Sour Apple Smoothie

Sour Apple Smoothie

This refreshing vegan sour apple smoothie is a green smoothie without bananas. Made with fresh green sour apples, unsweetened almond milk, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, and cinnamon, this smoothie is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Type: smoothie

Cuisine: American

Keywords: sour apple smoothie, smoothie, drink, apples, green apples,

Recipe Yield: 1

Calories: 219

Preparation Time: 5

Cooking Time: 5

Total Time: 10

Recipe Video Name: Sour Apple Smoothie

Recipe Video Description: This refreshing vegan sour apple smoothie is a green smoothie without bananas. Made with fresh green sour apples, unsweetened almond milk, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, and cinnamon, this smoothie is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 cup (250 ml) unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ cup (1 handful) baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp cashew nuts
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or 2 pitted Medjool dates
  • 1 tsp grated ginger or 0.5 to 1 inch piece of ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup ice cubes (optional for a cold and thicker smoothie)

Recipe Instructions: Begin by prepping the ingredients. Wash the apple, then chop it into pieces. Add the almond milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, cashews, ginger, cinnamon, spinach, apple chunks, and ice to the blender. Blend on low speed for 20 seconds, then switch to high speed and blend for another 20 seconds or until smooth and combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the container. Adjust sweetness or sourness with additional maple syrup or lemon juice if desired, then blend for another 10 seconds. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately to maintain the desired consistency.

Editor's Rating:
5

This sour apple smoothie, free from bananas, packs a punch of flavor and nutrients that will leave you feeling nourished. With its unique combination of sour green apples, nutty almond milk, tangy lemon juice, sweet maple syrup, spicy ginger, and aromatic cinnamon, this green smoothie is a treat for your taste buds.

And the best part? This smoothie is not overly sweet, making it an ideal option for those looking for a low-sugar alternative. So, whether you are in the mood for a delicious and nourishing breakfast or an afternoon snack, this sour apple smoothie is sure to hit the spot.

A quick disclosure: The links mentioned in the text are affiliate links, indicated by being underlined and bold.

A textured glass filled half with green sour apple smoothie on a white marble backdrop with a glass blender container pouring in more green smoothie in the glass.

WHAT ARE GREEN APPLES OR SOUR APPLES?

Curious about sour apples or green apples? These unique varieties of apples are known for their sour and tangy flavor, contrasting the sweetness of other types of apples.

With over 25 different green-skinned tart apples available, Granny Smith apples are one of the most popular choices, recognizable by their bright green color and zesty flavor. They are widely used in cooking, baking, and making juices, smoothies, and ciders, due to their acidity that helps to balance the sweetness of other ingredients, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors.

While these sour apples can be enjoyed fresh, their tart taste may not be for everyone, especially for those used to sweet apples. But for those who love a good tang, sour apples can make for a delicious and healthy snack.

In smoothie recipes, sour apples play an important role in balancing the sweetness of other fruits and giving a refreshing and tangy flavor, or reducing the overall sweetness of the smoothie.

SOUR APPLE SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS

Indulge in a refreshing low-sugar smoothie without bananas! This delicious blend features simple ingredients and a dose of healthy fats for a wholesome treat. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

All the ingredients for sour apple smoothie on a round white marble cutting board with the names of the ingredients in bold next to it.

Granny Smith apples (sour green apples): The key ingredient that provides a sour and crisp taste, preventing the smoothie from being too sweet.

Unsweetened almond milk: Instead of water, this rich and creamy alternative is used as the base to add a luxurious texture.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor and balances out the sweetness from the maple syrup and sour apple.

Maple syrup: A plant-based sweetener that provides the perfect balance of sweetness without overpowering the sour flavors.

Spicy Ginger: A touch of heat to spice things up.

Warming Cinnamon: Pairs well with the cold and acidic ingredients for a harmonious blend of flavors.

Ice cubes: Optionally added for a thicker texture and to keep the smoothie icy cold.

Blended together, these ingredients create a delectable smoothie with a perfect balance of sweet and sour, and a touch of warmth and spice that makes every sip an enjoyable experience!

A green smoothie in a textured glass decorated with a slice of green apple on the rim of the glass on a white marble backdrop.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS SMOOTHIE

  • It takes only 5 minutes and a blender to prepare, making it a quick and delicious way to start your day or enjoy as a light snack.
  • This smoothie is easy to digest and filling, making it a great option for breakfast or as a light snack.
  • The addition of ginger provides a unique, spicy flavor to the smoothie.
  • Sour apples provide a tart and fresh taste, making this smoothie a perfect choice if you don’t like sweet smoothies.
  • It has a balanced sweetness that is adjustable and not overly sweet compared to other smoothies.
  • This sour apple smoothie is a refreshing, vegan, and low-sugar option without bananas.

Indulge in the mouth-watering, lip-smacking goodness of this sour apple smoothie in just 5 minutes! With easy-peasy instructions, you’ll be relishing the tangy, spicy blend in no time. Get your blenders ready and prepare for a flavor explosion in every sip!

