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Why wouldn't you add a banana to everything you drink? Okay, even if you're not quite that bananas, you'll enjoy the frothy, smooth taste of this drink. Because the banana adds a creamy texture, you can use almond milk and still end up with a thick, vegan "milkshake."
Ingredients
Serves 1:
- 1 medium ripe banana
- About 2 cups (480mL) milk, milk substitute, or water
- ½–¾ cup (120–180mL) crushed ice
- 1–3 tsp (5–15mL) sugar, honey, syrup, or sugar substitute
See below for variations.
Steps
Making Banana Milk
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1Chop the banana. Select one medium, ripe banana, yellow or specked with brown. The stronger your blender, the less you have to chop:
- For a weak blender, chop the banana into small pieces, or mash it into a paste with a fork.
- For a strong blender, slice the bananas.
- For a food processor, break the banana into thirds.
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2Freeze the banana (optional). If you have time, freeze the chopped banana to make a creamier, colder drink. Otherwise, just move on to the next step.Advertisement
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3Combine banana and ice in a blender. Add the banana to a blender. Pour in about ½–¾ cup (120–180mL) crushed ice.
- You can skip the ice if you're using a frozen banana, or if the weather is cool.
- Ice cubes will take much longer to blend, and may break a weak blender.
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4Pour in milk, milk substitute, or water. Pour milk or your favorite milk substitute into the blender until it reaches about ¾ the height of your solid ingredients. Even regular tap water will end up creamy after blending.
- If you prefer precise measurements, start with 2 cups (240mL) of liquid. After blending, add more in ½ cup (120mL) increments until you reach the desired consistency.
- You can use any type of milk.
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5Blend until smooth. Blend until all ingredients are combined and smooth. This will take 1–3 minutes, depending on the power of your blender.
- Blend in more liquid for a thinner drink.
- Blend in more ice for a thicker drink.
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6Add sweetener (optional). Most people enjoy adding a little sugar, honey, or another sweetener. Add a small spoonful, blend, and taste. Repeat until the drink is as sweet as you like it.
- If you are serving the banana milk to vegans, keep in mind that some vegans do not eat honey.
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7Serve. Serve in a tall glass with a thick straw. You can also pour banana milk over cereal, porridge, or fruit.
Variations
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1Make a dessert drink. Add any or all of the following to make a richer, sweeter drink:
- ½ tsp (1.25mL) vanilla extract for a more intense flavor
- A splash of cream for a richer taste
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a banana milkshake
- A squeeze of chocolate syrup
- Several dates instead of sugar for a rich, natural sweetness
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2Thicken the drink with oats. On the healthier side of the spectrum, a handful of raw oats creates a thicker, creamier texture.
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3Top with spices. Dust the top of the drink with powdered cardamom, cinnamon, and/or nutmeg.
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4Combine with a healthy smoothie. If you enjoy green smoothies, combine the two ideas. The banana will keep the smoothie thick and creamy, while the leafy greens provide vitamins and nutrients.
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5Chop up fresh fruit. Banana milk is basically a fruit smoothie already. Expand on the tropical theme with fresh mango, pineapple, or cantaloupe. Add more milk or a dollop of yogurt to keep it smooth.
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I use milk powder?
Community AnswerIf you do, you'll also have to add some kind of liquid in order to make the milk, although that might stop it from being genuine "banana milk." -
QuestionCan I make banana milk using soy milk?
Community AnswerYes, you may use soy milk. -
QuestionCan I use this for baking bread?
Community AnswerYes! This will add a great flavor to your bread.
Things You'll Need
- Blender
- Knife
Warnings
- Green bananas are less flavorful and less creamy.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Do not try to use banana milk in a recipe that calls for regular milk.⧼thumbs_response⧽
About This Article
To make banana milk, combine one chopped banana and about ½ cup crushed ice in a blender. Pour in 2 cups of milk and blend, then add milk in ½ cup increments until you achieve the desired consistency. Add sweetener such as sugar or honey if desired, and serve in a tall glass. For more tips on making banana milk, including how to make richer, sweeter variations, read on.
