Devil’s Smoothie: Your Natural Cold Crusher

I remember the first time I tried this concoction. A tickle in my throat, that familiar fatigue creeping in, and the dreaded realization that I was succumbing to a cold. My friend, a staunch believer in natural remedies, practically forced a glass of this “Devil’s Smoothie” upon me. The taste was… intense. But, surprisingly, within a few hours, that awful head fog began to lift. Now, years later, it’s my go-to weapon against the common cold.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yield: 1 smoothie
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups lemon ginger echinacea juice (by R.W. Knudsen)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened 100% cranberry juice
• 2 fresh lemons
• 1 tablespoon sized chunk fresh gingerroot
• 4 average sized fresh garlic cloves
• 4 squirts of echinacea extract

Equipment Needed

• Blender
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Optional: Strainer

Instructions

1. Pour 1 1/2 cups of lemon ginger echinacea juice into your blender. This juice is the base of the smoothie, providing a good foundation of flavor and purported health benefits.

2. Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened 100% cranberry juice. It’s crucial to use unsweetened cranberry juice; avoid juice cocktails with added sugars, as these can hinder your body’s natural healing processes.

3. Squeeze the juice from 2 fresh lemons directly into the blender. Be sure to remove any seeds to avoid a bitter texture in your smoothie. I find using a citrus juicer helps extract the most juice.

4. Peel the gingerroot using a vegetable peeler or the back of a spoon. Then, cut the peeled ginger into small chunks, roughly 1/4 inch in size. Add these chunks to the blender. Fresh ginger is key; dried ginger won’t pack the same potent punch.

5. Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the blender whole. Don’t be shy about the garlic; it’s a powerful immune booster.

6. Add 4 squirts of echinacea extract. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on your particular extract.

7. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. The resulting drink will be pink in color and have a frothy head due to the blending process. Blend for at least 30-60 seconds to ensure the ginger and garlic are well-incorporated.

8. At this point, you have a decision to make. You can drink the smoothie as is, embracing the slightly chunky texture. Or, for a smoother consistency, strain the smoothie through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any unblended pieces of ginger and garlic.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Temperature Matters: While this smoothie is best served immediately, you can chill the ingredients beforehand for a cooler, more refreshing experience.
• Adjust the Ginger and Garlic: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of ginger and garlic, and adjust to your preference.
• Sweeten with Caution: If the smoothie is too tart, resist the urge to add refined sugar. Instead, try a small amount of raw honey or a few drops of stevia.
• Embrace the Froth: The frothy head is a natural result of blending and contains many of the beneficial compounds. Don’t discard it!
• Make Ahead Prep: You can peel the ginger and garlic in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save you time during the blending process.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This smoothie is designed to be consumed immediately for the best results. Due to the fresh ingredients and lack of preservatives, it doesn’t store well. If you must store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. However, be aware that the flavors will intensify over time, and the texture may change. Reheating is not recommended; drink it cold. It’s best consumed slowly, over the course of an hour, especially on an empty stomach, to avoid any digestive upset.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	134.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	7g	6%
Total Fat	0.9 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	11.8 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	45.2 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	10.5 g	42%
Sugars	15.2 g	60%
Protein	3.5 g	6%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick and potential decongestant benefits.
• Citrus Boost: Substitute one of the lemons with a lime for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Sweetness Alternative: Use a few drops of monk fruit sweetener instead of honey or stevia.
• Ginger Variation: If you cannot find fresh ginger, you can substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, although the flavor won’t be as potent.
• Echinacea Alternative: If you can’t find echinacea extract, you can try adding a strong echinacea tea to the smoothie base, but be aware that this will alter the liquid volume.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it called the “Devil’s Smoothie”?
A: Probably because of the intense flavor combination and the strong, somewhat fiery ingredients like ginger and garlic.

Q: Can I drink this every day, even when I’m not sick?
A: It’s best to reserve this smoothie for when you’re feeling under the weather. Regular consumption of high doses of some ingredients may not be ideal.

Q: What if I don’t have lemon ginger echinacea juice? Can I substitute something else?
A: This is the base of the smoothie, so it’s difficult to replicate exactly. However, you could try a combination of lemon juice, ginger tea, and echinacea tea.

Q: Is it safe to drink this smoothie if I’m taking medication?
A: It’s always best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you’re taking blood thinners or other medications that could interact with the ingredients in this smoothie.

Q: Can I make this smoothie for my children?
A: The ingredients, especially the garlic and echinacea, may be too strong for young children. Consult with your pediatrician before giving this smoothie to a child.

Final Thoughts

While it might not be the most delicious drink you’ve ever tasted, this “Devil’s Smoothie” is a powerful ally in the fight against the common cold. Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to suit your taste. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it works for you. Share your feedback, tweak the recipe to your liking, and let’s conquer those pesky colds together!