This licuado de banana is a Mexican style smoothie made with banana, milk, cinnamon and some sweetener. It's so easy to make, it's refreshing and makes the the perfect on the-go breakfast or afternoon snack.

licuado de banana (mexican banana smoothie) topped with cinnamon powder with bananas peaking into frame

What is a licuado?

Licuados are similar to a smoothie but the consistency is not as thick as a smoothie. They are very popular in Mexico and Latin America. Licuados also known as batidos is a milk based blended drink with fresh fruit and some ice cubes.

Why you will like this easy recipe

This licuado is toddler and kid friendly
You only need 3-4 pantry staple ingredients
Healthy, easy and quick to make
So refreshing and makes the perfect post workout drink too

Ingredients You'll need for this "licuado" Mexican style smoothie

Plátanos (banana) - banana with brown spots, but not overly ripe
Milk - I like using oat milk or dairy free milk but you can use any milk of choice
Cinnamon - for some delicious cinnamon-y flavor
Maple syrup - is optional but for some added sweetness I like using 1-2 tsp
Some ice cubes to make it cold

licuado de banana ingredients on countertop

How to make this easy licuado

Step 1 Start by cutting your banana. Add all the ingredients, milk, banana, cinnamon, sweetener if using and some ice to the blender and blend until smooth.

banana smoothie (licuado de platano) ingredients inside a blender

Blended banana smoothie inside a blender

Step 2 Pour the blended banana smoothie into a tall glass and top with ground cinnamon and that's it! ENJOY your licuado de plátano!

banana smoothie being poured into a tall glass

licuado de platano (banana smoothie) ready to be served

Substitutions and Variations

Milk - Don't like dairy-free milk? you can use whole milk or any milk of choice.

Oats - I like adding ¼ cup of oats to make it more filling

Sweetener - Other sweeteners that work great are agave nectar, cane sugar, and honey

Fruits - You can definitely add more fruit to mix-it up a bit

Chocolate - add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a banana chocolate licuado

Protein - For added protein I like using banana greek yogurt or vanilla greek yogurt. Vanilla or chocolate whey protein make great add ons too!