Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

This Orange Creamsicle Smoothie is one of my absolute favorite drink recipes. It's perfect on a summer afternoon and tastes like one of those orange push up popsicles I ate as a kid! (Maybe that's why kids love this smoothie so much too!) It's also vegan and gluten free! You can even make it an adult beverage by adding some Malibu Rum or Vodka.

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

1 can orange juice concentrate, slightly thawed

1 cup milk (half and half, cream, nut milk, soy milk)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup sugar, or to taste 

2 cups ice, or to taste

Combine all ingredients, except ice, in a large blender and blend until smooth and creamy, taking care the sugar has dissolved and is well incorporated.  If desired, add a splash more water or more milk.  Add the ice and blend until smooth.

Makes approximately three eight-ounce portions.

Tips: Pour excess portions into glasses and thaw later and drink as smoothies; pour excess into bowls and freeze for orange sherbet; or pour into Popsicle molds, paper cups, or ice cube trays and freeze for homemade Push-Ups.  Or halve the recipe by cutting the can of orange juice concentrate in half and halving all other ratios.

Optional: Add 1 to 2 ounces of Rum, Malibu, Vodka, Citron, Marshmallow Vodka, Gran Marnier or similar, per smoothie portion, or to taste.