Fall’s quintessential flavors in this chilled or warm tea based smoothie. Lovely cozied up by the fire or after an afternoon tromping through the pumpkin patch. vegan + gluten free
Rob and I just returned from a trip to Monterey, California and I gotta say, it’s not feelin’ like Fall there. But I’m not complaining. It was quite gloriously mild with sunny days and flip-flops! Now I’m back to Smart Wool socks, rain and cozy sweaters. I’ll share more about our trip once I get the sand removed from my bag.
In other news: This past week was the last CSA from the farm this year and I scored two more winter luxury pumpkins! Since the freezer is still packed with pumpkin puree, I’ll store those pumpkins until the freezer empties a bit.
In the mean time, I have a few more pumpkin recipes to share.
First up is a quick Autumn Spice Smoothie. It was inspired by our local co-op and a fabulous smoothie I had there.
Also, at a tea tasting, I sampled different varieties of tea, including Oolong, rooibos, black, white and green tea and learned a myriad of tea facts. Tea is tasted similar to how coffee and olive oil is; a symphony of slurping. As the slurping continued, I learned tea is the second most consumed drink in the world, next to water and how each tea variety requires a specific brewing temperature and time for optimal flavor.
I can’t say any one was my favorite, but I left with a much greater appreciation and awareness of the beauty and versatility of tea. I was also inspired to use tea in different culinary applications besides as a simple pleasure.
I thought it was a good time to include rooibos in this tea inspired smoothie.
Are you a tea connoisseur?
What I love most about this smoothie is that it can be enjoyed warm or chilled. It’s not as thick as one may expect a smoothie to be, so it’s easier to drink.
I use Rooibos tea and apple juice with mulling spices as the base of this smoothie. Of course apple cider may be used instead of mulling spices for ease. Either way, this smoothie is a delicious way to enjoy Fall flavors after a workout or cozyed up next to the fire.
the recipe
Autumn Spice Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 C Apple Cider* (To make your own see note), 512g
- 2 Tea Bags of Rooibos Tea
- 1/2 C Pumpkin Puree' 130g
- 1 Banana
- 1 Apple cored
- 1/4 tsp + 1/8 Cinnamon ground
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Warm cider just to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep for 5-8 minutes. Discard the tea bags.
- In a high speed blender, add the cider-tea mixture, pumpkin, banana, apple, cinnamon and vanilla. Blend starting on low speed, then increase to high speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the blender. Blend again until smooth, about 20 more seconds. Taste to see if you prefer more cinnamon here. If so, add a 1/8 tsp more and blend for a few seconds. I added up to a total of 1/2 tsp.
- Serve right away, or chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour if serving chilled. If serving warm, gently warm it on the stove just to steaming.
- It's freshest served right away, but will keep in the fridge for at least two days.
Notes
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Thank you for reading! If you make this recipe, be sure to post it to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter notify me @vanillaandbean and tag #vanillaandbean! I’d love to see what you’ve made! Follow me on Pinterest, too, for even more deliciousness!
These recipes sound amazing! Still waiting for the cold weather here in NJ! Going to be 75 degrees today !!?? Crazy. But, that’s not going to stop me from making this smoothie! I’m in love!
Oh my Donna, you neeed some cold weather! That is so warm..! So I recommend drinking this one cold for you. I hope you enjoy it my dear! :D
Oh I love it, Traci! And I agree with you about fall weather– a girl’s gotta get some sweater on!
Warm and cozy is where it’s at! I’ve missed it! Thank you Sarah! :D
I love all your pumpkin recipes, Traci! Apple cider, rooibos, pumpkin…all three scream “autumn” in the best way possible. I am by no means a tea connoisseur, but I do enjoy herbal teas and drink them as a way to cut back on my coffee intake (I used to have 4 cups of coffee a day!). Peppermint tea is one of my favorites in the winter, but I love rooibos too. I can’t wait to hear all about Monterrey! I haven’t been there, but I can definitely imagine that it didn’t feel very fall-like. It’s slightly chillier here in SF now, but definitely not enough to warrant my usual fall wardrobe from Chicago :)
Thank you Julia! It’s a pumpkin party around here! I with ya on the coffee intake! But woah, four cups a day? My goodness! My problem is the sugar. I like coffee with sugar, so in an effort to cut back on sugar.. I drink tea, no added sweetness. Peppermint tea sounds fabulous. I’ve not tried it yet. So glad it’s cooler in SF, but oh no… a new Fall wardrobe may be in order?! :D
I just bought my toddler girl her first cozy socks, now we’re ready for the cold :) I am a huge tea drinker, and the Rooibos tea always seems to vanish around here! I love this smoothie, Traci! It’s such a clever recipe, and I bet it tastes amazing!
Hooray for cozy socks, Nora! I bet she is toasty as ever! Thank you, my dear. :D
We are huge tea drinkers in my family, and my Mum is always finding a new blend from her ‘tea man’ at the markets for us to try – my latest favourite has to be his apple pie mix featuring real pieces of apple. Yum.
This smoothie sounds perfect for an autumn morning, or any time of the day. I love that you’ve combined so many of the best parts of autumn into one smoothie!
