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Feeling tired or rushed? Try this tangy cranberry and orange drink that wakes up your taste buds fast. You can go creamy if you're in the mood. It’s packed with vitamin C and real fruit, and fixes those busy mornings or snack cravings in about five minutes flat.
First time I blended this up was for guests during the holidays—everyone gulped it down quick. Now it’s my favorite pick-me-up as soon as oranges are in season or when the clouds won’t go away.
Delicious Ingredients
- Frozen cranberries: go for whole berries with no sugar added—these bring the tart kick that goes perfectly with oranges
- Oranges: pick sweet navel or cara cara kinds because they’re easy to peel and super delicious
- Orange juice or ginger kombucha: both add a punch of flavor Use the freshest OJ or swap kombucha for extra zip
- Optional yogurt almond or cashew milk: toss this in if you want more creaminess and an extra bit of protein Unsweetened ones taste best
- Vanilla extract: just a splash gives a smooth, tasty background Always use real vanilla if you can
Simple Instructions
- Chill or Serve:
- Pour it out right away for best flavor, or stash in the fridge for one day. If it splits, don’t worry—just give it a stir before sipping.
- Make Creamier:
- Blend in yogurt almond or cashew milk if you want it richer and extra smooth. Skip the kombucha in this version.
- Tweak the Taste:
- Give it a taste. Not sweet enough? Add some honey, agave, or maple syrup, then whiz it again for a second.
- Blend it Up:
- Start slow on your blender, then turn it up high. Let it go for about a minute for silky results. If your blender isn’t super strong, pause to stir a couple of times.
- Fill the Blender:
- Put oranges in first, then frozen cranberries, juice or kombucha, and finally vanilla. This helps everything mix smoothly.
- Prep Your Fruit:
- Peel your oranges really well and cut each into quarters. Take off as much of the white stringy stuff as possible so it won’t taste bitter.
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I adore cranberries all winter—they make every smoothie and dessert pop with flavor. There are so many memories of whipping this up after cold family walks and loving that sharp, fruity smell in our kitchen.
Keep It Fresh
Leftovers keep just fine in the fridge for about a day. Use a tight jar and give it a shake before you drink it. For longer, freeze in silicone cubes—reblend with juice any time you want one fast.
Easy Swaps
No frozen cranberries around? Frozen cherries work great for tartness and color. For an extra creamy drink, sub in coconut yogurt or oat milk. Want more zing? A little grated ginger or a quick squeeze of lime really perks it up.
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How to Serve
Tastes awesome solo, but also good with whole grain toast. Make it feel special at brunch with mint or some orange zest on top. It’s a hit served in little glasses alongside fruit or muffins for breakfast spreads.
Cranberries: A Colorful Story
These berries are native to North America and have been enjoyed since way back—eaten fresh or dried for hundreds of years. Early settlers used them for health, too. Today you’ll find them in everything from sauces and drinks to sweet bakes—they connect us to tradition and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Totally! Go for fresh cranberries. Toss in some ice if you want your drink to be nice and chilly.
- → What can I use instead of kombucha?
Try swapping in orange juice for kombucha. It’ll keep things zesty and boost that citrus punch.
- → How can I make this smoothie creamier?
Change things up with yogurt, or pour in some almond or cashew milk for a creamier blend.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
If your shake’s a bit tart, just mix in some agave, maple syrup, or honey till it tastes right.
- → How long does the smoothie stay fresh?
It’s best straight away, but you can stash it in the fridge and drink within a day.