Healthy "Horchata" Smoothie

OMG this will blow your mind, it is so delicious. I'm declaring it the official drink of summer. While traditional horchata is made from soaking rice in water, adding sugar and cinnamon, then blending and straining through a sieve (you can find a good recipe right here), this horchata-inspired beverage has a banana and cardamom twist, minus the time involved in soaking and whatnot.

Here's the scoop: Put into a blender - or container if you're using a hand blender like me - a good bit of ice, one cut up banana (alternatively you could use a frozen banana and no ice, giving you a thicker result; I like the lightness the ice gives it), a generous shower of both cardamom and cinnamon (don't be shy!), and about a teaspoon of agave for sweetness. Add just enough rice milk to cover, blend away, and prepare to be cooled, quenched, and overwhelmed with delight.

I have to give major props to my dear friend Christy who passed along the recipe from her friend & fellow yoga instuctor Jess. Both can be found teaching regularly at Brooklyn Boulders' 7pm nightly yoga classes (Christy on Wednesdays, Jess on Sundays) so check them out sometime if you're local. Cheers to you, lovely ladies!