Ever had a smoothie that feels like it hit the reset button on your entire day? That’s what the “Big Sur Blue” blueberry smoothie from Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos does—and we’re not being dramatic. This beachside gem blends California vibes with powerhouse ingredients, making it a must-stop for health-minded food lovers traveling the Central Coast.

Meet the Smoothie That’ll Change Your Mornings

Their take on a blueberry smoothie is the real thing: vibrant, naturally sweet, and wildly flavorful. While we’re not sharing their exact recipe here, we’re taking major inspiration from what they toss into the blender—California blueberries, ripe banana, creamy almond butter, Medjool dates, ginger, and a splash of almond milk.

This smoothie packs BIG flavor – mimicking the spice level of a ginger snap cookie mixed with a fresh, juicy blueberry. It is the perfect smoothie for breakfast, a post-workout pick-me-up, or your “I need something good now” moment.

Why California Blueberries Deserve the Spotlight

Let’s get one thing straight—not all blueberries are created equal. California blueberries are a breed of their own, and here’s why:

1. Over 9,000 acres of blueberries are grown across the Golden State. That’s a whole lot of berry goodness coming straight from local farms.
2. Most California blueberry plants are selected from wild stock, which means they produce “naturally sized” berries—yep, different shapes and sizes, just like nature intended.
3. The deep blue pigment in the skin is where the magic happens. It contains anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that give California blueberries their superfood status.
4. Peak season? April through June. But you can enjoy their flavor year-round by freezing fresh blueberries the right way.

💡 Freezing Tip: Don’t wash your blueberries before freezing. Lay them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight bag. Wash them right before use!

Whether you’re using frozen fruit or fresh berries, the blueberry flavor holds strong and delivers that signature bold, tangy-sweet punch that makes this smoothie taste like the height of summer in a glass.

Hidden Kitchen – Our Blueberry Smoothie Muse

Hidden Kitchen isn’t just another café—it’s a Golden State experience. This plant-forward, gluten-free kitchen champions local ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and the kind of bold flavors that make you want to come back for seconds.

At the heart of Hidden Kitchen is Amanecer Eizner, a California native raised in the nurturing, food-loving community of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. With deep roots in Argentine culture and a lifelong devotion to hospitality, Amanecer dreamed of a space where food, family, and connection could coexist.

That dream became reality behind a tall ivy-covered fence in Cayucos, where she and her partner transformed a tucked-away alleyway into the vibrant, love-filled restaurant, Hidden Kitchen. Her passion for nourishing others—sparked by childhood meals prepared for hundreds and fueled by a serendipitous blue corn waffle in Mexico—infuses every dish with meaning. Hidden Kitchen isn’t just a café. It’s the culmination of community, culture, and the kind of food that brings people together.

Big Sur Blue Smoothie Vibes

Their Big Sur Blue Smoothie stands out thanks to ingredients that each bring something to the party:

• Ginger: just enough to add a pop of warmth and zing.
• California blueberries: for their depth of flavor and antioxidants.
• Ripe banana: to add body and natural sweetness.
• Medjool dates: for a caramel-like richness and fiber.
• Almond butter: creamy texture, healthy fats, and a nutty depth.
• Chia seeds: tiny nutritional powerhouses that help thicken things up.
• Unsweetened almond milk: a clean, non-dairy milk that lets the fruit shine.

The result? A smoothie that’s sweet, slightly spicy, nutty, and outrageously satisfying. No added sugar, no filler—just the good stuff. This recipe is a delicious breakfast, a healthy option when you’re on the go, and a great way to enjoy blueberry season!

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Big Sur Blue-Inspired Blueberry Smoothie

Meg van der Kruik

This blueberry smoothie, inspired by Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos, California, blends fruit, almond butter, & ginger into one perfect smoothie.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1 smoothie

Calories 505 kcal

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 4 TBSP banana about half of one medium-sized banana.
• 1/2 tsp ginger paste or grated fresh ginger
• 2 TBSP almond butter
• 3 dates pitted
• 3/4 cup vanilla almond milk homemade or store-bought
• pinch of coarse kosher salt
• bee pollen or chia seeds optional

Instructions

 

• In the blender, combine the frozen blueberries, banana, ginger, almond butter, dates, almond milk, and a pinch of salt.

  Blend until smooth, adding more almond milk, 1 tbsp at a time, if necessary, to help the blender blades keep moving.
• Transfer to a glass and sprinkle with bee pollen if using. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 11gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 251mgPotassium: 816mgFiber: 14gSugar: 52gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 365mgIron: 2mg

Keyword almond butter, almond milk, banana, bee pollen, blueberry smoothie, dates, ginger, healthy smoothie, medjool dates, smoothie

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