By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 3, 2023 | Last Updated on November 9, 2023
Looking for a refreshing and healthful drink to kickstart your day or to enjoy as a midday pick-me-up? Look no further than the Costco Berry Smoothie recipe. This delightful beverage perfectly combines the tangy sweetness of mixed berries with the crispness of apple juice.
The addition of ice gives it a wonderfully frosty texture that’s incredibly refreshing, while a touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits. This drink lets you take advantage of all the fresh berries available in the summertime. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make. Read on for our recipe and step-by-step instructions!
What is a Costco berry smoothie?
A Costco berry smoothie is a blended beverage made with mixed berries, apple juice, ice, and sugar. It’s inspired by the popular drink served at the food courts of Costco stores. This delicious and refreshing treat has a delightful mix of tartness and sweetness that makes it incredibly satisfying.
It’s also full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients, making it a healthy treat. This drink is a great way to get your daily dose of fruit without having to eat a boring and unappetizing bowl of cereal. Plus, it can be made in no time.
How did I first get introduced to the Costco berry smoothie?
I first got introduced to the Costco berry smoothie when I was visiting my aunt and uncle who live near a Costco store. During our visit, they suggested that we try the Costco berry smoothie sold at the food court in their local store. Out of curiosity, I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised with how delicious and refreshing it was.
I instantly fell in love with the tangy sweetness of the mixed berries and apple juice combination. It was also really cool because it was nice and frosty from the ice, making it perfect for a hot summer day. After that experience, I was determined to make my own version of this fantastic smoothie at home.
Since then, I’ve been making Costco berry smoothies quite often. I love the fact that it’s so easy to make and that it always tastes great. It takes less than five minutes to prepare all the ingredients, then just blend everything and, voila! You have a delicious and healthy drink that you can enjoy any time of day.
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Ingredients that you’ll need
- Frozen mixed berries: Berries are the star of a Costco Berry Smoothie, providing not only vibrant color but also a burst of refreshing, fruity flavor. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins which make your smoothie a healthy choice.
- Apple juice: Apple juice adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the tanginess of the berries. It also contributes to the overall liquid content that’s necessary for blending the smoothie.
- Icee: Ice is crucial for giving your smoothie a thick, frosty texture that’s so characteristic of a perfect smoothie. Plus, it helps keep the drink chilled for a longer time.
- Sugar: Sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits, making the smoothie more palatable. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference for sweetness.
How to make a Costco berry smoothie?
Making a Costco berry smoothie is so easy and will take only a few minutes of your time. All you have to do is assemble the ingredients, put them in a blender, and blend until everything is combined.
The combination of all the ingredients makes for an incredibly flavorful drink that’s both sweet and tangy. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference. With this simple recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and nutritious drink anytime you want!
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Put the frozen berries, apple juice, ice, and sugar into a blender.
This is your initial step where you start combining all the ingredients. Start with the frozen mixed berries that form the essence of this smoothie, providing a vibrant color and fruity flavor. Next, add the apple juice that offers a hint of sweetness and balances the tanginess of the berries. Follow this by adding ice that will give your smoothie a frosty texture and keep it chilled.
Lastly, add sugar to enhance the overall sweetness of your smoothie. Make sure all these ingredients are added to a high-quality blender that can efficiently blend them.
Step 2: Securely close the lid on the blender and blend
Once you’ve added all the ingredients, securely place the lid on the blender. This is crucial to prevent any messy splatters while blending. Now, blend the ingredients until they’re fully combined. The aim here is to achieve a thick, creamy texture that’s characteristic of a perfect smoothie. Be patient and blend until there are no chunks of fruit or ice left.
Step 3: Pour the smoothie into glasses and enjoy.
After you’ve achieved the desired consistency, it’s time to serve the smoothie. Carefully pour the blended mixture into the glasses. You can use tall glasses for an elegant presentation. Now, your Costco Berry Smoothie is ready to be enjoyed! Sip it immediately for the best taste experience, as it is most refreshing when served right away. Whether you’re starting your day with this smoothie or enjoying it as a midday snack, it’s bound to delight your taste buds!
What does it taste like?
The Costco berry smoothie has become so popular because of its unique flavor combination that’s both tart and sweet. The smoothie is a delicious blend of tartness and sweetness that makes it incredibly refreshing. The combination of the mixed berries gives it a tangy flavor, while the apple juice adds a touch of sweetness. The ice helps to give it an icy cold texture that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Tips and tricks
- Try adding a splash of lime or lemon juice for a twist on the classic flavor. This will give your smoothie an extra zest that’ll make it even more refreshing.
