This cranberry clementine smoothie is bright, refreshing, and naturally sweetened, making it a perfect choice for winter mornings or a nourishing snack. Made with whole fresh cranberries, ripe banana, and juicy clementine, it delivers a beautiful balance of tangy and sweet flavors with a creamy texture—all without dairy or refined sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This smoothie is quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. It uses whole, fresh cranberries, which are often overlooked, and turns them into a vibrant, drinkable treat. It’s naturally sweetened with fruit and a touch of maple syrup, completely vegan, gluten-free, and ready in minutes. The result is a creamy yet refreshing smoothie that feels energizing and comforting at the same time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk (soy milk recommended; oat or almond milk also work well)
1 cup whole, fresh cranberries
1 medium banana, fully ripe and frozen
1 large clementine, peeled and separated into segments
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 cup ice, optional, depending on desired thickness and chill
Directions
Add the plant milk to a high-speed blender first to help with smooth blending. Add the fresh cranberries, frozen banana, clementine segments, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding a little more maple syrup. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash of plant milk. If you prefer it colder or thicker, add ice and blend again. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 standard glasses of smoothie.
Preparation time is approximately 5 minutes.
Blending time is about 1 to 2 minutes.
Total time from start to finish is around 6 to 8 minutes.
Variations
You can customize this smoothie easily to suit your preferences. Add one tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra fiber. For a richer, creamier texture, blend in a scoop of unsweetened coconut yogurt. To turn this into a smoothie bowl, reduce the plant milk to about 3/4 cup and serve topped with fresh fruit or seeds. If you prefer a milder tartness, you can freeze the cranberries beforehand, which slightly softens their sharp flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, right after blending. If needed, you can store it in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking, as separation may occur. Reheating is not recommended, as this recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well and can slightly reduce the tartness while also making the smoothie colder and thicker.
Is this smoothie very tart?
It has a pleasant tang from the cranberries, but the banana, clementine, and maple syrup balance it nicely. You can always add more sweetener if needed.
What plant milk works best for this recipe?
Soy milk and oat milk provide the creamiest texture, but almond milk also works if you prefer a lighter smoothie.
Do I have to use a frozen banana?
A frozen banana is recommended for creaminess. If using a fresh banana, add extra ice to achieve a similar texture.
Can I make this smoothie without maple syrup?
Yes, you can omit the maple syrup if your banana is very ripe or replace it with dates or another natural sweetener.
Is this smoothie suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s naturally sweetened and made with whole fruits, making it a great option for kids.
Can I prepare this smoothie ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge for up to one day.
How can I make it more filling?
Add a tablespoon of nut butter, chia seeds, or a scoop of plant-based protein powder to make it more satisfying.
Can I turn this into a smoothie bowl?
Yes, simply reduce the liquid and blend until thick, then serve in a bowl with your favorite toppings.
Is this smoothie good for winter?
Absolutely. The bright citrus flavor and nourishing ingredients make it especially refreshing and enjoyable during winter months.
Conclusion
This cranberry clementine smoothie is a simple, nourishing way to enjoy whole fresh cranberries in a modern, refreshing form. With minimal prep, natural sweetness, and vibrant flavor, it’s an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again—whether for breakfast, a snack, or a quick boost of energy.
A bright and refreshing cranberry clementine smoothie made with whole fruits, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and entirely vegan. Perfect for a nourishing breakfast or energizing snack.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk (soy, oat, or almond)
1 cup whole, fresh cranberries
1 medium banana, fully ripe and frozen
1 large clementine, peeled and segmented
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 cup ice, optional
Instructions
Pour plant milk into a high-speed blender.
Add cranberries, frozen banana, clementine, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired.
For a colder or thicker smoothie, add ice and blend again.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Use frozen cranberries to reduce tartness and chill the smoothie further.
For added nutrition, include chia seeds, flaxseed, or nut butter.
Omit maple syrup if using very ripe banana or substitute with dates.
To make a smoothie bowl, reduce plant milk to 3/4 cup and top with fruit or seeds.
