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Banana Licuado Smoothie

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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Banana 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.

Holding a banana licuado smoothie.

My dad spent a year in college living in Mexico, and he shared a love for authentic Mexican food with my sisters and me. A favorite of ours is also super easy to make! A Banana Licuado is a deliciously simple, refreshing drink that my boys and I love to drink in place of a traditional milkshake as a treat, or for a fun breakfast smoothie!

Ingredients

  • Milk: You can use any type of milk, I usually use fat-free dairy milk, but you can make this dish vegan by using coconut milk or almond milk.
  • Bananas: Naturally sweet and creamy, I like to use frozen bananas so that I can use less ice!
  • Sugar: While I typically don’t add sugar to smoothies, this drink is on the sweeter side and requires some added sugar. You could also try using an alternative sweetener, like honey or agave syrup.
  • Ice: Makes this drink somewhat of a frozen treat, and makes the licuado frosty and refreshing.

How to Make a Banana Licuado Smoothie

Start your banana licuado by adding the milk, sugar, banana, and ice to your blender.

Then blend until smooth.

Pour the licuado evenly into 4 glasses.

Banana licuado smoothies.

Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or ground nutmeg, serve, and enjoy your Banana Licuado Smoothie!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are licuados in Mexico?

Commonly sold by street vendors in many Latin American countries, 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. Cool, frothy, and refreshing, licuados are the ideal healthy afternoon snack or dessert.

What are the flavors of licuados?

Banana is our favorite flavor, but you can also make one with strawberry, peach, cantaloupe, mango, and more. The key is to use the sweetest, most ripe fruit you can find for maximum flavor.

What are the benefits of a banana smoothie?

Bananas are a fantastic source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, among many other nutrients. So adding bananas to smoothies not only gives them a creamier texture, but is healthy, too!

More Mexican Recipes

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Liz drinking a banana licuado smoothie.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet and simple treat, or want to revisit a vacation to Mexico, this Banana Licuado Smoothie will be sure to satisfy.

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Banana Licuado Smoothie

3.91 stars average
Liz Della Croce
A fresh and light Latin American drink perfect for using up ripe fruit including bananas, strawberries, peaches and more.
PREP: 5 minutes
TOTAL: 5 minutes
Pin
Servings4

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.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps us to continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

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Liz’s Notes

For a thicker consistency, use more ice.
Depending on the sweetness of fruit, you may need more or less sugar.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 19.8g | Protein: 5.2g | Fat: 2.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 73mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 16.4g


3.91 from 22 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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38 responses to “Banana Licuado Smoothie”

  1. Amelia @ Eating Made Easy Avatar
    Amelia @ Eating Made Easy

    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I love oats in smoothies. Obsessed!

  2. pam (Sidewalk Shoes) Avatar
    pam (Sidewalk Shoes)

    Now I wish I’d gotten bananas at the store today!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      There’s always tomorrow! :)

  3. Jenn Avatar
    Jenn

    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Jenn!!

  4. elise johnson Avatar
    elise johnson

    Making this TODAY! xo

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I hope you enjoy it Elise!

  5. Carrie @ poet in the pantry Avatar
    Carrie @ poet in the pantry

    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Well wrong is a harsh word – haha. :)

  6. Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures Avatar
    Laura @ Laura’s Culinary Adventures

    What a perfect summer drink! Healthy and refreshing

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much Laura!

  7. Matt Robinson Avatar
    Matt Robinson

    I’ve never heard of this but absolutely love the flavors and ingredients!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thanks so much Matt!!

  8. Meredith Avatar
    Meredith

    So delicious, perfect summer treat!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you Meredith!

  9. Christine from Cook the Story Avatar
    Christine from Cook the Story

    I can already taste the banana goodness… thick, creamy, and yum!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you Christine!!

  10. Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) Avatar
    Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)

    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! :)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes exactly!! A milk smoothie! :)