Banana and Strawberry Smoothie

The Banana and Strawberry Smoothie is a straightforward, non-alcoholic blend that delivers on its promise of sweet, creamy fruit. This isn’t a boozy concoction, but it’s a solid, refreshing option for anyone looking for a satisfying gulp of fruit and dairy. It’s a reliable choice for breakfast, a post-workout pick-me-up, or simply a sweet treat that doesn’t need a liquor license. Thick, fruity, and easy to make, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Banana and Strawberry Smoothie

4.66 from 26 votes

Calories: 148kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Instructions

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Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
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Blend on high until completely smooth and the texture is even.
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Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 148kcal (7%)Carbohydrates: 28g (9%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 26mg (9%)Potassium: 783mg (22%)Sugar: 27g (30%)Vitamin A: 400IU (8%)Vitamin C: 35.5mg (43%)Calcium: 290mg (29%)Iron: 0.2mg (1%)

Smoothie

Where it came from

Smoothies, as we know them, gained traction in the health food movement of the 1960s and 70s, though fruit purees have been around for centuries. The combination of banana and strawberry is a classic pairing that likely emerged organically across countless home kitchens and juice bars due to their complementary flavors and widespread availability.

This drink sits firmly in the ‘smoothie’ category, distinct from cocktails due to its lack of alcohol and focus on whole fruit. Its relatives include other fruit and dairy blends like a Mango Lassi or a Berry Blast smoothie. What separates this particular blend is the specific, universally appealing balance of sweet banana and tart strawberry, often thickened with yoghurt and milk.

You’d find a drink like this on the menu at most breakfast cafes, health food shops, and gym juice bars. It’s also a staple in many home kitchens, often made as a quick, nutritious meal replacement or a refreshing snack. It’s not a bar drink, but it’s a reliable, satisfying option when you’re off the clock and craving something fresh.

What it tastes like

On the first sip, you get the immediate sweetness of ripe banana, quickly followed by the bright, slightly tart notes of strawberry. The middle palate introduces the creamy richness of milk and the subtle tang of yoghurt, which smooths out the fruitiness. The finish is a pleasant, lingering sweetness from the honey and fruit, with a thick, satisfying mouthfeel that coats the palate without being heavy.

This Banana and Strawberry Smoothie is a non-alcoholic drink. It contains 0% ABV, making it a refreshing option for any time of day without the effects of alcohol. For comparison, a standard beer typically ranges from 4-6% ABV, and most cocktails are around 15-25% ABV per serving.

The technique

Building this drink is about as simple as it gets. Combine all your ingredients directly into a high-speed blender. Make sure to add liquids first to help the blades catch the solids. Blend the mixture on high power until it reaches a completely uniform, smooth consistency. Once blended, pour it into a chilled glass and serve it immediately to maintain its cool temperature and thick texture.

The single most important technique tip for a smoothie like this is to blend it until it is genuinely smooth. Don’t stop at ‘mostly smooth’. Lumps of fruit or unmixed yoghurt will ruin the texture and the overall experience. Blending thoroughly ensures a consistent mouthfeel, but be careful not to over-blend to the point where the friction heats up the drink. A cold, smooth texture is the goal.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Banana

Use: Ripe bananas, ideally with a few brown spots, are essential. They offer natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Frozen banana slices also work well, adding to the smoothie’s chill and thickness.
Skip: Green or unripe bananas. They are starchy, less sweet, and can give your smoothie an unpleasant, chalky texture. Banana extract or artificial flavourings will also miss the mark.
Why: Bananas are the backbone of this smoothie, providing a natural sweetness, a thick, creamy body, and a mellow flavour that complements the strawberries without overpowering them.

Strawberry

Use: Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for vibrant flavour. Frozen strawberries are an excellent substitute, providing coldness and extra thickness without needing ice, which can dilute the taste.
Skip: Artificially flavoured strawberry syrups or powders. These will introduce an unnatural sweetness and a chemical taste that detracts from the fresh fruit profile.
Why: Strawberries bring the essential tartness, bright fruit flavour, and beautiful colour that defines this smoothie, balancing the sweetness and creaminess of the banana and dairy.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Tropical Twist

Add a taste of the islands.: Introduce a quarter cup of chopped pineapple or mango to the blender for an exotic, tangy flair. Coconut milk can also replace regular milk for a richer tropical profile.

Protein Power Up

Boost your blend with extra fuel.: Stir in a scoop of your preferred protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a handful of chia seeds. This adds substance and makes it a more filling meal replacement.

Green Smoothie

Sneak in some greens.: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale to the blender. The fruit will mask the flavour, giving you a nutritional boost without significantly altering the taste or texture.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Milk?

Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can all work as dairy-free alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavour will still be good.

No Yoghurt?

Kefir can be used for a similar tang and thickness. For a dairy-free option, silken tofu or an extra splash of milk can add creaminess, though without the same probiotic benefits.

No Honey?

Maple syrup, agave nectar, or a pitted Medjool date can be used as alternative sweeteners. Adjust the quantity to your preferred level of sweetness.

No Blender?

A food processor can work in a pinch, though it might not achieve the same silky-smooth consistency. A stick blender or immersion blender can also be used if the ingredients are in a deep container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Banana and Strawberry Smoothie?

A Banana and Strawberry Smoothie typically contains milk, one banana, three large strawberries, yoghurt, and honey for sweetness.

Can I use frozen fruit for this smoothie?

Absolutely. Using frozen bananas and strawberries will make your smoothie colder and thicker without the need for ice, which can dilute the flavour.

How do I make my smoothie thicker?

To make it thicker, use more frozen fruit, less liquid, or add a tablespoon of chia seeds or rolled oats, which will absorb liquid and expand.

How do I make my smoothie thinner?

To thin out your smoothie, simply add more milk, water, or a splash of fruit juice until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I add alcohol to this smoothie?

While this recipe is non-alcoholic, you could add a shot of rum, vodka, or a fruit liqueur for an adult version. Adjust the liquid content accordingly.

Is this smoothie healthy?

Yes, it can be a healthy option, packed with vitamins from the fruit and protein/calcium from the dairy. The health impact depends on sugar content and portion size.

What kind of milk should I use?

Any milk works well. Whole milk will yield a creamier smoothie, while skim milk will be lighter. Dairy-free options like almond, oat, or soy milk are also great choices.

How long does a freshly made smoothie last?

A smoothie is best consumed immediately. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. It may separate or lose some texture over time.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read