Kickin’ Lemon Coconut Milk/ Protein Smoothie

Things are warming up, it’s official spring and I decided to freshen up my smoothie game a little. Loving citrus and not using them much in my smoothie bowls but still enjoying my juices and getting my lemon water and sprulina “lemonade” I decided to make a refreshing lemon smoothie. One think I do like with my lemon is a little kick. I love a juice that isn’t available here, Pressery Habenero Lemonade, so I decided to add a little kick with cayenne. I am hoping to get my hands on some of the lemonade when I’m in Colorado. I was hoping it would be available in California but couldn’t track any down in the 2 weeks I was there or any other “spicy lemonade” well not yet there is still a few days left to. Anyways back to the smoothies. I wanted something lemony but also a good dose of healthy fats to keep me full and it was just what I was craving at the time. A thick coconut milk with a hint of lemon and a pinch of cayenne, ice cold of course. It hit the spot so I decided to also whip up a protein version and that was great as well, and perfect for a quick breakfast. The only thing with this smoothie is it is kind of like nut or coconut milk in that it settles and separates a little as it sits unless you add ice making it thick like a shake. If you are like me and you drink them pretty quick it isn’t a big deal, if you are trying to photograph it well that is another story. Yeah I know food blogger problems. If you aren’t feeling the heat you can omit the cayenne and it is a delicious refreshing lightly sweetened lemon coconut milk/smoothie.

Kickin’ Lemon Coconut Milk/ Smoothie (not thick)
Makes 1 serving
1/3c finely shredded unsweetened coconut (Trader Joe’s)
1c water or unsweetened coconut milk (So Delicious)
zest of 1 lemon
juice of lemon
2 tsp maple syrup (Costco, organic)
pinch of cayenne pepper (I like a kick but start with a little you can always add more)
ice, optional

Kickin’ Lemon Coconut Protein Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
1/4c shredded unsweetened coconut (Trader Joe’s)
1 scoop vanilla protein (Vega Clean Protein Vanilla, or Vega One Vanilla or Coconut Almond)
1c water
zest of 1 lemon
juice of lemon
2 tsp maple syrup, optional
pinch of cayenne pepper (I like a kick but start with a little you can always add more)
1c ice

In a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, blend everything together until smooth. Enjoy!

While I do receive some Vega products from time to time, which I listed as an option in this recipe, I do purchase much of it on my own. It has been my plant-based protein of choice since before I started blogging. Even though most Vega products used are purchased by myself I do add this disclaimer. I do not make any money off any Vega sales or posts. I only write about foods I love, my blog is an extension of my hobby to make fun healthy food creations for me and my family.