Ohhh Apple Pie mix sounds fabulous, Amy! And how awesome is that… a tea man! No doubt lots of flavors packed into this smoothie. Thank you, my dear! :D
Oooh Rooibos tea with Fall flavors! I am no tea expert, but I’m trying to learn. Not that I need to be well-informed to know that this smoothie tastes like heaven. Dang I wish I had gone to IFBC! Sounds like y’all had a blast!
You and me both Meagan! Yeah, IFBC is a really good experience. It’s in Sacramento next year! :D
Oh, Traci, this sounds wonderful. I am a daily tea drinker (having some right now!) and always feel like it is a soothing and calming sort of ritual. I have been on a ginger tea kick as of late, and this smoothie and those flavors sound right in line with what I need! Beautiful!
That’s great Tessa! I’m attempting to be a regular tea drinker. And like you, I feel like it is a soothing and calming ritual. Now, I just need to make it a habit. Mmmm, ginger tea sounds fabulous!
Oh this is so beautiful, Traci! I love that it can served warm or cold. And the addition of Rooibos tea sounds so soothing.
I’m excited to hear more about your trip to Monterey! We’re about 2-3 hours north from there and it doesn’t feel like fall here either. I’ve been sitting around twiddling my thumbs, waiting for rain. Hopefully it comes soon!
Oh my Sarah…… as we were approaching the SFO airport it just started sprinkling. I know it is terribly dry. It was so apparent throughout our journey. I hope rain comes for CA soon too. It is so badly needed.
Since moving out to the Bay Area we’ve been meaning to take a trip down to Monterey – I’ve heard it’s beautiful and the wildlife is incredible!
I love everything you create! They’re always so bright, vibrant, and a wonderful reflection of whats seasonal. Another spectacular dish, Traci :)
Indeed, Kathleen. We spend so much time hiking, birding and watching sea-life… it was pretty spectacular! There is so much to see and do there… we needed way more time, but certainly enjoyed it so much! We’ll be back! Thank you Kathleen! I hope you make it to Monterey! :D
Love that there is tea in this, sounds like fall in a cup! I love tea also :) I went from only drinking it when I was sick to now basically having tea time every weekday afternoon. This smoothie will have to make it into the rotation! xo
Thank you Alison! Tea is a good habit to get into. I drink it more-so in the colder months hot, but during the Summer, I like to pour it over ice… especial the herbal teas. I hope you give this a go, Alison! :D
I’ve been breaking out my wool socks too! I love it! I’ve also started drinking more smoothies and have been looking for some fun variations to my regular one. I love that this one is seasonal and it looks like just what I want to wake up to tomorrow morning :)
So glad it’s cooled down for you, Izzy! It’s been a long time comin, I know! I hope you enjoy the recipe! :D
this post has been left up on my computer because i’m just staring at the pics and colors. And of course it all sounds so wonderful and nourishing. <3
Awhhh, thank you Lindsay! That’s so sweet! :D
Glad you had a nice weekend Traci! It’s been pretty cold and windy around here, too! Love the flavors in this smoothie ant that it is not too thick. Pinning!
Thank you Mira, and for your pin! It’s feeling like fall around here too!
Even your cinnamon sticks are beautiful :) what a lovely and novel idea for a smoothie… I would enjoy serving this one warm. We have a long-standing tradition of sipping cider in ceramic wine glasses on Halloween to keep us warm as we greet guests and open/close the front door (of course, that was back in Canada when there is usually snow on the ground by the 31st!) still, this lovely bevvy is calling me… very intrigued by the mixture of ingredients and I do love a good tea infusion… beautiful Traci.
Thank you Kelly! :D hehe.. I enjoyed this both ways, but can see how it would change depending on my mood. Sipping cider during the Halloween haunts is an enjoyable tradition.. even if Fall hasn’t quite shown her pretty face yet :D . Maybe a cold sipper for you my dear? I can’t imagine a Halloween with snow on the ground! What a unique experience! xx
Sounds like a lovely weekend with Rob! It’s so funny…I noticed your absence from social media and I thought to myself – she must be off on some exciting adventure…and I was right! Thank you for sharing your autumn inspired smoothie – I need that in my life! Thanks, dear!
Hehe!! I know, right?! I really tried to unplug and while I did do a bit of IG, that was it. There was lots of time spent in places without cell service, so this was a good thing! :D I have a hard time unplugging and I’ve promised myself to do it more often. I really need it! Thank you Annie!! :D
Fall at its prettiest! Love the bright color of this beautiful smoothie! And the recipe is so unique, with Roiboos (which is my favorite, by the way), and the apple cider! Amazing, Traci!
