Licuado de Plátano (Mexican Banana Smoothie)
If you’re looking for a quick and authentic Mexican banana smoothie, this licuado de plátano is one of the easiest recipes you can make. It’s a creamy blended drink made with ripe bananas, milk, and a touch of vanilla, and it’s commonly enjoyed in Mexico as part of breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Growing up, licuados were a regular part of our mornings. My mom would make them for me and my siblings as a simple way to keep us full and energized. And yes… every now and then she would sneak in a raw egg 😅 I always noticed, and I was not a fan. But it was her way of adding extra nutrition in the most practical way.
This version stays true to that tradition, but with a plant-based twist. It uses ripe bananas for natural sweetness, so there’s no need to add sugar, along with your favorite dairy-free milk. It’s quick, simple, and one of those recipes that proves the best Mexican comfort foods are often the easiest.
Quick Answer: What is a Licuado de Platano?
A licuado de plátano is a traditional Mexican banana smoothie made by blending ripe bananas with milk, ice, and a touch of vanilla. It’s commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick snack. Using ripe bananas makes it naturally sweet, so no added sugar is needed. It can be made with dairy or plant-based milk.
Recipe at a Glance
- What it is: A creamy and naturally sweet Mexican banana smoothie made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes.
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Dish type: Beverage / Breakfast drink
- Difficulty: Easy
- Key ingredients: Ripe banana, milk (dairy-free or regular), ice, vanilla extract, cinnamon
- Flavor: Smooth, creamy, lightly sweet, with a hint of warm cinnamon
- Best for: Quick breakfasts, light snacks, kid-friendly drinks, or a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up
Why You’ll Love This Licuado de Plátano
• Naturally sweet with no added sugar
Ripe bananas do all the work here, so you get a perfectly sweet smoothie without needing extra sugar.
• Ready in just minutes
Toss everything in the blender and it’s done. Perfect for busy mornings or when you need something quick.
• Made with simple, affordable ingredients
You likely already have everything at home, which makes this an easy go-to recipe anytime.
• Easily dairy-free and customizable
Use your favorite plant-based milk and adjust the texture to your liking, thicker or more drinkable.
What Is a Mexican Licuado?
Licuados are a big part of everyday life in Mexico. You’ll find them everywhere, from home kitchens and small restaurants to neighborhood juice shops called juguerías, where they’re blended fresh to order.
A licuado is essentially a Mexican-style smoothie, typically made with fruit, milk, and simple ingredients.
Licuados are especially popular in the mornings because they’re quick, filling, and made with simple ingredients most families already have on hand.
For many of us, licuados are one of the first drinks we remember having as kids. They’re comforting, practical, and often tied to family routines.
In my home, a licuado de plátano was something my mom made regularly for me and my siblings. It was her way of making sure we started the day with something nourishing, even if we were rushing out the door.
What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. While traditional versions are often made with dairy milk and sometimes a sweetener, this plant-based version keeps that same creamy texture and flavor using dairy-free milk and naturally sweet ripe bananas.
It’s a simple way to honor tradition while making it work for how many of us eat today.
🍌Ingredients
Ripe banana
The star of the recipe. A ripe banana gives the licuado its natural sweetness and creamy texture. The more ripe it is, the sweeter your smoothie will be, no added sugar needed.
Milk (dairy-free or regular)
This is what makes the drink smooth and drinkable. I like using plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy, but you can also use whole milk if that’s your preference. Each option gives a slightly different flavor and texture.
Ice
Helps chill the licuado and gives it that refreshing, slightly thick texture. You can adjust the amount depending on how thick or cold you want it.
Vanilla extract
Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that makes the licuado taste a little more special without extra effort.
Ground cinnamon (canela)
Traditionally sprinkled on top. It adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the banana.
Ingredient Tips
For the best flavor, use a very ripe banana with plenty of brown spots. This is what gives your licuado natural sweetness and a smoother texture, so you don’t need to add any extra sugar.
When it comes to milk, choose one that’s unsweetened so the banana stays the star. Almond milk gives a lighter texture, oat milk creates a creamier texture, and soy milk adds a bit more protein.
If you want a thicker consistency, use frozen banana instead of ice or reduce the amount of milk slightly.
If you want an even colder and thicker drink, you can use frozen banana slices instead of ice. This also helps prevent the licuado from becoming too watery as the ice melts.
And for the cinnamon, if you can find Mexican canela (Ceylon cinnamon), it has a softer, slightly sweet flavor that works especially well in traditional drinks like this.
