Start your day with a bright yellow smoothie that packs real flavor. This Turmeric Ginger blend smoothie uses stone-ground turmeric and ginger for a warming, citrusy drink you can make in under five minutes.
Turmeric Ginger
Turmeric Ginger tea is among the best tea for health. This herbal...
The base is simple: frozen mango, a banana, and our Turmeric Ginger tea blend steeped in a small amount of hot water. That steep step pulls out the earthy turmeric and spicy ginger notes, which mellow when blended with coconut milk and honey. The result is a creamy smoothie with a subtle golden color and a flavor that does not need masking.
Why This Smoothie Works
Turmeric and ginger have been used together in traditional wellness practices for centuries. They pair well because turmeric is earthy and slightly bitter, while ginger adds heat and brightness. This blend includes lemongrass, orange peel, lemon peel, and black pepper, which round out the flavor and help the turmeric taste less medicinal.
Frozen fruit keeps the smoothie cold and thick without ice. Mango is sweet enough to balance the spices. Banana adds body. Coconut milk ties everything together with a hint of richness.
Ingredient Notes
Use Turmeric Ginger loose-leaf tea. This blend has turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, orange peel, lemon peel, and black peppercorn already mixed, so you do not need to measure individual spices. The black pepper in the blend helps your body use the turmeric more effectively.
Frozen mango is the best fruit choice here. Mango is naturally sweet and creamy when blended, and it does not overpower the spices. Frozen pineapple or peaches work too, but they are more tart.
Full-fat coconut milk from a can gives the smoothie the best texture. Light coconut milk works but tastes thinner. You can use almond milk or oat milk instead, though the flavor will be less rich.
Honey or maple syrup sweetens the smoothie without adding refined sugar. Start with one tablespoon and taste. Depending on how ripe your banana is, you might not need any sweetener at all.
Ingredients
For the Tea Base
- 1 tablespoon Turmeric Ginger tea blend (loose leaf)
- 1/4 cup hot water (just off the boil)
For the Smoothie
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 medium ripe banana (peeled)
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes (optional, for extra thickness)
Instructions
Steep the Tea
- Place 1 tablespoon of Turmeric Ginger tea blend in a small bowl or mug. Pour 1/4 cup hot water over the tea.
- Let steep for 5 minutes. You want a strong, concentrated tea.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl. Discard the tea leaves. Let the tea cool for 2-3 minutes, or place the bowl in the fridge to speed up cooling.
Blend the Smoothie
- Add the cooled tea, frozen mango chunks, banana, coconut milk, and honey to a blender.
- Blend on high for 30-45 seconds, until the smoothie is completely smooth. Scrape down the sides if needed and blend again.
- Taste and add more honey if you want it sweeter. Add ice cubes and blend again if you want it thicker.
- Pour into a glass and drink immediately, or transfer to a bowl and add toppings.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Pour this smoothie into a bowl and top it with granola, sliced banana, shredded coconut, and a drizzle of honey. Add chia seeds or hemp hearts for extra protein.
Drink it straight from a glass with breakfast. It pairs well with eggs, avocado toast, or oatmeal.
Make a double batch and store the extra in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake it before drinking, as the turmeric will settle.
Variations
Add a handful of spinach or kale for a green smoothie that still tastes like fruit. The turmeric and ginger mask the vegetal flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of coconut milk for a thicker, tangier smoothie. Add a splash of orange juice if it gets too thick to blend.
Swap the banana for half an avocado. This makes the smoothie creamier and less sweet.
Add a pinch of Ceylon Cinnamon or Green Cardamom Seeds for a chai-like flavor.
Ceylon Cinnamon - Ground
Ground Cinnamon Cinnamon has a long history of be used as both...
If you want more heat, add a small piece of fresh ginger root (about half an inch, peeled) directly to the blender.
Green Cardamom Seeds
Green Cardamom Seeds are pre-extracted seeds from a select few Whole Green...
Tips for the Best Results
Steep the tea in just enough hot water to cover the leaves (about 1/4 cup). You want a concentrated tea, not a full cup. Steeping for 5 minutes pulls out the most flavor. If you steep longer, the turmeric can taste chalky.
Blend on high for at least 30 seconds. Turmeric can clump if the smoothie is not fully mixed. You want a completely smooth texture with no grainy bits.
Rinse your blender immediately after pouring out the smoothie. Turmeric stains plastic, so the faster you rinse it, the less yellow residue you will have to scrub later.
If the smoothie is too thick, add coconut milk or water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you want. If it is too thin, add more frozen fruit or a few ice cubes and blend again.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
Yes. Steep the tea and let it cool completely, then store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to blend, combine the cold tea with the rest of the ingredients. The smoothie itself keeps in the fridge for 24 hours but tastes best fresh.
Can I use fresh turmeric and ginger instead of the tea blend?
You can, but the flavor will be different. Fresh turmeric root has a sharper, more peppery taste than dried. If you use fresh, peel and grate about one inch of turmeric root and half an inch of ginger root, then blend them directly into the smoothie. You will miss the citrus notes from the lemongrass and orange peel in the Turmeric Ginger blend.
Is this smoothie spicy?
Not spicy like a chili pepper. The ginger adds a mild warming heat that most people find pleasant. If you are sensitive to ginger, start with half a tablespoon of the tea blend and work your way up.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes. Maple syrup, agave nectar, or a pitted date all work. If you use a date, add it to the blender with the other ingredients. Stevia works too, but use it sparingly (a few drops) since it is much sweeter than honey.
What if I do not have frozen mango?
Frozen pineapple, peaches, or a mix of berries all work. Mango is the mildest and creamiest option, but other fruits blend well with the turmeric and ginger. If you use berries, the smoothie will turn more orange than golden yellow.