There's A Right Way To Layer Ingredients When Making Frozen Drinks

You find yourself craving an irresistible frozen smoothie. It's consistently creamy and smoothly cascades down your throat, just like the perfected ones from your favorite local smoothie shop. The good news is, replicating this magic at home is possible, and the key is mastering the right way to layer ingredients when making your frozen drinks. 

Every great dish or drink starts with a solid foundation; your frozen drinks are no exception. First, pour your chosen liquid — coconut water, almond milk, your favorite juice, or just water — into the blender, making liquid your first layer. It's also the easiest ingredient to incorporate, kick-starting the entire blending process. Next, add lighter components, like leaf vegetables or juicy fruits, and then top with frozen fruits or ice, or both. If your refrigerator has the "crushed ice" option, use crushed ice instead of ice cubes. Finally, start the blender on low to medium power versus high. 

While it may be tempting to drop the frozen fruits or ice into the blender first, resist the urge. Doing so might overwhelm the blender's blades and motor, resulting in a less smooth beverage or even blender damage. And when thick and goopy ingredients are added first, like avocadoes and bananas, the blades may be hindered from spinning. Layering ingredients incorrectly can lead to inconsistent blending, uneven texture, and unwanted, hard-to-swallow chunks. Thus, layering correctly ensures effective blending, where ingredients move efficiently in an Instagram-worthy smoothie whirlpool.

To elevate your drink, consider adding ice cream, yogurt, black sesame, or nut butter for added creaminess. The creamy additions can go after the leafy and lightweight components. Natural sweeteners, like agave syrup, maple syrup, or sweetened condensed milk, can also be added to satisfy those with a sweet tooth and go into the blender after your liquid layer. For those who prefer their drinks not too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt or even a teaspoon of red or white miso to balance the sweetness.