Lazy Day Tropical Shake

by Crystal on August 10, 2012

Guest post by Brigette Shevy

This thick, creamy, refreshing shake is the perfect recipe for the long, hot summer afternoons. It’s a healthy version of “Pina-Colada meets Orange Julius,” combining some of my all-time favorite flavors.

So many possibilities here… try using coconut milk for the milk, or adding in some Greek yogurt. I’ve even made this into a green smoothie by throwing in some spinach. If you’re not a coconut lover, leave out the optional shredded coconut and substitute vanilla extract for the coconut extract.

I seriously like this shake so much, though, that the only reason I always keep coconut extract on hand is so that I can make this recipe whenever I want.

It’s that good!

Feel free to add in some sweetener, but promise me you won’t do that until you’ve tasted it first!

Lazy Day Tropical Shake

makes 2 servings

1 ripe banana, cut into pieces and frozen for several hours
1 cup pineapple chunks, frozen for several hours (you can use fresh or canned)
3 Tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
½ cup milk (any kind will work)
½ cup pineapple juice (using canned pineapple makes it easy especially if you’re using canned pineapple — but you can also substitute water if you’d like)
2 Tablespoons shredded coconut, optional
1 teaspoon coconut extract
6 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients on high in a Vita-Mix or high-powered blender. Garnish with additional shredded coconut or orange slices, if desired.

Brigette is a full-time wife and mother who is blessed with three amazing bundles of energy (ages 5, 3 and 1). She enjoys music, experimenting in the kitchen, homeschooling her children, finding great deals, long-distance running, and anything chocolate.

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{ 7 comments... read them below or add one }

Mandy August 10, 2012 at 03:30 pm

I was wondering how much orange is supposed to go in the recipe? It says at the bottom to add additional coconut or orange slices for garnish but does not call for oranges in the recipe.
- Amy August 10, 2012 at 04:11 pm
  
  I think the only orange it is supposed to get is the 3TBS orange juice concentrate and the extra shredded coconut and orange slices are just for garnish….
Robin August 10, 2012 at 03:59 pm

I love smoothies, will have to try this one. My “normal” is a banana, a handful of strawberries, and some milk. It amazes me that people think they have to use an expensive blender to make smoothies, though. My Oster (~$30) has been going strong for 5 years, and makes a mean smoothie!
- Stephanie August 10, 2012 at 08:43 pm
  
  I destroyed four cheap blenders making smoothies- I’m glad some has better luck
Charity August 10, 2012 at 07:12 pm

Oh my! This sounds delicious! My mouth is watering
- Nancy August 10, 2012 at 09:52 pm
  
  I make something like this but add about teaspoon of fresh ginger, gives it a terrific zing!
  
  As for the blender, I too had an Oster but hated using it, hard to clean, leaked everywhere and took forever to make a decent smoothie. I love my “high-powered” blender and use for tons of things beyond just smoothies and coffee frappes. To each his own.
Sara W August 11, 2012 at 09:24 am

I am definitely making this!! looks so delicious.