There are smoothie recipes and then there are smoothie recipes. This Mexican chocolate mocha horchata smoothie is a masterpiece that you simply have to try to believe. (I’m clearly very proud of it). It tastes like pure pleasure, like your thickest, most decadent Mexican chocolate and espresso got married and had a smoothie baby. But it’s super good for you too and will give you energy for miles.

The secret ingredient, vegan, raw and paleo tigernut horchata, contains 15% of your daily iron needs in one bottle for a great energy boost, not to mention potassium that give energy to your muscles (14%), calcium (8%), and a moderate (read: non-jittery) amount of cold brewed coffee. What I love about Tigernut horchata is that it contains prebiotic starch, which helps probiotic flora flourish in your digestive system. I avoid non dairy yogurts because they contain too much added sugar, so this is a really great and lighter alternative to keeping your GI tract healthy. 🙂 It’s also a great, creamy and satisfying option for when you don’t want any soy or nut milk for whatever reason.

Finally, raw cacao powder also adds a dose of iron and calcium, while hemp seeds contribute protein, iron, B vitaimins, magnesium, and one of my favorite minerals (is that weird?), zinc. I’ve been drinking this smoothie before teaching Pure Barre and it gives me energy to last a long day on my feet! It makes for the perfect morning smoothie or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Energizing Mexican Chocolate Mocha Horchata Smoothie

2 medium ripe bananas

4-5 ice cubes

1 bottle Organic Gemini Tigernut Horchata coffee flavor (find them at your local Whole Foods or at their online store)

4-5 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder

1 tbsp agave nectar

1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract

dash cayenne pepper

dash ground cinnamon

1 tsp hemp seeds

Take all ingredients except hemp seeds and blend together until smooth. Garnish with hemp seeds and drink, and thrive!

Related: Raw Vegan Paleo Cookie Dough Balls

More vegan smoothie recipes: Green Detox Smoothie

Winter Ginger Carrot Beauty Smoothie

Acne Fighting Citrus Smoothie

Anti Inflammatory Smoothie

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Photo: Peaceful Dumpling