Everyone loves smoothies–they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. But why is it that they are never served in catering halls or upscale dining? I’m not really sure, but I’m all about setting new trends and hereby declare adding smoothie shots to a regular cocktail hour menu. When I say shots, I don’t mean alcoholic, unless that’s your style. I mean offering small, shot-sized samples of various types of smoothies, both to cleanse the palette and savor the sweet tooth of many. With far fewer calories than dense fried food and real fruit in every serving, it’s without a doubt the most innovative and delicious treat that will have your guests raving.

Now, this isn’t to say that smoothies should be the only item on the menu. I recommend things like spinach puffs, zucchini fritters, latkas, spring rolls, samosas, dumplings, or anything else your big vegan heart desires. If you want to include some junk food, you can always have vegan mini hotdogs, mini pizzas, and mozzarella sticks. This will help lower costs, especially if you were thinking of including a specialty vegan cheese charcuterie board. When catering to mostly non-vegan guests, it’s important to offer a diversified menu, and squash some negative myths associated with veganism at any chance you get. What better way to promote a cruelty-free lifestyle than with scrumptious food that aligns with it?

Okay, on to the smoothies! Here are my top six absolute favorite smoothie recipes that are sure to knock your socks off, every time. I would recommend creating the smoothies in small batches to keep your guests wanting more, leaving them excited to try all the flavors you have.

Summer themed:

Creamsicle Smoothie

  • 4 ripe nectarines peeled
  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Splash of orange juice
  • 1 tsp hemp seeds
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • Handful of ice

Can’t Beet This

  • 2 frozen bananas
  • 1.5 cups unsweetened almond chocolate milk
  • 1 tbs beet powder
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • Lots of ice cubes

Cherry…Cherry Baby

  • Almond and coconut milk blend
  • Frozen dark sweet cherries
  • 3 frozen bananas
  • 2 tsp nut butter
  • Coconut whipped-cream on top

Winter-themed:

Veg-nog

  • 1 banana
  • Coconut Milk + water
  • Handful of oats
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • ½ tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cacao powder

Coconut Green 

  • 1 ripe frozen banana
  • ½-1 cup coconut milk
  • 4 clementine, peeled and strings removed
  • Handful of greens (recommended spinach)
  • Handful of ice cubes

What Are They Selling, Chocolate?

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1.5 cups unsweetened almond/soy milk
  • 1 cup frozen kale
  • 3 pitted dates
  • 2 tbsp cocoa/cacao powder (your choice)
  • ¼-½ avocado to add thickness
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • A few ice cubes to perfect desired thickness (more ice + blend= thicker smoothie)

I thought it was important to include smoothie ideas for different seasons, so you could serve the most appropriate flavors. These are some of my favorite smoothies, and definitely don’t wait for a certain time of year to roll around to give me a reason to make them. With that, feel free to explore what flavors scream, “Yum!” to you the loudest.

I genuinely hope you are able to add these smoothie shots into your party. They aren’t only suitable for cocktail hour, but for the kid’s parties or girl’s night in, too.

Let me know which smoothie is your favorite down below! Happy blending

Xo, Susie