HOW TO MAKE A SOUR APPLE SMOOTHIE (step-by-step with photos)

Unleash your inner smoothie chef and follow this simple step-by-step guide to whip up this marvel of a smoothie in a jiffy. For the complete recipe and additional tips, keep scrolling down to the recipe card.

Step 1.
To a blender, add the liquid ingredients, so the almond milk, maple syrup, and lemon juice.

Step 2.
Next, add the cashews, ginger, cinnamon, spinach, and apple. 

Step 3.
If using, add the ice cubes and blend on high speed until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

With this sour apple smoothie, you can customize the recipe to your preferences. Check out these potential variations to make it the perfect smoothie for you.

Nut-Free Option

Cashews provide creaminess, but you can still add healthy fats without nuts. Try unsweetened coconut milk or add a tablespoon of chia or flaxseeds, or half an avocado.

Thicken and Chill

Ice cubes are an option to thicken and cool this smoothie, or add half a frozen banana or vegan Greek yogurt for extra thickness and sweetness.

Tart Apple Variety

Experiment with different types of tart apples instead of just Granny Smith.

Plant-Based Milk Choices

This recipe calls for almond milk, but try different plant-based milks for different textures and flavors. Soy milk for added protein, oat milk for a sweeter taste, or coconut milk for added sweetness.

Sweetener Switch

Instead of maple syrup, feel free to use honey (if you are not vegan), pitted Medjool dates, coconut sugar, or agave syrup. And adjust the sweetness to your liking. This recipe is a good base for a not-too-sweet smoothie recipe.

Greens

Elevate the nutritional value of your smoothie with a burst of greens. Give your smoothie an extra boost by incorporating a small fistful of kale or 1-2 stalks of celery.

Protein Punch

Amp up the filling factor and protein potency of your smoothie by adding a scoop of vegan protein powder. Sample the smoothie after adjusting the sweetness and add more maple syrup as needed.

Citrus Twist

Ditch the lemon juice for a tangy twist. Experiment with the flavors of lime juice, orange juice, apple juice, or grapefruit juice to add a different citrus zing to your smoothie. Control the tartness by adding more lemon or lime juice to your liking. Fresh lemon juice brings a brighter and fresher flavor, but bottled lemon juice works just as well when you’re in a hurry or can’t find fresh lemons.

Give it a boost

Ginger already gives the smoothie a delightful punch, but why stop there? Upgrade your sour apple smoothie by including 0.5 inches of turmeric and a tiny pinch (1/8 tsp) of black pepper to maximize its anti-inflammatory properties and provide a substantial boost to your smoothie.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following are answers to some frequently inquired questions. In case you have more inquiries, do not hesitate to post a comment.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this sour apple smoothie in advance. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the smoothie has the best texture and flavor.

Storing the blended smoothie in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours should suffice. But, excessive blending may result in a reduction in both texture and flavor. So, if the ingredients have separated, a swift blend or shake prior to serving should fix the problem.

Fresh ingredients are recommended to maintain its fresh taste, thus try to use the newest ingredients possible.

An alternate approach would be to freeze the ingredients (excluding ice cubes and milk) in a ziplock bag, and then blend these frozen ingredients along with the milk to obtain a smooth consistency.

How can I store this smoothie?

This smoothie can be stored in an airtight container or a mason jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To prevent the ingredients from separating, I recommend giving it a quick shake before consumption after storage. Additionally, to avoid oxidation, it’s advisable to fill the smoothie to the brim.

Is it possible to customize the sweetness level of the sour apple smoothie recipe?

That’s the best part about this recipe! You can make this smoothie sweeter by adding more maple syrup or another sweetener. You can make this smoothie less sweet by reducing or omitting the sweetener or adding more tart fruits or lemon juice. Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness or sourness as desired.

A top view of a glass blender container on a white backdrop with milk and sliced green apples in it.

Does a high-speed blender make a difference?

Is a high-speed blender like a Vitamix a must-have for perfecting this recipe? It might be! The super-powered machine can pulverize ingredients into a velvety texture with ease, leaving no tough chunks behind. Plus, it blends in a jiffy, resulting in a smoother, more consistent consistency.

However, don’t feel discouraged if you don’t have a high-speed blender in your kitchen arsenal! A regular blender will still work, but expect a longer blending time and an added need for a bit more liquid to get the job done.

Does the order in which I add the ingredients to the blender matter?

Order matters in blending! A general guideline is to pour in liquids first, then the soft ingredients, and finally, the harder ingredients. This way, the liquids cushion the harder ingredients and make the blending process much easier.

In this particular recipe, it’s recommended to start with the almond milk, lemon juice, and maple syrup, followed by the apples, ginger, spinach, cinnamon, and finally, the ice cubes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

What should I do if my smoothie is too thin?      

If your smoothie turns out too thin, there are a few things you can do to fix it.

