Banana Smoothie

A Banana Smoothie is exactly what it sounds like: a simple, sweet, and creamy blend. It is a solid choice for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or a non-alcoholic option when someone wants something substantial without the booze. It is a straightforward order, easy to make, and generally a crowd-pleaser, especially when the bar is serving more than just cocktails. It is a reliable classic for those seeking comfort in a glass.

Banana Smoothie

4.29 from 32 votes

Calories: 144kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Instructions

▢
Mix well, until the sound of ice crushing disappears.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 144kcal (7%)Carbohydrates: 17g (6%)Saturated Fat: 9g (56%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 36mg (12%)Potassium: 777mg (22%)Sugar: 16g (18%)Vitamin A: 500IU (10%)Vitamin C: 10.7mg (13%)Calcium: 280mg (28%)

Smoothie

Where it came from

The concept of blending fruit with dairy for a thick, refreshing drink dates back centuries in various forms. Modern smoothies, however, gained popularity in the US in the 1960s, driven by health food trends and the increasing availability of blenders. This particular combination of banana and milk is likely a household staple, too simple and ubiquitous to pinpoint a single origin story beyond home kitchens and early juice bars. It is a global comfort drink.

While not a cocktail, the Banana Smoothie sits comfortably in the broader category of blended, non-alcoholic beverages. Its relatives include the classic fruit juice blend, the protein shake, and other dairy or plant-milk based concoctions. What sets it apart is its reliance on the natural sweetness and creamy texture of ripe bananas, often requiring minimal other ingredients to achieve its signature profile. It is less about complex flavor layering and more about satisfying simplicity.

You would order or serve a Banana Smoothie at a breakfast spot, a gym cafe, or any venue that offers a robust non-alcoholic menu. It is also a common request in a home bar setting for designated drivers or those avoiding alcohol. It is not a drink you typically find on a high-end cocktail menu, but it is a perfectly respectable option at a casual brunch or a family-friendly establishment.

What it tastes like

The Banana Smoothie delivers a distinct, sweet banana flavor upfront, mellowed by the creamy richness of the milk. The nutmeg provides a subtle, warm spice note in the middle, rounding out the fruit’s sweetness without overpowering it. The finish is smooth and lingering, a comforting blend of banana and dairy, leaving a pleasant, slightly spiced aftertaste that is both refreshing and satisfying.

This drink contains no alcohol, so its ABV is zero. In terms of potency, it is a soft drink. It does not compare to a standard beer or cocktail in alcoholic content, making it suitable for any time of day or for anyone avoiding spirits. It is a purely refreshing and nourishing option.

The technique

To build this, combine the banana, milk, nutmeg, ice cream, and ice cubes in a blender. Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth. You want to ensure there are no chunks of banana or ice remaining, so let it run until the sound of the ice breaking up subsides. Pour into your chosen glass and serve immediately.

The most important technique tip here is to use ripe bananas, but not overly ripe ones that have turned mushy and brown. A ripe banana provides the most natural sweetness and a good, firm texture that blends into a smooth consistency. If you use underripe bananas, the smoothie will be less sweet and may have a slightly starchy flavor, requiring extra sweetener. Overripe bananas can make the drink too sweet and sometimes contribute an off-flavor.

Drink Buddy Exclusive

Tell us what's in your cabinet.

Our Cocktail Builder takes whatever bottles you've got and hands you every drink you can actually make tonight.

Open the Builder →

Get the Drink Buddy newsletter

One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.

Plus the recipes we drop before they hit the site. Zero spam.

Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Banana

Use: Fresh, ripe yellow bananas are ideal. Frozen banana slices work even better for a thicker, colder smoothie without needing as much ice.
Skip: Underripe green bananas will make the smoothie starchy and less sweet. Overripe, very brown bananas can make it too sweet and sometimes fermenty tasting.
Why: Banana is the primary flavor and provides natural sweetness and a significant portion of the drink’s creamy texture. It is the base that everything else builds upon.

Milk

Use: Whole milk or 2% milk offers the best creaminess and mouthfeel. Oat milk or almond milk are good dairy-free alternatives if you want a lighter body.
Skip: Skim milk will result in a much thinner, less satisfying smoothie. Heavily flavored milks might clash with the banana and nutmeg.
Why: Milk provides the liquid base, adds to the creamy texture, and mellows the intensity of the banana, creating a balanced, drinkable consistency.

Three Variations

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

Protein Power

A post-workout classic.: Add a scoop of your preferred vanilla or unflavored protein powder to make this a more substantial and muscle-friendly drink.

Chocolate Banana

A decadent twist.: Blend in a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a rich, dessert-like experience.

Tropical Banana

A sunny escape.: Introduce half a cup of pineapple or mango chunks along with the banana for a brighter, more acidic fruit profile.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Banana(s)?

No direct substitute for the primary flavor, but you could try a Mango Smoothie or Strawberry Smoothie for a different fruit experience.

No Milk?

Use a plant-based alternative like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. The texture will be slightly different.

No Ice Cream?

Add an extra banana or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and thickness. A splash of heavy cream also works.

No Blender?

This drink specifically requires a blender to achieve the smooth, uniform consistency. A food processor might work in a pinch, but it will be less smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is in a Banana Smoothie?

A Banana Smoothie typically contains bananas, milk, nutmeg, ice cream, and ice cubes, blended until smooth.

Is a Banana Smoothie healthy?

It contains fruit and dairy. Its healthiness depends on the specific ingredients and portion size. Adding protein powder or skipping ice cream can adjust its nutritional profile.

Can I make a Banana Smoothie without dairy?

Yes, simply substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk, and omit the ice cream or use a dairy-free ice cream alternative.

How can I make my Banana Smoothie thicker?

For a thicker smoothie, use frozen banana slices instead of fresh, add more ice, or include a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or nut butter.

Can I add other fruits to a Banana Smoothie?

Absolutely. Berries, pineapple, mango, or spinach are common additions that complement banana well and add extra nutrients.

How do you make a Banana Smoothie sweeter without sugar?

Use very ripe bananas. A touch of maple syrup, honey, or a few dates can also add natural sweetness without refined sugar.

What is the best way to store a Banana Smoothie?

Smoothies are best consumed immediately. If you must store it, refrigerate in an airtight container for a few hours. The texture and color may change.

Can I make a Banana Smoothie ahead of time?

While possible, the texture and freshness will degrade. It is always best to blend and serve immediately for the optimal experience.

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

All Milk, B, B Smoothies, Banana(s), Ice Cream, Ice Cubes, Milk, Nutmeg, Photo, Smoothie

Banana Smoothie

Banana Smoothie

Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

Instructions

Estimated Nutrition:

Where it came from

What it tastes like

The technique

Tell us what's in your cabinet.

One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.

Ingredient Spotlight

Banana

Milk

Three Variations

Protein Power

Chocolate Banana

Tropical Banana

What if I don't have…

Frequently Asked Questions

More Like This

White Russian

Irish Coffee

B-52 2

Grasshopper

Black Russian

Brandy Alexander

32 thoughts on “Banana Smoothie”