Very Berry Smoothie

The Very Berry Smoothie is a straightforward, non-alcoholic blend designed for pure refreshment. It’s a vibrant mix of fruit and creamy yogurt, delivering a sweet and tangy burst without any fuss. This is your go-to for a healthy option, a morning kickstart, or a designated driver’s delight. Simple, honest, and satisfying, it appeals to anyone looking for a cold, fruit-forward drink.

Very Berry Smoothie

4.50 from 10 votes

Calories: 5020kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 250 grams Mixed Berries
▢ 250 grams Watermelon
▢ 1 Dollop Low-fat Plain Yogurt

Instructions

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Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
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Blend on high until completely smooth and the texture is even.
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Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 5020kcal (251%)Carbohydrates: 527g (176%)Sugar: 502g (558%)

Smoothie

Where it came from

Smoothies, as a category, have been around in various forms for decades, evolving from health food trends in the mid-20th century. This specific combination of berries, watermelon, and yogurt is a modern staple, likely born in home kitchens or health-conscious cafes rather than a specific bar or inventor. It’s a global favorite for its simplicity and nutritional appeal.

While not a cocktail in the traditional sense, this drink belongs to the broad family of blended fruit beverages. Its closest relatives are other fruit smoothies or even milkshakes, though it distinguishes itself with its fresh fruit and yogurt base, typically avoiding added sugars or ice cream found in richer blended drinks.

You’d typically find a Very Berry Smoothie on the menu at a brunch spot, a health food cafe, or a juice bar. It’s also a common fixture at home for breakfast or as a quick snack. At a bar, it makes an excellent non-alcoholic option for a designated driver or anyone taking a break from spirits.

What it tastes like

The initial taste is a bright, tart burst from the mixed berries, quickly followed by the refreshing sweetness of watermelon. In the middle, the creamy low-fat plain yogurt smooths out the fruit notes, adding a pleasant tang and body. The finish is clean, with a lingering natural fruit sweetness and a hint of tartness.

This Very Berry Smoothie is entirely non-alcoholic. With no spirits involved, its ABV is 0%. You can enjoy this one without any concern for alcohol content, making it comparable to a glass of fruit juice or water in terms of its kick, or lack thereof.

The technique

Building this drink is about as simple as it gets. Combine all your ingredients in a blender. Start on a low speed to break down the fruit, then crank it up to high to ensure everything is thoroughly pulverized. Once it’s a completely uniform liquid, pour it into a chilled glass. Serve it immediately to keep it at its best cold temperature.

The single most important technique here is ensuring a perfectly smooth blend. Run your blender longer than you think you need to, scraping down the sides if necessary. Any lingering chunks of fruit or unmixed yogurt will ruin the texture, turning a creamy drink into a lumpy disappointment. Smoothness is the mark of a well-made smoothie.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Mixed Berries

Use: High quality fresh or frozen mixed berries. Frozen berries often give a thicker, colder smoothie. Any mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries works well.
Skip: Overripe or bruised berries will impart off-flavors. Avoid canned fruit, as it lacks the fresh vibrancy and texture needed.
Why: The mixed berries are the primary flavor driver and contribute significantly to the vibrant color and tartness that defines this smoothie. They are essential for the ‘berry’ in Very Berry Smoothie.

Watermelon

Use: Fresh, ripe, and ideally seedless watermelon. Its high water content helps with blendability while adding natural sweetness.
Skip: Mealy or underripe watermelon will make the smoothie less sweet and potentially gritty. Artificially flavored watermelon products will not deliver the same clean taste.
Why: Watermelon provides essential liquid for blending, a natural sweetness that balances the tart berries, and a refreshing quality. It’s crucial for the overall hydration and flavor balance.

Low-fat Plain Yogurt

Use: A good quality plain low-fat yogurt. Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker consistency and higher protein content.
Skip: Flavored yogurts will compete with the fruit flavors. Very thin, watery yogurts might make the smoothie too runny.
Why: The yogurt provides the creamy texture, a pleasant tang, and body to the smoothie. It binds the fruit flavors together and adds a satisfying richness without being heavy.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Berry Blast

For an adult kick: Add a shot of raspberry liqueur or a splash of berry-infused vodka for a spirited take on this fruit blend.

Tropical Twist

A sunnier disposition: Swap out some of the mixed berries for frozen mango chunks or pineapple for a more tropical flavor profile.

Green Machine

Sneak in some greens: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach. It blends seamlessly, adding nutrients without significantly altering the flavor, though the color will shift.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Mixed Berries?

Use a single type of berry like strawberries or blueberries, or a pre-packaged frozen berry blend. The flavor profile will shift but remain berry-centric.

No Watermelon?

Substitute with a similar amount of apple juice or a ripe banana for sweetness and liquid. The texture might be thicker with banana.

No Low-fat Plain Yogurt?

Greek yogurt offers a thicker, tangier alternative. For a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt can work, adjusting liquid as needed.

No Blender?

This drink fundamentally relies on a blender to achieve its signature smooth texture. Without one, you’re looking at a fruit salad rather than a smoothie. There’s no effective workaround for the blending process itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Very Berry Smoothie?

A Very Berry Smoothie typically contains mixed berries, watermelon, and a dollop of low-fat plain yogurt.

Is the Very Berry Smoothie alcoholic?

No, this specific recipe for the Very Berry Smoothie is entirely non-alcoholic.

Can I use frozen fruit for a smoothie?

Yes, frozen fruit is often preferred for smoothies as it helps create a thicker, colder texture without needing extra ice.

How do I make my smoothie thicker?

To make it thicker, add more frozen fruit or yogurt. You can also reduce the amount of liquid ingredients.

How do I make my smoothie thinner?

To thin out your smoothie, add a splash more water, juice, or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I add protein powder to this smoothie?

Yes, adding a scoop of your preferred protein powder is a common way to boost the nutritional content of this smoothie.

What kind of glass should I serve a smoothie in?

A tall glass, such as a pint glass, a hurricane glass, or a simple tumbler, works well for serving a smoothie.

Is this drink considered healthy?

Given its ingredients of fruit and low-fat yogurt, this Very Berry Smoothie is generally considered a healthy and refreshing beverage option.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read