Holiday Market Low Carb Smoothie

Last winter, I walked past a vendor selling spiced cranberry punch at a street market, steam rising from the cups in the cold air. The smell of cinnamon and ginger stuck with me all week. I wanted that warmth without the sugar crash, so I blended those same spices with frozen cranberries and almond milk one morning, and it worked beautifully.

I made this for my sister on a rushed morning before she had to leave for work. She stopped halfway through her cup and said it tasted like the markets we used to visit as kids. Sometimes a simple smoothie does more than fill you up.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened almond milk: This keeps the carbs low and adds a subtle nuttiness that blends well with the spices.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Full-fat or low-fat both work, but full-fat makes it creamier and more satisfying.
• Frozen cranberries: These tart little berries are what make this taste like the holidays, and using them frozen thickens the smoothie naturally.
• Frozen raspberries: They soften the cranberry sharpness and add a touch of sweetness without sugar.
• Powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener: Powdered dissolves faster than granulated, and you can adjust it to your taste easily.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves: This trio brings the warm spice blend that makes it feel festive, not flat.
• Vanilla extract: Just half a teaspoon rounds everything out and makes the flavors feel complete.
• Chia seeds: Optional, but they add body and keep you full longer without changing the taste.
• Orange zest: A small addition that brightens the whole thing and cuts through the richness.

Instructions

Blend the base:

Add the almond milk, Greek yogurt, frozen cranberries, frozen raspberries, sweetener, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract to your blender. The frozen fruit will make it thick and cold right away.

Add extras:

Toss in the chia seeds and orange zest if youre using them. These are small touches that make a noticeable difference.

Blend until smooth:

Run the blender on high until everything is completely smooth and creamy, with no chunks of fruit or spice clumps left behind. This usually takes about 30 seconds.

Taste and adjust:

Give it a quick taste and add more sweetener or a pinch more cinnamon if you want. Everyone likes a different balance.

Pour and garnish:

Divide the smoothie between two glasses, and top with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon if you like. Serve it right away while its cold and thick.

Save

One afternoon, I brought this to a friend who was avoiding sugar but missing her usual holiday lattes. She drank it slowly, savoring every sip, and told me it felt like permission to enjoy something festive again. Thats when I realized this wasnt just a smoothie, it was a small comfort.

Make It Your Own

If you want more protein, add a scoop of unflavored protein powder and blend it in with everything else. For a vegan version, swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt and it still comes out creamy and thick. If cranberries are hard to find, blueberries or strawberries work well too, though the flavor leans less tart and more sweet.

Serving Ideas

This makes a great quick breakfast when you pair it with almond biscotti or a handful of nuts. I also love it as an afternoon pick-me-up when I want something cold and satisfying without feeling heavy. Pour it into a travel cup and take it with you, it holds up well for an hour or so.

Storage and Leftovers

This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The chia seeds will thicken it even more as it sits, so you might need to thin it with a splash of almond milk and give it a quick stir before drinking. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays and reblend later with a little liquid for a quick smoothie bowl.

• Always use a high-speed blender for the smoothest texture.
• Add ice cubes if you want it even thicker and colder.
• Double the batch and keep extra in the fridge for the next morning.

Save

This smoothie reminds me that holiday flavors dont need to come with a sugar hangover. Keep the spices handy and the berries in your freezer, and youll have this ready whenever you need it.

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients provide the festive flavors?

The combination of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract delivers warm, holiday-inspired notes.

→ Can I substitute the yogurt for a vegan option?

Yes, replacing Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt creates a vegan-friendly version without altering the creamy texture.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness?

Sweetness can be tailored by varying the amount of erythritol or monk fruit sweetener used.

→ What freezing method keeps the smoothie cold?

Using frozen cranberries and raspberries ensures a naturally chilled and thick texture without ice dilution.

→ Are there optional ingredients to enhance nutrition?

Adding chia seeds boosts fiber content, while orange zest adds brightness and complexity to the flavor.