- If you want a thicker consistency, add more frozen berries or ice to your smoothie recipe.
- You can also substitute the apple juice with other juices like orange or pineapple to experiment with different flavors.
- To make it even healthier, add in Greek yogurt for a protein boost. This will give your smoothie a thicker and creamier texture.
- For an extra special treat, top your smoothie off with whipped cream and some fresh berries!
Nutrition Information
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
The ingredients used in this smoothie can be easily replaced or substituted.
- If you don’t have frozen mixed berries, you can use any other kind of frozen fruit like mangoes, bananas, peaches, etc.
- You can also substitute the apple juice with any other juice such as orange or pineapple juice.
- If you don’t have sugar on hand, you can use honey instead.
- If you’d prefer a vegan version of this smoothie, opt for almond or soy milk instead of ice.
What to serve with a Costco berry smoothie?
A Costco berry smoothie is perfect to be enjoyed as a snack or light meal. It pairs perfectly with some of your favorite breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, and cereal. You can also enjoy it with other snacks such as muffins, toast, fruit salad, and yogurt. The possibilities are endless!
How to store leftover Costco berry smoothies?
Leftover Costco berry smoothie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Make sure to transfer it into an airtight container or jar before putting it into the fridge. When you are ready to drink the leftover smoothie, give it a good stir and enjoy! Keep in mind that the smoothie might separate while sitting in the refrigerator so make sure to stir it again before consuming.
How to reheat a Costco berry smoothie?
Reheating a Costco berry smoothie is quite simple and can be done in just a few minutes. All you have to do is transfer the leftover smoothie into a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Place it in the microwave and heat it for 30-60 seconds on high power, stirring every 10 seconds to ensure that it heats evenly. Once heated, pour your smoothie back into a glass and enjoy!
Costco Berry Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar a touch of sweetness that complements the natural sugars in the berries, harmonizing the flavors and bringing a delightful balance to the smoothie.
- 1/4 cup apple juice a crisp and refreshing liquid that provides a natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, balancing the flavors of the berries and adding a bright and fruity note to the smoothie.
- 1/4 cup ice creating a cool and refreshing element, chilling the smoothie to perfection and adding a satisfyingly icy texture that enhances the overall drinking experience.
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries a vibrant and colorful blend of nature’s sweetness, packed with antioxidants and nutrients that add a burst of freshness and a delightful burst of flavor to the smoothie.
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Serve it right away for the best taste.
Notes
- Try adding a splash of lime or lemon juice for a twist on the classic flavor. This will give your smoothie an extra zest that’ll make it even more refreshing.
- If you want a thicker consistency, add more frozen berries or ice to your smoothie recipe.
- You can also substitute the apple juice with other juices like orange or pineapple to experiment with different flavors.
- To make it even healthier, add in Greek yogurt for a protein boost. This will give your smoothie a thicker and creamier texture.
- For an extra special treat, top your smoothie off with whipped cream and some fresh berries!
FAQs
Q: What type of blender is best suited for making a Costco berry smoothie?
A: For best results, opt for a high-quality blender that has powerful blades. This will ensure that all the ingredients are blended nicely and you achieve a thick, creamy texture. Additionally, make sure to secure the lid properly before blending to prevent any mess.
Q: Can I double the recipe to make more servings?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily customizable and can be doubled or tripled, depending on your needs. Just make sure that you have a large enough blender to accommodate all the ingredients. If not, divide the mixture into two batches and blend separately.
Q: Are there any other berries I can use in this smoothie?
A: Yes, you can definitely experiment with different types of berries to give your smoothie a unique flavor. Popular options include strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blueberries. You can also add some banana slices for extra sweetness. Just make sure that the frozen fruit is completely thawed before blending.
Wrapping Up
A Costco berry smoothie is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and refreshing treat in no time! Not only is this smoothie incredibly tasty but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals that’ll keep you energized all day long. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy a glass of deliciousness!
You can also switch up the ingredients to create different smoothie flavors. For instance, instead of mixed berries, you can use strawberries or bananas for a sweeter taste matter which version you make, you’re sure to have a delicious and nutritious treat that’ll be a hit with your family and friends.
Please share your experience with making the Costco berry smoothie in the comments section below! We’d love to hear your feedback and see pictures of your homemade creations!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