Lots of love from Germany!
xx Lynn
Oh it is?? Your fave? I love it paired with Apple Cider.. they’re a perfect match. I hope you enjoy it my dear! :D
Oh Traci! Your work is splendid. I love the colors, the composition, texture, light… (should I continue?) I’m not a smoothie person and I don’t like cinnamon in sweet dishes and desserts… but you have this magical power to make me want to try this recipe!!! (Very) warm hugs and kisses to you my talented friend… it’s super hot down here. Bisous*
Thank you Rafaella! If you give this a go… leave out the cinnamon. Really. There’s so much about this to enjoy! So for you, since it’s so blasted hot there, give this a go chilled! xx
This is the perfect smoothie for the fall, Traci. I’ve never thought of putting pumpkin in a smoothie but I bet it tastes delicious – kind of like pumpkin pie that you can drink! And tea is a great addition to a smoothie – tea has so many health benefits so getting a little tea in anywhere you can is a good idea. Lovely photos – their getting me into a fall mood (even though it’s still hot here!)
I know, who knew, right? I know, Geraldine.. it was warm in N. CA so I know it must be burning up where you are! My goodness… will you have Fall? :D
I’m so thrilled you had a wonderful time in California! Such a beautiful state! Anyways, I am glad you are back because I’ve missed you and your fabulous photos and recipes!! This smoothie is all sorts of yummy! Loooove the banana, apple, pumpkin combo! I have a batch of apple cider in my fridge and I can’t wait to make this cozy smoothie! This is fall perfection in a glass! Pinned! Cheers, lovely! Xo
Ooooh, apple cider is the bessst in the Fall. Having it on hand is so handy for all kinds of deliciousness. Thank you for your pin, Cheyanne and hoping you and boy enjoy this one! :D
You were in town for 1 gorgeous weekend! And this is about as fall as it gets here in California, haha! Aren’t we spoiled. Hope you had the best time! I love Monterey! This smoothie sounds just too delicious!
No doubt, just as we were leaving, the rain came!! I was happy to see it though because my goodness, it’s dry in CA!
So yum! It’s like cider and a smoothie had a baby :)
Hehe… I like it! :D
I have been thinking about a pumpkin smoothie but with all the moving I haven’t been able to get around to coming up with a recipe. This one is a great inspiration. Though I am not much of a tea person, I can appreciate the flavors. Sounds and looks yummy Traci! Not to mention super healthy.
PS: I just bought my first pair of Smart Wool Socks after 4 years. It is cold in Philly and I am loving it!
PS2: I know I’ll regret saying that I am loving the cold. But, oh well… :P
No doubt, you’ve had a lot going on Aysegul! The rooibos adds such a nice hint of spice along side the mulling spices.. a tasty pick me up! HOORAY for SmartWool! I love em! Here’s to the cold my dear! :D
Traci this smoothie encompasses all the dreamy aspects of autumn (besides California, although I miss it)! Tea is absolutely one of my favorite nourishing drinks. I am deeply into the benefits of different varieties (as well the awesome variances in taste). Teahouses are huge in Asia, and emulated often in America, where they serve as a gathering place to socialize and taste different varieties – I love the idea of ultimately unwinding. Using roobios in your smoothie is so smart – it’s the perfect compliment to the other flavors! I love this so much, happy autumn to you! ♥
Oh Danielle… I’ve visited a few tea houses here in the states and I always enjoy the experience of trying new tea. But I’m pretty much a purist when it comes to tea so green, white, chamomile and occasionally earl gray (too much caffeine makes me jittery!) is what I love. Indeed health benefits are a cause for enjoying lots of tea! I hope you enjoy it my dear!
Glad you enjoyed your little vacation in California Traci! It’s nice to get away and recharge for a few days isn’t it? This smoothie sounds wonderful. I have to say I probably drink more tea than water unfortunately. I’ve been trying to kick the habit for years, but no luck. This is one smoothie I know I’m going to LOVE. The apple cider and the touch of cinnamon are the perfect additions for a great fall drink. I love the idea of warming this one too! Thanks for sharing and enjoy the weekend!
Oh no doubt, it is good. And I was almost totally unplugged with a few sneaks of IG here and there! That one is REALLY hard to get away from! Love it! Oh but tea is so good for you… so long as it’s not loaded up with sugar. I was raised on Texas Sweet Tea, and let me tell you, it took years to break that habit! Hang in there Mary Ann and don’t give up! xx
Trust me, Traci…I can feel the heat! California is hurtin’ :( No fall for us *cries*!!! But recipes like this autumn spice smoothie make me feel better. I can sit in my A/C blasted apartment in a cozy sweater and drink this delicious smoothie and pretend like it’s just as cold outside :D I love that it’s not as thick as typical smoothies because I’m sure it doesn’t feel as heavy. It can truly be enjoyed as a drink rather than a big snack or meal replacer. Gorgeous shots as always! XO
Oh danggg, Beeta. It’s still so hot! Just as we were getting to the airport in SFO, it started sprinkling. The rain is sorely needed. I hope it cools and Fall arrives soon for you my dear… will it ever?? At all? I hope you enjoy… drink it cold. It will be refreshing, never-the-less! :D
So bright and beautiful, Traci! And so clever to use tea in a smoothie — I’ll definitely have to try it! I am a major tea connoisseur and Roobios is one of my favorite blends. I also love chamomile and African nectar by Mighty Leaf…Currently sipping on a cup right now before bed! I’m curious, how did you get the apple to have that adorable star in the center? Swoon! XX Katie