Imagine a drink so creamy, so refreshing, and so incredibly delicious that it transports you straight to a sun-drenched Mexican beach with just one sip! Agua de Platano is not just a beverage; it's a liquid vacation that combines the rich, velvety sweetness of ripe bananas with a zesty lime twist. Perfect for scorching summer days or when you're craving a taste of tropical paradise, this simple yet extraordinary drink will revolutionize your beverage game and leave you wondering why you haven't been making this magical elixir your entire life!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Select ripe bananas with brown spots on the peel, which indicate maximum sweetness and optimal flavor for the agua fresca.
- Peel the bananas carefully, removing any stringy parts or brown spots from the fruit's surface.
- Cut the peeled bananas into rough chunks, approximately 1-inch pieces to facilitate easier blending.
- Place the banana chunks into a blender, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the cold water into the blender, covering the banana pieces completely.
- Add fresh lime juice to enhance the drink's brightness and prevent banana browning.
- If desired, incorporate your preferred sweetener like honey, agave nectar, or sugar to balance the banana's natural sweetness.
- Blend the mixture on high speed for 45-60 seconds until smooth and completely integrated.
- Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or lime juice as needed.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any potential banana fibers, ensuring a silky texture.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strained banana agua fresca over the ice.
- Garnish with a small banana slice or lime wedge for presentation, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy chilled for maximum refreshment.
Tips
- Banana Selection is Key: Always choose overripe bananas with brown spots, as they provide the most intense natural sweetness and create a smoother texture.
- Temperature Matters: Use cold water to keep the drink refreshingly cool and prevent oxidation of the bananas.
- Straining Technique: For an ultra-smooth consistency, use a fine-mesh strainer and gently press the mixture to extract maximum flavor while removing any fibrous bits.
- Sweetness Hack: If your bananas aren't super ripe, add a touch of honey or agave nectar to enhance the natural sweetness.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a mint leaf, or a small banana slice to make your drink Instagram-worthy.
- Serve Immediately: Agua de Platano is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare and serve right away to maintain its vibrant flavor and smooth texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 111kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
