My award for breakfast of the year goes to the portable, nutrient-packed, and easy-to-prep smoothie — all you have to do is give it a whirl in your blender, pile it into a to-go cup, and run your blender through hot water [1] for instant cleanup.

But I have a bit of a bone to pick with smoothies: I can't see one more strawberry-banana smoothie combination! Considering there are countless options out there for mixing up a refreshing beverage, it's hard to see standard flavor pairings everywhere I go. Are you, like me, totally tired of the same boring smoothie flavors? If so, then keep reading for some ways to jazz up your smoothie routine.

1. Mix up the base. Go dairy-free and vegan by using coconut milk [2], pear juice [3], or green tea / matcha [4] for a lighter, more refreshing smoothie that still promises a healthful payoff. Or, if you're looking for a departure from the standard milk or yogurt [5] option, try sunflower seed milk, rice milk, or even buttermilk.
2. Use seasonally sensitive fruit while you still can. While watermelon [6] and figs [7] are still available fresh, be sure to try running them through the blender, too. Even a single kiwi [8] can change up your typical strawberry smoothie — or go tropical, with guava, papaya, and passionfruit.
3. Spice things up. Your entire arsenal of dessert spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ground ginger, vanilla bean, even a dash of cayenne! — adds a new layer of flavor to your sweet start.
4. Be a different kind of sweet. Sub out honey for less traditional sweeteners, such as pitted, dried dates, maple syrup, or even a couple tablespoons of rose-infused syrup [9].
5. Don't be afraid to add texture. Changing up the consistency of your smoothie is a surefire way to keep the concept exciting! Add 1/4 cup rolled oats [10] to a creamy smoothie for extra excitement, omit dairy altogether for a lighter beverage, or skip the crushed ice and pour your smoothie into a popsicle tray for the ultimate Summer snack.