Although, I’m likely to drink a small craft offering on the market in an Irish Style on St. Patrick’s day, not everyone is a fan of green (or green colored) beer for the holiday. The AOI Tea Company sent me a compelling recipe for a Green Tea Smoothie as healthy alternative. The recipe combines ginger, mint and vanilla and powdered green tea known for its health benefits.

Ginger, Vanilla, and Mint Matcha Smoothie

½ cup ginger ale
¼ cup chilled whole milk
2 tablespoons chilled heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon AOI Chef’s Choice Matcha Green Tea powder
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 drops pure peppermint extract
1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)

Pour ginger ale into ice cube tray, dividing among 5 or 6 spaces, depending on size. Freeze until cubes are solid.

Place whole milk, whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, Matcha, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and xanthan gum, and then the ginger ale ice cubes into blender. Cover tightly and blend until smooth and thick, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of jar. Pour smoothie into tall goblet and serve.

Available at www.aoitea.com or at Whole Foods markets across the country.