Conjure up a decadent drink that recalls childhood memories of your fondest mango, chocolate or custard apple milkshake. Try a concoction that can lower cholesterol, pep up performance levels, soothe grouchy stomachs and boost Vitamin C levels. Smoothies do all this…and much more. The rich and thick drinks are palate pleasers – particularly when the sun scorches up the cloudless skies. Popular in juice bars around the world, smoothies combine fresh fruits, frozen fruits, fruit juices, and sometimes nuts, seeds and cream to make up a healthy ‘meal in a glass’. An electric blender or a food processor makes a shake rather simple to create. For a ‘chilled out’ experience, put in crushed ice or pour the shake over ice cubes

Television superstar, Smriti Z. Iraani, who plays the inimitable Tulsi Virani, on what helps her keep her cool:

“Smoothies – we used to call them milkshakes – keep you fresh and are nourishing as well. My all-time favourite is the mango milkshake, with chunks of ice in it…satisfying and stomach filling. I’ve grown up in Delhi and hence, love tall glasses of thick sweet lassi. After moving to Mumbai and getting married, I’ve begun to relish chilled, salty ‘chaas’ with ginger and coriander floating in it.”

• Cucumber-Coconut Smoothie
• Strawberry Slush
• Avo-Banana Smoothie
• Summer Fruit Shake