A banana licuado is a delicious, nutritious smoothie-style drink, often referred to as a batido or Mexican smoothie. If your Spanish is a bit rusty, it’s pronounced LEE-KWAH-DOH.
This licuado is a great source of protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. The cinnamon provides a great antioxidant boost and stabilizes blood sugar. Licuados are low in calories and are a popular snack or breakfast drink in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Colorful Mexican fruit markets are the inspiration for this banana licuado
My recipe is for a traditional banana licuado, which is somewhat thinner than your typical smoothie. I’ve included plenty of options, including how to add nutritional boosts, thicken its consistency, and modify the recipe for vegan or lactose-free diets. Feel free to customize your licuado to make it your own!
Lactose-Free, Vegan, and Plant-Based Milk Substitutes
The milk you choose has a major impact on the taste, consistency, and nutritional content of your licuado. For this recipe, I used Horizon Organic Lowfat Milk. I also enjoy licuados with almond milk.
You can easily substitute the lowfat milk for another type of milk. If you’re lactose intolerant, Horizon Organic Lactose-Free Reduced Fat Milk is a good choice. You can also substitute whole milk, which will make your licuado creamier but also increase the calories and fat.
Plant-based milks are a good option if you follow a vegan diet or just prefer to avoid dairy. Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is my favorite for a licuado. You can also get creative and try another type of non-dairy milk such as coconut, oat, soy, hemp, hazelnut, cashew, macadamia, or flax milk. Be aware that substitutions can change the flavor profile of your licuado or reduce the protein content.
Creative Options for Your Banana Licuado
If you’re a culinary rebel, want to increase the nutrition of your licuado, or are simply looking for something a little different, here are few options to consider:
- Add 4 tablespoons rolled oats or amaranth for a nutritional boost. Oats and amaranth are both gluten-free.
- Substitute other fruits such as strawberries, mango, melon, or papaya. One of my favorites is a strawberry banana licuado.
- Add a tablespoon of lime juice.
- Try nutmeg instead of or in addition to cinnamon.
- Substitute yogurt for part of the milk to create a thicker licuado.
- Add a small scoop of protein powder such as whey protein or a plant-based protein. This will make your licuado thicker so you might need to add more liquid.
- Replace the stevia with your preferred sweetener such as cane sugar, honey, grenadine syrup, or agave nectar. Note that honey will change the flavor of your licuado more than the other sweeteners. But if you love honey, go for it! My favorite honey is manuka honey, which has loads of antimicrobial properties and is delicious.
You can go with the traditional recipe or try a few options to pick your favorite. Then sit back and enjoy your refreshing licuado!
Looking for another delicious drink from south of the border? Try this watermelon agua fresca!
Banana Licuado: Mexican Smoothie
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 tablespoon stevia
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup ice crushed
Instructions
- Peel and slice banana.
- Blend banana, milk, stevia, vanilla, and cinnamon until combined. Add ice and blend again until combined and frothy.
- Pour into glasses and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
8 comments
I’ve never had this Mexican smoothie before, but the spices in this look so delicious! Will definitely give this a try this week 🙂
I loved this! It is perfect for so many occasions, breakfast or a treat!
Get in my belly! This looks absolutely delicious. I want to give it a try at some point this week if I can get the groceries!
Afternoon smoothies are my favorite snack in the summer and this banana licuado will make the perfect addition to my list of recipes.
First time making a Mexican style smoothie and I’m loving it. Will definitely be making this often from now on.
This looks delightfully light and refreshing!
This sounds sooo good! Weather is still warm in Australia and doing my best to try and not eat my whole pantry during this crazy time. This would be a great recipe for a snack!
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