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If you want a fun fruity drink that's healthy but still feels like dessert, I always whip up this bright blend. The mango makes it creamy, the strawberries bring some sweetness, and the whole thing just screams summer. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or lazy brunch.
My kids totally flipped for the colorful look of this smoothie. As soon as I grab the blender they're all in the kitchen, hoping for a glass (or two) of these pretty sips.
Delicious Ingredients
- Frozen strawberries: these make the top of your drink super soft and colorful—grab a bag that's free of big ice clumps for bright results
- Orange juice: adds zip and freshness throughout—I always use a smooth, pulp-free style
- Frozen mango chunks: make everything silky and tropical—sweet ripe pieces give the best taste
- Honey or sugar (optional): handy if your fruit leans tart—I go with local honey when possible
- Water: keeps the mango layer from turning to paste—good filtered water keeps the flavor clean
Easy Step-by-Step
- Pour and Serve:
- Grab a straw and enjoy while the smoothie’s still chilly—the longer it sits, the more the colors mix, which still looks cool.
- Layer Up:
- Split the mango mixture between two glasses, filling them halfway. Scoop the strawberry mix right on top—swirl a little if you want a sunset look, or leave a sharp line for a neater look.
- Berry Blend:
- Wash out your blender or switch to a second one. Toss in the frozen strawberries, another splash of orange juice, and your sweetener if you like it sweeter. Whirl it all until it's smooth enough to pour, adding a little more juice if it's too thick.
- Mango Time:
- First, blend up the frozen mango, some orange juice, and water. Blitz until everything's velvety with no chunks left. If it looks too heavy, just add a bit more juice or water to thin it to your liking.
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I love playing with the mango in these smoothies because it's so rich and smooth. I tried this layered style first for my niece’s birthday brunch—she said it was the prettiest drink ever and drained her glass before I could take my phone out.
Keeping It Fresh
For the brightest layers and the best chill, enjoy your smoothie right after making it. If you need to prep, blend the layers and stash them in closed jars in your fridge for up to a day, then put them together when you're ready. Leftovers? Pour them into popsicle molds for a fast frozen snack.
Switch-Ups
If you run out of orange juice, pineapple juice adds extra tang, or coconut water lightens the drink up. Want it creamier? Swap in a scoop of Greek yogurt for some of the juice. For a plant-based sweetener, agave syrup works great instead of honey.
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Fun Ways to Serve
Jazz it up with funky straws and fruit on the rim—great for brunch with friends. Making a crowd batch? Just double or triple everything and let everyone build their own layers at a smoothie bar.
Backstory
Layered drinks like this get their inspo from tropical smoothies all over the Caribbean and Latin America. They're all about using fresh mango and berries, and the stacked colors always mean you're in for a good time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay if I use fresh fruit instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Swap in fresh strawberries or mango, then toss in some ice so your drink stays cold and thick.
- → How do you get those picture-perfect layers?
Blend mango and strawberries apart, pour one in carefully before the other, and keep both pretty thick so they don’t mix up.
- → Out of orange juice—what can I throw in?
Pineapple or apple juice does the trick for that same zippy kick if you're out of orange juice.
- → How do I make this drink taste creamy?
Simply mix in some yogurt or use it instead of part of the juice—it’ll turn out super smooth and rich.
- → How do I tweak the sweetness?
Add honey or a little sugar if your fruit isn't sweet enough. Or just leave it out for a lighter taste.