This refreshing recipe pays homage to the food court classic, the Orange Julius (also my first job) and the Cara Cara orange. Cara Cara oranges are a cross between two types of Navels and were first discovered in Venezuela in the mid-70s. They have a bright orange peel, pink insides, and undertones of sweet cherry and berry flavors. They're juicy, so sweet, refreshing and delicious. Abundant with fiber, vitamin C, folate, thiamine, and potassium.

Unlike the very unhealthy and processed original, this healthy version isn’t low glycemic but it IS good for you with fiber, protein, Vitamin C, and has a nice, smooth consistency. If you want to reduce the sugar in this recipe, use a smaller piece of citrus and 1/2 banana or omit the banana entirely and sub in more coconut meat. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup nut milk

• 1/2” piece of ginger, peeled

• 1 Cara Cara orange (tangerine and blood orange also work well)

• Citrus zest - zest the entire orange

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (I love Heilala) or vanilla powder

• a few pieces of frozen coconut meat (approx 2” per piece) or 1/2 packet of Zuma Valley

• 1 frozen banana

• Ice

Directions

Put everything except the water into a food processor or high speed blender until desired consistency is reached.

Tip: You can add protein or collagen (I love Dose & Co in this) to this recipe and it also works well as a healthy cocktail mixer - add vodka.