Licuados are a popular Latin American drink made by blending fruit, milk and ice. A fresh and light drink perfect for using up ripe fruit including bananas, strawberries, peaches and more.
Unless you’ve read my About Page, you probably didn’t know my father spent a year attending college in Mexico where he became fluent in Spanish. Of course, this is also where he gained an affinity towards authentic Mexican cuisine which I am happy to say I have inherited. My husband? Not so much…. but that’s neither here nor there.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a banana licuado?
Commonly sold by street vendors, the licuado is a blended drink made-to-order with fruit, milk, ice and sugar. It differs from agua frescas which are sold pre-made in pitchers and made with fruit juice. Unlike the classic American smoothie, licuados are made with milk instead of yogurt. Who knew?
My mom made licuados for me and my sisters quite often when we were growing up. They were probably one of the first recipes I started making on my own once I could reach the blender. Cool, frothy and refreshing, licuados are the ideal healthy afternoon snack or dessert.
What fruits can you use in a licuado?
Banana is our favorite flavor but you can also use strawberries, peaches, cantaloupe and more. The key is to use the sweetest, most ripe fruit you can find for maximum flavor.
Your straw is waiting.
Banana Licuado {Mexican Smoothie}
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- several handfuls of ice
- nutmeg (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Place milk, banana, sugar and ice in a high speed blender and pulse until smooth.
- Pour in glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.
Notes
Depending on the sweetness of fruit, you may need more or less sugar.
It’s very good I recommend it to anybody that haven’t tried it,
You can add cinnamon powder once served
Or you can add chocolate syrup if you’re a chocolate lover.
So glad you like it!!!
I live in south Texas so these are pretty much everywhere. A childhood favorite so refreshing and sweet. I didn’t know it was so odd to have a milk smoothie I always thought that was the normal one and yogurt was the exotic one
Awww I’m so glad to hear this! I grew up drinking these all the time but no one here drank them!! They really are just the best!
A husband who doesn’t like mexican food?! Hmmm. Well he must have many other redeeming qualities, because that might have been a deal breaker for me. :P Thankfully the.boy does love Mexican food! Which is usually a good thing, but where these smoothies are concerned…I’m not sure I’d want to share!
I know…I KNOW. It’s crazy right? But yet he eats sashimi!! No tacos but loves raw fish. I don’t get it.
Way too much ice. Several handfuls? Really.
That’s how we like it but feel free to use less!
I am drinking a lot of ice coffee with milk added. This looks like a variation of that and thus very refreshing as well as tasty. I am surprised how creamy it looks.
Adore iced coffee this time of year!
Licuados are new to me–they look delicious and refreshing!
Let me know if you try it Robbin!
I’ve never tried a Mexican smoothie but this looks so cool. YUM!
I hope you enjoy it!
Oooooh! This sounds delicious! Even though I live on the border with Mexico in a city where 80% of the population is Hispanic, I’ve never heard of licuados before. I think I’ll make this for breakfast tomorrow, with a combo of banana and those ripe nectarines I’ve got (and add some protein powder for substance). Thank you for a great idea.
Let me know what you think Susan!
Without even realizing what I was doing, this is what I made for breakfast this morning. I used half a banana and half a nectarine, and in the future would use a whole nectarine with half a banana. Would also try it with just banana. When I get home I’ll try it with banana & nutmeg (I don’t have it where I am and we spend little enough time here that it is not worth investing in nutmeg, which I already have at home). I also did put in a scoop of vanilla protein powder. You’ve done it again – another excellent recipe!
We just got nectarines at the farmers market this weekend – they are delicious!!
We make this all the time – it is SO good and so easy! I like mine really thick with lots of ice, and I sometimes add cinnamon & a tablespoon of rolled oats too. Yum!
I love oats in smoothies. Obsessed!
Now I wish I’d gotten bananas at the store today!
There’s always tomorrow! :)
Yumm! Thank you, that was delicious! As much as I love greek yogurt, I always end up putting too much in smoothies, and end up adding too much sugar to compensate. Plain milk was really good. I blended some honey with a ripe banana, then added the milk and ice so it would incorporate the honey a bit better.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Jenn!!
Making this TODAY! xo
I hope you enjoy it Elise!
I didn’t realize it was wrong to make smoothies with milk–I used to all the time. Had no idea I was making Licuados instead. ;) This sounds wonderfully refreshing!
Well wrong is a harsh word – haha. :)
What a perfect summer drink! Healthy and refreshing
Thank you so much Laura!
I’ve never heard of this but absolutely love the flavors and ingredients!!
Thanks so much Matt!!
So delicious, perfect summer treat!
Thank you Meredith!
I can already taste the banana goodness… thick, creamy, and yum!
Thank you Christine!!
Hmm, a milk smoothie? Interesting! It looks really thick and luscious. I’d definitely give it a whirl, and I’m not even a huge banana fan! :)
Yes exactly!! A milk smoothie! :)