Smoothies and frozen cocktails for any occasion

FOR A MEAL-ON-THE-GO ...

Stay-Young Smoothie

This smoothie is packed with antioxidants, omega-3s, calcium, probiotics, protein and fiber -- all essential for women's health. The recipe makes one 14-ounce smoothie.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries

1/2 cup frozen organic strawberries

1/2 cup chilled green tea, unsweetened

3/4 cup plain low-fat organic yogurt

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

Turbinado sugar or other natural sweetener to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in an electric blender and blend on medium speed until smooth, about 20 seconds. Garnish with fresh berries and serve. Note: For a nondairy alternative, you can substitute cultured soy for the yogurt.

Source: wholeliving.com

FOR GIRLS' NIGHT ...

Mexican Tailgate Cocoa Freeze

It's chocolate in drink form -- plus alcohol. Need we say more?

Ingredients:

2 ounces light rum, silver tequila or Kahlua

6 half-ounce pieces of finely chopped chocolate

2 teaspoons store-bought hot chocolate mix

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 cups milk

3 cups ice

Whipped cream

Chocolate shavings

Directions:

Place the chopped chocolate in the top half of double boiler over water. Stir until chocolate is melted. Add hot chocolate mix and sugar and stir until blended.

Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until smooth.

Cool to room or lukewarm temperature.

In a blender, add the rest of the milk and the lukewarm chocolate mixture.

Add liquor of your choice.

Add ice and blend on high speed until smooth.

Pour into your cup and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Source: hgtv.com

HANGING POOLSIDE WITH THE KIDS ...

Watermelon Cooler Slushy

This slushy is quick and easy to make -- perfect when you've got a houseful of little ones hungry for a snack. Plus, watermelon in slushy form makes for a fun treat. The recipe makes five cups.

Ingredients:

4 cups cubed seedless watermelon

10 ice cubes

1/3 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup white sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Place watermelon and ice into a blender. Pour in lime juice, sugar and salt. Blend until smooth.

Source: allrecipes.com

FOR YOUR AFTERNOON COFFEE FIX ...

French Vanilla Frozen Coffee

Some summer days are just too hot for coffee -- here's a frozen version you can make at home.

Ingredients:

2 cups coffee (brewed cold)

3 teaspoons sugar (or equal substitute)

1 or 2 tablespoons French vanilla flavored coffee creamer

2 cups ice cubes

Chocolate syrup (optional)

Cool Whip (optional)

Directions:

Mix coffee, sugar and creamer.

Pour into blender and add ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Top with chocolate syrup and cool whip if you want.

Note: You may need to crush your ice first, depending on power of your blender.

Source: Food.com