Licuado de Plátano (Banana Smoothie)

Licuado de Plátano, or Banana Smoothie, is a rich, creamy blend that is both yummy and nutritious. This healthy and delicious drink is staple Mexican breakfast or snack.

My mother made this for us many mornings. Personally, I love the option of making this delicious smoothie for my family to start the day.

I’ve also heard people refer to it as “batido.” Both words “batido” and “licuado” mean smoothie, depending on where you come from in Mexico. 

Ingredients

• Milk
• Banana
• Sugar – white or brown sugar – both are optional!
• Vanilla Extract
• Ground Cinnamon

Here I’m giving you a basic, traditional recipe for this banana licuado.

Feel free to change it up. Swap out the milk for Greek yogurt. It will add extra creaminess and protein. If you are making this as a dessert, swap out the milk for ice cream!

My cousin used to put a raw egg in his smoothie kinda like chocomil. Totally optional and should be consumed with caution. 

History

This Mexican banana smoothie recipe like most “licuados” in Mexico, has its origins in the country’s abundance of fresh produce as well as the need for quick, nutritious meals. Over the years, the recipe has evolved with the addition of ingredients, each adding a unique flavor profile to the traditional banana smoothie. It’s a popular breakfast drink in many Latin American countries. You’ll find many street vendors serving Mexican licuados along with various agua frescas. 

Instructions

• Peel the banana.
• Cut into slices

Brown spots on a banana simply tell you that it’s ripe and ready to use. Another way to tell if a banana is ripe is by smelling it. It should smell sweet.

Oh So Sweet!

The natural sweetness of ripe bananas should be enough. If you need extra sweetness, consider adding honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, or a ripe date instead of sugar.

• Place milk, banana chunks, sugar, and vanilla in your high speed blender or food processor.
• Blend until you have a very smooth consistency.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to use ripe bananas. They lend a natural sweetness and creaminess to the smoothie.
2. Add cinnamon sticks for both a garnish and an extra layer of flavor.
3. You can add some protein powder for a post-workout energy boost. Or use chia seeds or even hemp seed.
4. If your smoothie is too thick, add a bit more whole milk to adjust the consistency.
5. Serve your smoothie chilled for the best taste.

• Pour in tall glasses and dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon. 
• For an extra cold drink, add to your cup ice cubes. 

Some people will also add ground nutmeg for a different flavor. You can even take it to the next level with ground cloves.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Smoothie Recipes

• Green Ginger Smoothie
• Licuado de Nopal
• Mango Pineapple Smoothie
• Jugo Verde

Licuado de Platano (or batido) is one of the best smoothie recipes you’ll ever make. This delicious drink, brimming with the goodness of bananas, makes a light meal or snack. It is a delicious kind of Mexican food that emphasizes fresh, wholesome foods.

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