Looking for a bold, refreshing drink packed with tropical flavor? Meet the Yuzu Mango and Mint Smoothie. This simple, vegan smoothie combines the tropical punch of mango and pineapple with the sharp, citrus kick of yuzu. Perfect for powering through summer afternoons, quick mornings, or a solid post-workout refuel. Ready in 5 minutes.
Yuzu, a citrus fruit beloved in Japanese cooking, adds its signature aromatic kick to the mix. It cuts through the sweetness with just enough edge, while the mint keeps things light and refreshing. It’s vegan, simple to throw together, and full of flavor—exactly how a good smoothie should be.
Why yuzu works so well in smoothies
Yuzu isn’t just another citrus—it’s more floral, more fragrant, and more intense than lemon or lime. Just a small splash adds serious depth and brightness, cutting through the sweetness of fruit and giving your smoothie a complex, almost perfumey edge. You can find yuzu juice in bottles at Asian supermarkets or online, and a little bit goes a long way. I've linked to the one we use - it's Sushi Sushi's Tosa yuzu juice.
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Ingredients
Serves 2 | Prep time 5 mins
- 25ml yuzu juice
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 1 cup frozen raspberry
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 2 sprigs of mint (1 for garnish)
- 1 cup almond milk
Instructions
- Wash your fruit thoroughly, then freeze it until solid—ideally overnight, or for at least 2–3 hours—for the best thick, creamy texture. Once frozen, measure out the quantities you need. The recipe is easy to scale, so feel free to halve, double, or triple it depending on how many servings you want.
- Add all the ingredients to a blender, saving one mint sprig for garnish. If you’re scaling up the recipe, you may need to blend in batches depending on the size of your blender.
- Blend the ingredients together until completely smooth.
- Pour your smoothie into a glass, using a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender so you don’t waste any.
- Top the smoothie with a generous sprig of mint, then serve immediately.
My top tips for creating a delicious yuzu, mango and mint smoothie
- Start small with yuzu – It’s bold and citrusy, so if you’re new to it, begin with less and adjust to taste.
- Don’t skip the mint – It’s more than a garnish; the fresh aroma brings balance and brightness to every sip.
- Use frozen fruit – Frozen fruit keeps the smoothie creamy and cold without needing ice.
Substitutions
- Yuzu Juice: Can’t get hold of yuzu juice? Substitute it with a mix of lemon and grapefruit juice for a similar tangy flavor.
- Almond Milk: Swap for any plant-based milk, such as oat, soy, pea or coconut milk.
- Frozen Berries: Switch out the frozen raspberries for strawberries or blackberries for a slightly different twist.
Variations
Smoothies are a great way to pack extra nutrients and healthy choices into your day without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few easy variations to tailor your yuzu mango mint smoothie to your mood or goals:
- Protein-Packed: Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder.
- Coconut Yuzu: Replace almond milk with coconut milk for a rich, tropical flair.
- Green Boost: Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients without altering the sweet flavor.
On the other hand, ff you’re in the mood for something boozy instead, give one of my yuzu cocktail recipes a try! The Yuzu Gin Sour is bright, punchy, and perfect for a relaxed lunch or evening wind-down.
Equipment
- High-quality blender. I've used a nutribullet for years and find it endlessly useful.
- Measuring cup or jug
- Spatula to scrape the blender sides
Storage
Smoothies in general are best enjoyed fresh—skip the storing and blend right before serving for the best flavor and texture. As long as you’ve got frozen fruit on hand, you can whip this up in just a few minutes.
FAQ
Yes—mint and mango are a surprisingly perfect match. The cooling freshness of mint balances the tropical sweetness of mango, creating a vibrant, refreshing flavor. In our Yuzu, Mango & Mint Smoothie, mint adds a crisp, aromatic layer that ties everything together beautifully.
What compliments mango in a smoothie?
Mango pairs well with other tropical fruits like pineapple and citrus, as well as herbs like mint or basil. In this recipe, the bold citrus edge of yuzu enhances mango’s natural sweetness, while pineapple adds depth and brightness. It’s all about creating balance—sweet, tangy, and refreshing in one glass.
How do you make a mango mint smoothie?
Start with frozen mango, a few fresh mint leaves, and a splash of plant-based milk or juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. In our version, we level it up with pineapple and a zingy dose of yuzu juice to bring that extra citrusy lift you didn’t know you were missing.
Do you put milk in a mango smoothie?
You can! Mango smoothies work well with a variety of liquids—almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or even juice. In the Yuzu, Mango & Mint Smoothie, we use almond milk for a light base that lets the fruit and yuzu shine, but feel free to swap in your favorite.
What is the best fruit to mix with mango?
Pineapple, banana, berries, and citrus fruits all pair well with mango. But if you’re looking for something a little different, yuzu is an amazing addition. It brings sharpness and aroma that lift the whole flavor profile—especially when balanced with creamy mango and cooling mint.
Related
Looking for more delicious yuzu drinks to try? Try these:
Pairing
Explore vegan Japanese recipes to serve with your yuzu, mango and mint smoothie:
Yuzu Mango and Mint Smoothie
Ingredients
- 25 ml yuzu juice
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 1 cup frozen raspberry
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 2 sprigs of mint 1 for garnish
- 1 cup almond milk
Instructions
- Wash your fruit thoroughly, then freeze it until solid—ideally overnight, or for at least 2–3 hours—for the best thick, creamy texture. Once frozen, measure out the quantities you need. The recipe is easy to scale, so feel free to halve, double, or triple it depending on how many servings you want.
- Add all the ingredients to a blender, saving one mint sprig for garnish. If you’re scaling up the recipe, you may need to blend in batches depending on the size of your blender.
- Blend the ingredients together until completely smooth.
- Pour your smoothie into a glass, using a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender so you don’t waste any.
- Top the smoothie with a generous sprig of mint, then serve immediately.
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