Banana licuado is a traditional Mexican beverage made with blended bananas and milk. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it the perfect summertime treat.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals that can help to keep you energized throughout the day.
Plus, it’s easy to make at home using just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing snack or a nutritious breakfast option, this banana licuado will hit the spot.
Follow this guide, and you’ll have a delicious banana licuado ready in no time.
What is Banana Licuado?
Banana licuado is a popular Mexican drink that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s made with blended bananas and milk, giving it a creamy texture.
This simple beverage is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice when looking for an energy boost. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home — all you need are a few basic ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing snack or a nutritious breakfast option, this banana licuado will satisfy your craving. You can also customize the drink by adding additional ingredients such as other fruits and vegetables, sweeteners, or spices.
What does it taste like?
Banana licuado has a sweet and creamy flavor, thanks to the blended bananas and milk. The mild taste of the bananas is complemented by subtle notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar (if added).
The texture is light and refreshing with a hint of creaminess. The taste of banana licuado can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add additional ingredients such as other fruits and vegetables, sweeteners, or spices to create a unique flavor.
How did I first get introduced to the Banana Licuado?
I first got introduced to the banana licuado when I visited my family in Mexico. My aunt was making it for breakfast, and its sweet flavor immediately caught my attention.
She told me that she always made it during the summer months, as it was a refreshing way to start the day. Intrigued, I asked her how to make it, and she showed me the simple process.
She blended up ripe bananas with milk, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla extract. It was so easy to make that I decided to recreate it at home.
Since then, I have been making this delicious drink whenever I need an energy boost or just want something sweet. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home — all you need are a few basic ingredients. Making banana licuado is now part of my regular routine, and I’m so happy that my aunt introduced me to this tasty beverage!
How to make Banana Licuado?
Making banana licuado is quick and easy. All you need to do is gather the ingredients & follow the steps below:
You can also read the following breakfast recipes:
Ingredients
- Bananas: This fruit provides energy and also fiber, vitamins A, B6, C and E. It is important to choose ripe bananas for the licuado because unripe bananas contain starch that will give them an unpleasant texture.
- Cinnamon: This spice adds sweetness and flavor to the drink as well as health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Vanilla Blend: This ingredient adds a subtle sweetness to the drink. You can also use regular vanilla extract or almond extract instead if you prefer.
- Sugar: Sugar is an optional ingredient, but it helps to bring out the flavor of the bananas and give the licuado a more enjoyable texture.
- Milk: Any type of milk (dairy, almond, coconut) can be used to make the licuado. The choice of milk will depend on your preference and dietary needs.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Peel and slice the bananas into small pieces.
Step 2
Place the banana slices in a blender along with the cinnamon, vanilla blend, and sugar (if using).
Step 3
Add 3/4 cup of milk to the blender and blend until smooth.
Step 4
Slowly add more milk until you reach desired consistency.
Step 5
Pour the licuado into glasses and serve.
Tips
- You can add other fruits or vegetables to the blender such as strawberries, mangoes, pineapple, spinach, or kale to make a more nutrient-dense drink.
- If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the bananas with a fork and mix in the other ingredients.
- You can also add ice cubes to your licuado if you want it chilled.
- For an extra creamy texture, add some yogurt or avocado to the blender along with the rest of the ingredients.
- If you are adding additional fruits or vegetables, you may need to adjust the amount of milk according to your preference.
- For a healthy licuado, use brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar.
- You can also substitute the milk for almond or coconut milk if preferred.
- For an added kick, you can add some ginger or cayenne pepper to the blender.
- You can also top the licuado with some nut butter, granola, fresh fruit, or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
Banana Licuado Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring Cup
- Glass
Ingredients
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk or whole milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla blend
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 Ripe Banana
Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas into small pieces.
- Place the banana slices in a blender along with the cinnamon, vanilla blend, and sugar (if using).
- Add 3/4 cup of milk to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Slowly add more milk until you reach desired consistency.
- Pour the licuado into glasses and serve.
Notes
- You can add other fruits or vegetables to the blender such as strawberries, mangoes, pineapple, spinach, or kale to make a more nutrient-dense drink.
- If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the bananas with a fork and mix in the other ingredients.
- You can also add ice cubes to your licuado if you want it chilled.
- For an extra creamy texture, add some yogurt or avocado to the blender along with the rest of the ingredients.
- If you are adding additional fruits or vegetables, you may need to adjust the amount of milk according to your preference.
- For a healthy licuado, use brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar.
- You can also substitute the milk for almond or coconut milk if preferred.
- For an added kick, you can add some ginger or cayenne pepper to the blender.
- You can also top the licuado with some nut butter, granola, fresh fruit, or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Calories 182 | Total Fat 5g | Saturated Fat 3.5g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 74mg | Carbohydrates 31g| Dietary Fiber 2.6g| Sugars 18g | Protein 6.1g
What to serve with Banana Licuado?
Banana licuado is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own or with other dishes. If you’re looking for a snack, it pairs perfectly with slices of toast and nut butter.
For breakfast, you can serve banana licuado alongside oatmeal or scrambled eggs. It also makes a delicious smoothie bowl when topped with fresh fruit, granola, and nuts. For lunch or dinner, you can serve banana licuado with a side salad or grilled chicken.
Alternatively, it also makes an excellent accompaniment to Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. You can also top the licuado with yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decadent dessert.
How to store leftover Banana Licuado?
Leftover banana licuado should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 days. The drink can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply defrost the licuado in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before serving.
If you prefer a cold drink, you can add some ice cubes to the licuado when you are ready to serve it. Or, for a hot drink, simply heat up the licuado in the microwave before serving.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Banana licuado is generally safe for pregnant women, as it contains healthy and wholesome ingredients. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals such as potassium and calcium which are beneficial for both mother and baby.
However, pregnant women should avoid adding certain ingredients to the drink such as raw honey or unpasteurized dairy products. They should also consult their doctor before consuming this drink, as it is important to ensure that any food consumed during pregnancy is safe and nutritious.
Overall, banana licuado can be a great and delicious addition to any pregnant woman’s diet. It provides nutrients to help meet the extra demands of pregnancy while satisfying sweet cravings too!
FAQs
Are there any health benefits?
Yes! Banana licuado is a great source of potassium and calcium, both of which help to keep our bones strong. It also contains vitamins A, B6, C, and E which are great for supporting the immune system. Plus, it provides healthy fats and carbs to give you energy throughout the day.
Is it vegan-friendly?
Yes! As long as you use plant-based milk (such as almond or coconut milk) this drink is suitable for vegans. You can also substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar to make it an even healthier treat.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, adding protein powder to your banana licuado is a great way to increase the protein content of the drink. Choose a plant-based or whey protein powder depending on your dietary preferences and add it to the blender along with the other ingredients for an even healthier treat.
Can children drink this?
Yes, banana licuado is suitable for children (from age 4 and over) as it is made from natural ingredients. It can also be a great way to make sure your kids get their daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals. However, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in this or opt for an alternative sweetener if your child has a sensitivity to sugar.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading our guide on how to make banana licuado. We hope you found it useful and have now gained the confidence to make this delicious drink at home!
Don’t forget to experiment with different additional ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and spices to find your favorite flavor combination.
Please share this article with your friends and family so that they can also learn how to make this yummy beverage.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.