By Maria del Cisne Vital
The most refreshing— and the healthiest— thing to drink on a hot summer’s day is hands-down a smoothie. Of course, National Smoothie Day lands on June 21st, the official first day of summer. The dynamic duo of summertime and a smoothie only gets better when it’s incorporated into SoCal. The best places for smoothies to quench your summer thirst are listed below. Order up!
LIV Juice Bar and Smoothies
This small San Diego smoothie joint is inconspicuous, but on the inside its friendly staff and colorful chalkboard menu tells you that this isn’t like any other place. With a bunch of fruit-filled options, the menu makes your mouth water. The LIV signature smoothie includes orange, strawberry, melon, apple, pineapple, mango, kale and spinach. One sip of that and you’ll feel cleansed for the day. They also serve up juices, acai and pitaya bowls, and sandwiches if you need some carbs to fill you up.
(619) 688-3997
1251 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Kreation Juice
A branch of Kreation Kafe, this juicery’s mission is to create beverages that are designed to invigorate the body and mind. All Kreation juices are made from Farmer’s Market Certified Organic fruits and vegetables purchased locally in Santa Monica. Their cold pressed smoothies come in five different flavors: berryatric, chai-licious, green-tastic, tranquility and warrior. The tranquility smoothie has coconut meat, Turmeric, Tocos and proteins that help repair muscles, brighten skin and keep you full and energized for hours.
(805) 497-8888
180 Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Nekter Juice Bar
Nekter is a classic SoCal destination for smoothies and juices. If you’re on a health kick, they have plenty of organic beverages and boosts that you can add to your smoothies. Try adding chia seeds or whey protein to your smoothies for a different, delicious taste! Nekter has multiple locations throughout SoCal, so make sure you do your research to see where your closest store is. Check out their newest menu addition, the Skinny Colada Smoothie, which has ultra-hydrating coconut water and sweet pineapple blended with their creamy house-made cashew milk and a touch of agave nectar. It’ll for sure have you singing that you like getting caught in the rain!
(949) 258-7160
6258 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, CA 92620
Urth Caffe
Urth Caffe’s menu is incredible and packed with delicious salads, paninis, desserts and lattes. However, their smoothies are hidden gems and a great to-go item if you’re heading out of their Laguna Beach location. Also located in L.A., Urth’s smoothies are made to order depending on your preference and their availability. Choose from a possible choice of strawberries, bananas, kiwis, pineapple, watermelon and mango.
(949) 376-8888
308 North Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Acai Republic
This Brazilian juice bar hits you with a strong, but delicious, fruity aroma the instant you walk in. With ample space for sitting, grab a smoothie or their classic acai bowls and enjoy the beautiful purple walls and wooden accents. Currently, their sole location is in Tustin but they are opening another store in Newport Beach. Try their “Brazilian Smoothie,” an acai base blended with banana and guarana.
632 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 408-4955
