This Caribbean Way® is a tropical and fruity recipe that uses frozen strawberries, banana, and papaya juice.
This homemade copycat is bright, refreshing, and tastes just like the Smoothie King original.
What’s in the Caribbean Way®?
The Official Smoothie King Version
It’s a simple tropical blend of strawberries, bananas, papaya juice blend, turbinado sugar, and ice—super refreshing and sweet.
Our Homemade Copycat Version
We keep it clean and delicious with frozen fruit, papaya juice or nectar, a touch of maple syrup if needed, and plenty of ice.
Caribbean Way® Ingredients
- Frozen Strawberries: 1 cup—gives the smoothie a juicy, fruity base and refreshing chill.
- Frozen Banana: 1 medium banana—adds creaminess and natural sweetness.
- Papaya Juice or Nectar: ¾ cup—adds tropical flavor and brings everything together.
- Maple Syrup (Optional): 1 tsp—mimics the sweetness of turbinado if your fruit isn’t super ripe.
- Ice Cubes: 1 cup—thickens and chills the smoothie for that smoothie bar texture.
- Water or Almond Milk (Optional): ¼ cup—use only if your smoothie needs help blending.
How to Make the Caribbean Way® at Home
- Add your juice first: Start with papaya juice to help everything blend smoothly.
- Add frozen fruit: Toss in strawberries and banana for sweet, tropical flavor and creaminess.
- Add ice and sweetener: Add ice and maple syrup if using.
- Blend: Blend on high for 45–60 seconds until thick, smooth, and perfectly chilled.
- Taste and adjust: Add more juice if too thick, or a splash more syrup if needed.

Why This Recipe is a Perfect Copycat
- Tropical Flavor Explosion: Papaya, banana, and strawberries taste like an island vacation.
- Smoothie Shop Texture: Ice and frozen fruit give it that perfect thick blend.
- Naturally Sweet: Ripe fruit brings the flavor—you only need sweetener if you want it.
- Easy & Refreshing: Simple ingredients, big flavor payoff.
Easy Tips and Swaps
- No papaya juice? Use mango juice or a blend of orange and pineapple juice.
- Want It Creamier? Add a splash of almond milk or coconut milk.
- Add Protein: Throw in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder for a boost.
- Make It Vegan: Just stick with maple syrup and a plant-based liquid if blending.
How to Store Your Smoothie
- In the Fridge: Store: Store in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours. Shake before sipping.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays or a jar. Re-blend with juice or water to refresh.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving about 20 oz)
This smoothie is fruity, fresh, and full of sunshine!
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 28g (mostly natural)
- Fiber: 5g
Note: This info is an estimate. It can change based on your juice and fruit choices.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen?
Yes, just add more ice to keep it thick and cold. - What’s a good papaya juice brand?
Look for Goya, Ceres, or Jumex brands—or sub in mango nectar. - Is this smoothie vegan?
Totally—just use maple syrup or leave out the sweetener altogether.
Try More Recipes:
- Smoothie King Berry Punch® Recipe
- Smoothie King Banana Boat® Recipe
- Smoothie King Banana Berry Treat® Recipe
Smoothie King Caribbean Way® Recipe
2
servings5
minutes230
kcalA sweet, tropical smoothie with banana, strawberries, and papaya juice—just like the Caribbean Way® from Smoothie King!
Ingredients
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana
¾ cup papaya juice or nectar
1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
1 cup ice cubes
¼ cup water or almond milk (optional, to blend)
Directions
- Add papaya juice to your blender.
- Add frozen strawberries and banana.
- Add maple syrup (if using), ice, and optional liquid.
- Blend on high until smooth and thick.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or texture if needed.