Instructions
- Add to blender
Place the banana, ice, vanilla, and milk into the blender. - Blend until smooth
Blend until creamy and fully combined. - Adjust if needed
Add more milk for a thinner consistency. - Serve
Pour into a glass and sprinkle with ground cinnamon (canela).
Nancy’s Expert Tips
• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor
If your banana isn’t ripe enough, your licuado will taste bland and you may feel tempted to add sugar. Look for bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness.
• Start with less milk, then adjust
It’s easier to thin out your licuado than to fix one that’s too watery. Add more milk little by little until you reach the texture you like.
• Don’t skip the vanilla
It may seem like a small detail, but it adds a subtle depth that makes the licuado taste more complete.
• Blend just until smooth
Over-blending can warm up the drink and melt the ice too much, which affects the texture.
• Keep it traditional, or make it your own
Classic licuados are simple and usually don’t include ingredients like yogurt or protein powder, which are more common in smoothies. But you can still customize yours by blending in oats or other fruits like strawberries, papaya, mango, or any fresh fruit you have on hand.
• A note on peanut butter
Adding peanut butter is more of a Mexican-American twist rather than traditional in Mexico, but it can be a fun way to add richness if you enjoy the flavor.
How to Serve
A licuado de plátano is best served immediately while it’s cold and creamy. Pour it into a glass and enjoy it fresh, with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top.
In Mexico, licuados are most commonly enjoyed as part of a quick breakfast or as a mid-morning snack. They’re filling enough to keep you going but still light and refreshing.
You can pair this drink with something simple like toast or enjoy it alongside other traditional Mexican breakfast recipes, like Mexican-style tofu scramble, for a hearty start to the day.
If you’re in the mood for something refreshing later on, you might also enjoy homemade Mexican drinks like agua de jamaica or agua de sandía, which are perfect for warm afternoons.
And if you love easy fruit-based treats, try pairing it with biónicos topped with granola for a simple, sweet, and satisfying combination.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Licuado de plátano is best enjoyed immediately after blending for the creamiest texture and freshest flavor.
Because bananas oxidize quickly, the color can darken and the texture may change if stored. For that reason, this is not a recipe that keeps well or is ideal for making ahead.
If you do have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for a short time, but expect some separation and a less fresh taste. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
Gracias
I’m so happy you stopped by. If you have any questions or want to let me know how you liked this recipe, do leave a comment. Muchas gracias, I appreciate you!
Licuado de Plátano (Mexican Banana Smoothie)
Video
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana
- ¾ to 1 cup milk dairy-free or regular
- ¼ cup ice cubes or a few large cubes
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground cinnamon canela, for serving
Instructions
Add ingredients to the blender
- Place the banana into the blender first, followed by the ice. Drizzle in the vanilla extract, then pour in the milk.
Blend until smooth and creamy
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth, with no chunks remaining. (You can use a regular blender or immersion blender)
Adjust consistency if needed
- If the licuado is too thick, add a little more milk and blend again until you reach your desired texture.
Serve immediately
- Pour into a glass and sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon (canela) over the top before serving.
Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
- Use a very ripe banana for natural sweetness
- For a thicker drink, use frozen banana instead of ice
- Best enjoyed immediately for optimal texture and flavor
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make licuado de plátano without milk?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with options like almond, oat, or soy milk. These still give you a smooth and creamy result.
Do I need to add sugar to a licuado de plátano?
No, if you use a ripe banana, it will be naturally sweet. Adding sugar is optional and depends on personal taste, but it’s usually not necessary. For extra sweetnes here are other sweeteners that you could use: honey, agave syrup, or monk fruit.
What’s the difference between a licuado and a smoothie?
A licuado is a traditional Mexican drink typically made with fruit and milk, while smoothies often include ingredients like yogurt, Greek yogurt, protein powder, or nut butters. Licuados are usually simpler and more focused on fresh ingredients.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, banana pairs well with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, papaya, mango, or even a mix of berries. You can use fresh or frozen fruit depending on what you have.
How do I make my licuado thicker or thinner?
Yes, banana pairs well with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, papaya, mango, or even a mix of berries. You can use fresh or frozen fruit depending on what you have.
How do I make my licuado thicker or thinner?
To make it thicker, use less milk or add frozen banana instead of ice. To make it thinner, simply add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. Because bananas oxidize quickly, the color and texture can change if stored. If needed, refrigerate briefly and stir before drinking.
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Nancy Lopez is a Mexican-born food writer and author of Mexican Tamales Made Meatless. Raised in the U.S. and now living in Southern Mexico, she creates authentic vegan and vegetarian Mexican recipes rooted in tradition and tested for real home kitchens.Read more…