If your smoothie has turned out too thin, don’t worry, you have some options to thicken it up. Firstly, try adding more frozen fruits such as half a frozen banana, which will make it creamier and thicker.

Another option is to add more ice cubes, but be mindful of not adding too much as it could make the smoothie watery.

Lastly, blend in a natural thickener like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or oats. Let the smoothie sit for a few minutes after blending to allow the seeds to absorb liquid and thicken the smoothie.

What can I do if my smoothie is too thick?

If your smoothie has come out too thick, don’t worry! There are a few steps you can take to adjust its consistency. One option is to add more liquid, such as almond milk or water, to thin it out. Remember to add these ingredients gradually and taste the smoothie to avoid making it too thin.

Should I peel the apples?

Whether or not you need to peel the apples depends on your blender type and personal preference. High-speed blenders are strong enough to blend the skin, seeds, and core of apples, which contributes to a smooth and creamy texture. However, if you have a regular blender, peeling the apples can create a creamier texture.

A green smoothie in a textured glass decorated with a slice of green apple and a glass straw on a white marble backdrop with green apples and another glass with green smoothie behind it.

EXPERT TIPS

Here are some suggestions to help you create the best sour apple smoothie:

Opt for a high-speed blender, as it will produce a smoother texture.

To prevent damaging your blender knives, begin with liquid and soft ingredients and place the harder ingredients on top. You can also consider cutting the apple into smaller pieces before blending.

Experiment with the consistency by adding more or less liquid or ice until you achieve your desired thickness.

Make the smoothie more nutritious by adding chia seeds or flax seeds for extra protein and healthy fat, or turmeric for additional health benefits.

Give the smoothie a richer, creamier texture by adding frozen berries or half a frozen banana, or using oats or chia seeds to thicken it.

Begin with the amount of sweetener specified in the recipe, then adjust to taste if needed.

Craving more smoothies?

Are you going to make this sour apple smoothie? Let me know in the comment section, and leave a rating. And if you share it on Instagram #thegreencreator @thegreencreator, I’d love to see your creations.

A textured glass filled half with green sour apple smoothie on a white marble backdrop with a blender container pouring in more green smoothie with the text sour apple smoothie on top of the photo.
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A green smoothie in a textured glass decorated with a slice of green apple on the rim of the glass on a white marble backdrop.

Sour Apple Smoothie

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Bianca
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 5
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Category: smoothie
  • Method: blender
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This refreshing vegan sour apple smoothie is a green smoothie without bananas. Made with fresh green sour apples, unsweetened almond milk, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, and cinnamon, this smoothie is packed with flavor and nutrients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 cup (250 ml) unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ cup (1 handful) baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp cashew nuts
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or 2 pitted Medjool dates
  • 1 tsp grated ginger or 0.5 to 1 inch piece of ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup ice cubes (optional for a cold and thicker smoothie)

Instructions

  1. Begin by prepping the ingredients. Wash the apple, then chop it into pieces. Add the almond milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, cashews, ginger, cinnamon, spinach, apple chunks, and ice to the blender.
  2. Blend on low speed for 20 seconds, then switch to high speed and blend for another 20 seconds or until smooth and combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the container.
  3. Adjust sweetness or sourness with additional maple syrup or lemon juice if desired, then blend for another 10 seconds.
  4. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately to maintain the desired consistency.

Notes

Blender
It is best to use a high-speed blender, but if you have a regular blender, make sure to layer the ingredients from liquid and soft to hard ingredients. If your blender is still struggling or becoming hot, give it a rest and add a splash of almond milk or water.

Apples
Green apples are what give this smoothie its subtle sour taste. You can use any other apple variety, but it will impact the flavor and make the smoothie sweeter. This can be balanced by adding more lemon juice and less maple syrup. 

Sweetness
Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetener if the smoothie is too sour for you. If the smoothie is too sweet and you have already added maple syrup, add more green apple or lemon juice to balance the flavors. 

Milk
This recipe is with almond milk, but any other plant-based milk will be a good option for this smoothie recipe. Soy milk will make this smoothie more protein-rich, and oat milk or coconut milk can make this smoothie sweeter. You can also use dairy milk if you are not vegan or dairy-free. 

Make it nut-free
Raw cashews give this smoothie a lovely creamy texture. It is possible, however, to make this smoothie nut-free and still add some healthy fats. Using unsweetened coconut milk instead of almond milk is an option. Another option is adding a tablespoon of chia seeds, flaxseeds, or half an avocado instead of cashews.

Make it extra thick and cold
Ice cubes are an option to thicken and cool this smoothie recipe. Another option is to add half a frozen banana or vegan Greek yogurt. This will not only make the smoothie colder and thicker but also slightly sweeter depending on the ripeness of the banana. 

Too thick
You can add more almond milk or water if the smoothie is too thick. If the smoothie turns out too thin, add frozen fruits, such as half a frozen banana, or add (more) ice cubes.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 219
  • Sugar: 32.4g
  • Sodium: 212.4mg
  • Fat: 3.4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 6.9g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg