of cozy spiced, naturally sweet flavor: the perfect Apple Smoothie! This one works anytime and in any season. But of course it’s perfect for fall when you’ve got mounds of apples to use up. In fact, it’s a healthy way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie or apple crumble! Cinnamon and vanilla are just the right compliment to the sweet tart fruit. It’s also loaded with protein from Greek yogurt, which gives it just the right creamy texture. You’ll almost feel like you’re drinking an apple pie milkshake…but a wholesome version! Let’s go. Ingredients in this apple smoothie The great thing about this apple smoothie? You might already have the ingredients on hand. If you stock bananas and Greek yogurt like we do, you’ll be able to whip up this smoothie in no time. Here’s what you’ll need: Apples: You can use any variety! For the best flavor, use sweet tart apples like Honey Crisp or Granny Smith (stay away from Red Delicious here). Banana: No need to freeze it: you can use a room temperature […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This cinnamon-spiced apple smoothie is creamy and irresistibly tasty! It’s full of natural sweetness and packed with protein.

Apple smoothie

Here’s a smoothie that’s full of cozy spiced, naturally sweet flavor: the perfect Apple Smoothie! This one works anytime and in any season. But of course it’s perfect for fall when you’ve got mounds of apples to use up. In fact, it’s a healthy way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie or apple crumble! Cinnamon and vanilla are just the right compliment to the sweet tart fruit. It’s also loaded with protein from Greek yogurt, which gives it just the right creamy texture. You’ll almost feel like you’re drinking an apple pie milkshake…but a wholesome version! Let’s go.

Ingredients in this apple smoothie

The great thing about this apple smoothie? You might already have the ingredients on hand. If you stock bananas and Greek yogurt like we do, you’ll be able to whip up this smoothie in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Apples: You can use any variety! For the best flavor, use sweet tart apples like Honey Crisp or Granny Smith (stay away from Red Delicious here).
  • Banana: No need to freeze it: you can use a room temperature banana! If you do have one frozen, that will work too.
  • Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds lots of protein to this smoothie, and live probiotics which help gut health.
  • Milk: Use any type of milk, including non-dairy milk
  • Ice: Ice helps to get just the right texture. Note that this smoothie is more creamy than icy.
  • Vanilla and cinnamon: These bring in that apple pie flavor!
Apple smoothie

It’s great naturally sweet, or add a bit of maple syrup

This apple smoothie tastes fantastic with no added sweetener: it’s perfectly sweet tart! However, the flavor can depend on the ripeness of the fruit and your personal tastes. Take a taste, and if you’d like it sweeter, add a bit of maple syrup or honey. This is a nice option if you’re looking for a sweet treat to take the place of a dessert.

Start with 1/2 tablespoon in the blender, and increase if you need more. You may want to stir it in instead of blend, because if you over-blend the texture can get too liquid.

Vegan variation

Want to make this apple smoothie vegan? Try our Green Apple Smoothie recipe! It pairs green apple and cashews to make a beautifully sweet tart vegan smoothie. The cashews add plant-based protein to help it stay satiating and keep you full.

Apple smoothie

More flavor variations!

This apple smoothie tastes amazing as is. But if you’d like it mix it up even more, we’ve got answers! Here are some ideas for fun variations on the theme:

  • Ginger: Add 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger to the mix for a spicy brightness.
  • Spices: Add 1/8 teaspoon allspice or nutmeg. Even better, replace the cinnamon with equal parts Pumpkin Pie Spice or Chai Spices.
  • Oats: Add whole grains by throwing in 1/2 cup rolled oats.
  • Pecans, cashews or almonds: Throw in 1/4 cup nuts to add a nutty undertone and even more plant-based protein.
  • Nut butter: Or add 1 to 2 tablespoons almond butter, peanut butter or cashew butter.
Apple smoothie

Apples nutrition

Apples are very good for you and full of nutrients! Here’s a little breakdown on some of the top benefits (Source: Healthline).

  • Apples are a good source of vitamin C: 1 apple contains 14% of your daily needs
  • They are full of fiber and water: 1 apple has 4 grams fiber or about 15% of your daily needs
  • Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic and helps with gut health
  • Most of the nutrients in apples are in the skin, so you should eat the skin as much as possible. That’s why we included the skin in this apple smoothie.

This apple smoothie is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based and dairy-free, see the variation above.

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Apple smoothie

Cinnamon Apple Smoothie


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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 small smoothies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This cinnamon-spiced apple smoothie is creamy and irresistibly tasty! It’s full of natural sweetness and packed with protein.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh apple chunks (skin on, about 1 large or 2 small apples)
  • 1 ripe banana (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup milk (or almond milk or oat milk)
  • 8 ice cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (we liked ours without sweetener)

Instructions

  1. Chop the apple. Place all ingredients in a blender, breaking the banana into pieces. Blend until creamy and frothy, stopping and scraping down the sides as necessary. If desired, garnish with an apple slice. Serve immediately or store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for 1 day.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Smoothies

Keywords: Apple smoothie

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes