Immune Boosting Winter Citrus Smoothie.
Crushing the winter colds with this Immune Boosting Winter Citrus Smoothie.

So I never told you guys this, but that week before and after Christmas my family was literally almost all hit with one bad string of colds. We all went down one by one, I swear it was a domino effect. Mine came a couple of days after Christmas, and while I only had one really bad day, the cold lingered, and lingered, and I’m only now just getting over it.
From the day I started to feel the cold come on, I was consuming citrus like no other, eating orange, after orange, after orange. I’ve kept up with the mass amounts of citrus, but have since decided to blend them all up into a vibrant smoothie, along with some other winter favorites, to keep me feeling great all day long.
Plus, I kind of just wanted to make a pretty layered smoothie with all the gorgeous blood oranges that are in season right now.
Also? I’ve always wondered why the perception of winter produce is that it lacks in color. I mean, beets? oranges? rainbow chard?
So much color!



Here’s the deal.
I actually hesitated to post this smoothie because it seems as though everyone and their mother are talking about smoothies right now. Something about January must just scream smoothies, because they seem to be trending.
Anyway, after a lot of back and forth, I decided that I really just needed to share this smoothie with you guys.
One, it’s too pretty not share.
Two, it’s too full of good for us things not to share.
Three, it’s way too freaking delicious not to share.
So I’m sharing…bring on the January smoothies!

In all honesty, I’m not usually the biggest smoothie person. I really just prefer to eat my food rather than drink it, but I have times when a smoothie is all I crave. Whenever I make smoothies, I have to make sure they are one, not boring, and two, filled with both veggies and fruits.
Enter this layered smoothie.
The red layer is a mix of beets (YUPPPP, BEETS), frozen raspberries, oranges, and pomegranate juice. This might sound odd, but the red layer is full of some of my most favorite fruits and veggies. Granted, I normally prefer my beets roasted, but when they’re all blended up, you don’t even realize you’re eating beets. Especially with the sweet berries and pomegranate.
It’s delicious.
The orangey yellow…ish layer is a mix of mangos, turmeric, ginger, a pinch of cayenne, and more orange. Again, sounds a little odd, especially the cayenne, but you guys, I swear this is so GOOD. The mango pairs so well with the turmeric and ginger and its sweetness cancels out the heat from the cayenne. The punch of citrus adds just the right amount of tartness.
You can really use any variety of citrus you love most, but I use a mixed of blood oranges and cara cara oranges. If you can’t find either of these, grapefruits and navel oranges will be amazing too!

As you can tell from the ingredients (and even just the vibrant color), this smoothie is jam packed with vitamin C and plenty of nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. It will keep your immune system strong and help you to feel your best plus stay energized all day long!
Um, and did I mention it’s also addictingly good? Kind of like candy?
I swear.
My goal is to try to push this smoothie into my brother Red’s hands next time I see him. The Olympics are less than a month away and I have got to get that kid eating some more color. He’s what we call a snackster, and loves to just snack. So chips, maybe some carrots, and more chips…ya, I really have to work on him.
Anyway, this makes for a great morning smoothie or mid afternoon snack and no matter what, it’s going to brighten your day. That I know for sure!


Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Immune Boosting Winter Citrus Smoothie
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Healthy drinks, healthy smoothie, vitamin c smoothie
This smoothie is jam pack with vitamin C and plenty of nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. Keeps your immune system strong, and energized all day long!
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 1 small raw red beet, chopped
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cara cara orange, blood orange, or grapefruit, peeled and segmented
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- honey to taste (optional)
Instructions
-
1. In a blender, combine the mango, lemon juice, turmeric, cayenne, ginger, and orange juice. Blend until completely smooth, adding more honey if needed to sweeten. Pour into a tall glass
2. Rinse the blender out. Combine the beets, raspberries, orange, and pomegranate juice. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more pomegranate juice if needed to reach your desired consistency. Pour over the mango mixture and stir gently to swirl. Top with seeds, if desired. Enjoy!

For real though, I love this smoothie! It’s taste plus looks…too good.
Our Favorite Recipes
Spaghetti Squash Aglio E Olio with Rainbow Chard.
I’m VERY glad you posted this smoothie – a vibrant healer for these brutal winter months; and a truly delicious way to improve one’s immune system.
Thank you Liz!
oh wow, it really des look amazing, those colours alone are to die for!
Thank you Ruth!!
Love this one. Especially with all the flu bugs around.
Yes! I am so glad you like these! Thank you Joyce!
Saw these smoothies (super quick) on your IG Stories last week and was wondering when we’d get the recipe! Love beetroot in this. Looks perfect for this time of year!
Thank you Debs!
This smoothie looks absolutely amazing! So vibrant and fresh!
I’m just getting over a cold so I feel like I’m in desperate need of one.
X Alex
Yes definitely! I hope you feel better soon! Thank you Alex!
Looks great but I have a question. Is the beet cooked or raw?
The recipe says “raw,” so I think we’re supposed to use a raw beet.
I use a small raw beet. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Way to many ingredients,less is better & better for u. Honey, major taboo for this smoothie. Pretty though, stick a candle wick in it & put on display. WjB
Hi Warren! Thank you for you comment, but I have to politely disagree with you. I think the ingredients I used provide many nutrients that help with colds and boost the immune system. I hope you enjoy some other recipes on my blog! Thanks!
Well, I also disagree (and if you can’t say anything nice, skip on to the next thing!)!
It is a beautiful looking smoothie and my daughter, husband and I are getting the few ingredients that we don’t already have to make it tomorrow.
That is amazing! I hope you love this Candace!
Dumb question: The beet must be pre-cooked right?
The recipe says “raw,” so I think we’re supposed to use a raw beet.
I actually use a small raw beet. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
This is useful ariticle. The article about health i very like.
Thanks so much
Thank you!
Ooo! You should ‘up’ your healthy, but still super tasty game for Red…and me. I’m a total stacker as well, always have been and I can’t kick the habit.
*snacker
Thank you so much Kate!
Are the beets raw or cooked?
The recipe says “raw,” so I think we’re supposed to use a raw beet.
I use a small red beet. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
These smoothies sound absolutely delicious, Tieghan! I love adding a pinch of cayenne to a fruity smoothie, especially with mango. 🙂
Thank you Sarah!
So happy you decided to share this one Tieghan! Love the colors and the flavors. Can never have too many good smoothie recipes.
Thank you Mary Ann!
Hi, any ideas for a sub for pomegranate juice? I was considering fresh blueberries and thinning with some water. Do you think that would work? BTW your answer to “Warren” was great.
Hi Tracey!! I think that sounds like a great idea, just be careful when adding the water. You dont want to add to much and water it down. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
This is literally just what I need! Looks so good!
Thank you Gina!
Hey Tieghan,
I love this colorful smoothie and agree it’s beautiful. 🙂 I’m gald you’re feeling a bit better and hope everyone stays healthy! I like the idea of these smoothies but feel weird drinking something cold when it’s cold out. Haha
Either way, I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s post and hope you’re staying warm.
Thank you so much Kristin! I am really glad you like these and hope you’re doing well!
Thanks Tieghan! I’m doing ok.
I hope you’re doing well too and staying warm. 🙂
I’m so freaked out by this flu going around, so I am definitely making this!
Thanks Matt! I hope you love this!
I made this tonight for my son, who’s headed back to college tomorrow for his second semester, and who woke up this morning with a terrible cold. We both loved it. I’ve made a lot of healthy juices and smoothies over the past several years and this is definitely a favorite. Making another in the morning before we head to the airport. Thanks for a great recipe – it’s a keeper.
Hi Nancy! I am so happy that you and your son both loved this smoothie! I hope he gets over his cold soon! Thank you!
Such a gorgeous smoothie! Perfect for this time of year!
Thank you Leigh Ann!
I asked yesterday as did 2 others. Is the beet cooked or raw.
The recipe says “raw,” so I think we’re supposed to use a raw beet.
HI Jane, I use a raw beet. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
This is the best sounding smoothie I’ve seen so far this year, and I can put my absolute favorite Cara Cara oranges in it! Also with this awful cold taking down my co-workers one by one it’s perfect timing. Thank you for sharing this recipe! I am definitely making this for breakfast tomorrow.
Oh no! I hope this helps you not get sick Ashley! Also, hope you love it! Thank you!
This smoothie looks delicious! I’ll have to give it a try because the flu is definitely going around where I live. ? By the way, I can’t get over how beautiful your photography is. I can always tell when I’m scrolling by one of your recipes because of how beautiful the photos are!
I hope this helps you not get sick! I am really glad you like my recipes and photos, thank you!!
I’m making this for sure! Instead of seeds, I am topping mine with bee pollen. I’ve been enjoying your website!
That is a great idea, so healthy!! Thank you Phoebe!
BEAUTIFUL pictures, mamm. oh my gosh. I can’t wait to try this, too. thank you
Thank you!! I hope yo love this!
Wow!!! These colours are beautiful. Please, check out my blog at
http://www.mylifeingreens.com
Thank you Zayn!
Hi, I’m allergic to mango – any ideas for a substitute?
Can you use pineapple? That should be great! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
1.What kind of seeds do you add to a smoothie?
2. I was too busy to make X-MAS cookies this year, so I was going to make your vanilla bean Christmas cookies for Valentine’s Day (in Valentines shapes and colors) Or do you have a better recipe for making Valentine cookies with some Moms and kids?
3. THANKS!??????(that stands for chef/artist which I think perfectly describes you!)
I use hemp seeds. Those cookies will be amazing for valentines day! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
this smoothie looks absolutely delicious, i love the ingredients and moreover the colors are beautiful! i’ll surely try this
Thank you Zac!
Look at all those colors! They look so good together. This smoothie is just what we need right now since our family hates getting the flu (‘coz for real though, it really sucks).Thank you for sharing this, Tieghan!
I hope you love this and it helps you out! Thank you Emily!
This recipe is delightful! It tastes as wonderful as it looks.
Thank you Poppy!
This has become one of my favorite smooties this winter! 🙂
That is amazing! So glad you like this Hannah, thank you!
I just wanted to let you know how much we love this smoothie! I am in Phoenix, AZ and we don’t have what others in the U.S. think of as winter. That said we do love our citrus. For my household, smoothies are a staple for warm weather breakfast (that’s most of the year here).
For the past several years I have been making the same berry smoothie. I still love it but, since I have recently retired, I thought it would be nice to mix it up a bit.
I found this via Pinterest, even though I follow your blog (missed this somehow…must pay more attention). It is stunning, so good and filling – just wonderful. I’ve made it twice, exactly as listed, with the exception of adding some protein powder and flax seed.
It is now in my regular rotation.
Thank-you so much for this recipe.
Hi Nancy! I am so glad you love this smoothie and I hope you love some other smoothies on my blog! Thank you so much! Also, smoothies are the best in the summer…Even if its year round haha!
Woke up a little under the weather so just made this….. really delicious! Love the ginger in it!!! Feeling better all ready….well, at least my tastebuds! ???
Wow I am so glad you’re feeling better Niki! And I am so glad you loved this! Thank you!
Could I replace the pomegranate juice with fresh pomegranate seeds…? I don’t have a ready juice, but a nice pomegranate is sitting in my fruit bowl 🙂 Just not sure if the seeds will add a strange texture…? Thank you for your answer!
HI! You can juice the seeds, but I would not blend them as that might leave you with a gritty smoothie. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
those glasses, tho. what brand/model?
thanks for this gorgeous recipe!!
HI! They are from crate and barrel, but old and I don’t see them on the site. So sorry! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
Was looking through the comments but didn’t see the answer… Can I just mix it all at once or does it need to be two separate mixings? – I plan to add spinach as well, so it’s not going to look pretty either way
HI Missy! You can mix it all together at once. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
This recipe is delicious! I have a feeling it will be what saves me this winter! Thanks for the recipe, it is very creative!
I hope so! Thank you for trying this Ash, so glad you loved it! xTieghan
Finally got around to making these today, have been eyeing them so long. AMAZING! I didn’t tell my family there was a raw beet in there (not our kids favorite thing) and they didn’t even notice. It was delicious! Thank you Tieghan for being so amazing, keep up the good work! 🙂
Aw you are too kind! Thank you for continuing to try my recipes! I am so glad you have been loving them! xTieghan
HI! I came over from the Garden Answers YT page! I see the comments started in 2018, I may be a little late to the party but I thought you should know new peoplw are finding you! Everything you made looks delicious and you know the recipe I will be trying first! Don’t all mom’s love sneaking veggies to their family?
Hey Kerry,
Thanks so much for following along and your super kind message! I hope you love the recipe! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Just made these this afternoon and they were so delicious and beautiful! Reminded me of a little of Mangonada popsicles, but waaaay healthier and more flavor. I didn’t even need to use honey. Will definitely be making again!
Hey TJ,
I am thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks for making it! I hope you have an awesome weekend:) xTieghan
BEWARE I drank this 2 mornings in a row and it is so acidic that I think it removed a significant amount of enamel from my teeth. It is delicious, but wanted to warn people. If you do decide to drink this smoothie, I recommend using a straw and rinsing your mouth water after each sip to help prevent contact with your teeth.
Thanks for trying the recipe Sydney! xTieghan