National Smoothie Day has been celebrated in the US since the mid-1980s when smoothies became popular. Sure, it started as a trend in the US, but now it’s celebrated globally. If not anything, the occasion gives you a chance to enjoy a smoothie. The thick and healthy concoction is a refreshing cold drink made by blending fruits and vegetables with yoghurt or ice cream. Smoothies are a great way to get the daily portion of nutrients of fruits and vegetables in one delicious cup, glass or bowl. People often get confused between smoothies and milkshakes. Both beverages are slightly diverse in terms of consistency and preparation. A milkshake is a dairy-based drink made with milk, ice cream, fruits and flavoured syrup. On the other hand, smoothies are more healthy in nature and are made with both fruits and vegetables blended with ingredients like yoghurt and seeds.
The best thing about this beverage is that it is customisable, as smoothies can be sweet, creamy and even spicy. You can create smoothies by mixing additional ingredients like protein powder or spinach and kale for added nutrition.
t2 checked out a dozen F&B outlets — in Calcutta — that serve yummy smoothies.
What: Mango Super Bowl
Where: This sunny bowl of goodness is available in both the outlets of Marbella’s (Woodburn Park and Hindustan Park).
The smoothie — served in a bowl — is made by blending frozen mango, bananas and green apple and garnished with fresh dragon fruit, mango, granola and assorted mixed seeds to give that extra dose of goodness. Price: Rs 425
What: Popcorn Caramel Smoothie
Where: You can get your favourite popcorn caramel flavour in a smoothie at SageBistro & Bakery in Bhowanipore.
This blonde smoothie is made by blending vanilla Greek yoghurt with honey, popcorn syrup and caramel sauce and garnished with popcorn with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. Price: Rs 285
What: Drogon
Where: Yet another smoothie in a bowl, it is made with blue spirulina (spirulina is an algae-based superfood powder), nut butter, banana, almond milk, dragon fruit blended together and garnished with watermelon slices, scooped dragon fruit and watermelon seeds. Available at The Daily Café (Satyen Dutta Road). Price: Rs 295/345
What: Blueberry Smoothie
Where: Drunken Teddy on Chowringhee serves this pretty pink smoothie made with hung curd blended with fresh blueberries, honey to sweeten, roasted almond flakes for nuttiness, coconut milk and garnished with mint leaves and topped with frozen blueberries. Price: Rs 349
What: Tropical Fruit Smoothie
Where: The serene alfresco dining at Elgin Road, Romaania, has the Tropical Fruit Smoothie made with fresh pineapple, mango, banana, kiwi and raspberry to add that touch of tropical colour to the drink. Price: Rs 279
What: Date and Walnut Smoothie
Where: The skybar at Park Street, LMNO_Q has delicious Date and Walnut smoothie on its menu. The healthy smoothie is made using yoghurt infused with dates, sweetened with jaggery, dusted with cinnamon and frappe powder and blended with toasted walnuts. It’s a smoothie to try in winter too. Price: Rs 320
What: Pina Colada Smoothie
Where: Apart from great coffee, Bunaphile in Hindustan Park also serves smoothies like the exotic Pina Colada Smoothie, made by blending oats, bananas, yoghurt, pineapple, milk, honey and maple syrup together. Price: Rs 229
What: Green Detox Smoothie Bowl
Where: Craft Coffee Experience Centre in Ballygunge has crafted smoothie bowls like this detox smoothie made with spinach blended with avocado, and seasonal fruits and topped with granola, multigrain seeds and nuts. Price: Rs 450
What: Orange Mint Smoothie
Where: The Russian café at Lansdowne Terrace, Milee Droog serves this citrusy smoothie made by blending fresh orange, honey, curd, milk and mint leaves; served chilled. Price: Rs 199
What: The Green Fix
Where: Green is good, so Poach, the pretty café in Ballygunge, has the ultimate green smoothie made with frozen kiwi, frozen bananas, passion fruit puree and coconut milk blended together and garnished with sliced kiwi and mint leaves. Price: Rs 375
What: Classic Tiramisu Smoothie
Where: Blended with biscuits and coffee together with a layer of creamy mascarpone and dusted with cocoa powder, this classic Italian dessert-flavoured smoothie is available at Fabbrica, Salt Lake. Price: Rs 275
What: Spinach Smoothie
Where: A 19th-century bungalow at Sarat Bose Road, The Corner Courtyard, is serving Popeye’s energy drink as a smoothie by blending baby spinach with almond milk, yoghurt, honey and soaked chia seeds to give you that green powerpacked drink. Price: Rs 229