By the time the leaves start getting crunchy and the sun starts hitting the horizon way (way, way) too early, most of us in this hemisphere start seeking out things to look forward to. Seasonal foods are something we can all get behind. Whether you’re a black-belt taste connoisseur or still sharpening up your kitchen prowess, fall smoothie recipes are a great way to get in on the fun and see for yourself that fall mornings are not all about pumpkin spice. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)

The harvest season invites us to tap into our love for sweet potatoes, cranberries, clementines, and the monarch of autumnal deciduous delights — the humble-yet-mighty apple. The smoothie ideas below draw from these fall favorites and are simple as well as practical. Don’t let that fool you though; these recipes are overflowing with flavor and will kick your smoothie game up several notches.

And since we are discussing smoothies, and smoothies are allegedly oh so healthy, you can rest assured these yummy drinks won’t leave you with too much guilt. Each of these fall smoothie recipes makes 2 servings.

Cranberry-Clementine-Ginger Smoothie

The fruits and roots in this smoothie will have your palette and your body thanking you. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is an immune-boosting powerhouse, making it beloved all-year-round, but especially as the weather starts changing. Cranberries contain vitamin C plus a variety of antioxidants, including proanthocyanidin, the chemical that has made this fruit a popular women’s health supplement for generations. Consuming cranberries (the juice, too) can also help improve gut health by bringing down inflammation and keeping harmful bacteria in check. Lastly, clementines are vitamin C-rich, and they also contain plenty of fiber.

Now in all fairness, maybe the health edge is not a top priority for you. I mean we’re trying to whisk away our end-of-summer blues over here! Rest assured though, cranberry, citrus, and ginger are also a classic flavor match made in heaven. Give this fall smoothie recipe a try and see for yourself!

Ingredients

• 2 frozen/fresh bananas
• 1 inch fresh grated ginger or 1 Tbsp ginger paste
• 1 cup cranberries
• 2 peeled, seedless clementines
• 1 cup coconut water (more or less for desired consistency)
• Ice as needed

Instructions

Blend the fruit, and pour in the coconut water. Blend more and add ice for desired thickness.

Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

High in fiber, sweet potatoes (skins especially) are a fall food MVP and a digestion darling that help promote healthy gut bacteria. They also contain the immune-boosting antioxidants vitamins A and C. As we know, no fall gathering is complete without the sweet potato pie, and this smoothie is a quick way to create that same exquisite party in your mouth in just a few short minutes. You can use leftover sweet potatoes or boil them until they are ready for mashing, but if you’re in a rush, they also soften up fairly quickly in the microwave (roughly five to seven minutes).

Ingredients

• 2 small mashed sweet potatoes 
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk or milk of choice
• 4 pitted Medjool dates (more to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp almond butter or cashew butter
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• Ice as needed

Instructions

Combine all ingredients except ice and blend until completely smooth. Blend in ice as desired.

Apple Crisp Smoothie

And here it is. My personal favorite. Apples reign so supreme in the fall, it’s hard to imagine that some of the most popular apple cultivars like Pink Lady and Honeycrisp only sprang into existence within the last 50 years or so. Health-wise, apples are an all-around winner — low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, plus full of fiber and antioxidants. She’s almost too healthy, which is why come September we start coating her with caramel and pralines and popcorn and whatever else because we just can’t have nice things.

Look, it’s fine, we can have fun in moderation with apples and not feel too terrible about it. Though before you top your apples with an entire candy shop, start with this smoothie.

Ingredients

• 2 apples peeled and cut into 1” chunks
• 1/2 cup quick oats (optional: soak to soften)
• 1 cup dairy/non-dairy vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup oat milk
• Optional: 3-4 Medjool dates, pitted
• For topping: 1/2 cup of your favorite granola
• Ice as needed

Instructions

Combine all ingredients except ice and blend until completely smooth. Blend in ice as desired and top with your favorite granola.

Fall Smoothie Recipes Make for an Autumnal Morning

If you live somewhere warm, give yourself a taste of autumn without the sweatiness of a warm drink through the help of these fall smoothie recipes. Experiment with other fall flavors like maple, apple, chai, and of course the classic pumpkin spice. Adding the warmth of cinnamon or nutmeg can easily bring a touch of fall flavor to any breakfast.