This immensely refreshing smoothie encompasses an entire gradient of pinks and reds, from lush azalea hued watermelon to deep crimson pomegranate. I always feel healthier when sipping this smoothie; I can’t be certain whether this is from the actual bounty of antioxidants found in the ingredient list or is simply a placebo effect enhanced by the knowledge that I’m consuming something chock full of vitamins. The heady combination of sweet and tart is permeated with a slight heat from the fresh ginger; I often add 3 times as much as I have specified here, begin with a modest amount and work your way upwards if you’re inclined. I usually have a pitcher of rotating fruit teas in the fridge and I have discovered that raspberry and blueberry teas are also excellent choices for this drink (a mild green tea is also lovely and pairs very well with the ginger.) I will often have at least 1 of the fruits listed below frozen, just add a handful or 2 of ice if your ingredients are coming straight from the counter or crisper.
pink and red smoothie:
1 heaping cup of watermelon, cut into chunks
1/2 cup of strawberries, hulled and cut in half
1/2 cup of raspberries
1 cup of cold cranberry herbal tea
1/4 cup of pomegranate juice
About a 1 cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 4 pieces
1 cup of ice (optional)
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blitz until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses (0r 1 and save some for later) and enjoy!
More often than not I make this smoothie for myself first thing in the morning before work and such a happy beverage deserves some equally bright retro pop to accompany it. This is my favourite song by The Zombies, I love them all very much but this is my best play-it-all-the-time track (which is good, because if I listen to it in the morning I have the apartment to myself and can put it on 6 times in a row without fear of annoying other people.) The lyrics are inarguably melancholy but, as always, The Zombies have managed to set them to definitely sunny music.
The Zombies – Brief Candles
