Agua de plátano, also known as banana agua fresca, is a refreshing beverage popular in Mexico. It has a sweet and creamy texture with a strong banana flavor.
Agua de plátano belongs to the category of Aguas Frescas which are a type of refreshing beverage commonly consumed in Mexico.
The term aguas frescas translates to “fresh waters” in English. These drinks are typically made by combining water with various fruits, flowers, seeds, grains, or other natural ingredients to create flavorful and thirst-quenching beverages.
Popular recipes for aguas frescas include Agua de Fresa, Agua de Sandía, and Strawberry Horchata.
To Make agua de plátano, ripe bananas are blended with water and sweetened with condensed milk or other sweeteners to taste. Our recipe also includes a hint of cinnamon and vanilla extract for added flavor. The mixture is then mixed with evaporated milk, resulting in a smooth, creamy, and mildly sweet drink.
Ingredients
(Detailed measurements are on the recipe card at the bottom of the post)
Bananas: Peeled and chopped bananas, go for bananas that have a few brownish marks on their skin, those are usually sweeter.
Evaporated milk: This milk will give the drink a creamy consistency and taste.
Sweetened condensed milk: Because we are going to add water to the concussion the banana’s sweetness might be diluted, the sweetened condensed milk will cover that gap. If you have a sweet tooth then you may add sugar until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon (canela) has a distinctive sweet aroma, your Banana Agua fresca will smell sweet and taste sweet as well. Leave some for garnishing.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla and cinnamon are a perfect combination and are both responsible for the intense flavor of this drink.
Water: To dilute the drink.
Ice: This is for serving, if you serving right away add it to the pitcher, otherwise add it to serving glasses as you drink your beverage throughout the day.
How To Make Agua de Plátano
- Add ice cubes to a large pitcher and set aside.
- Peel and add the bananas to a blender.
- Add evaporated and condensed milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla, and 2 cups of water.
- Blend until nicely smooth and then transfer the mixture to the pitcher. You can also strain the mixture if you prefer.
- Add the remaining water and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust sweetness to taste by adding a little bit of sugar if needed.
- Serve in glasses with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
- Choose ripe, yellow bananas with brown spots for the best flavor. Ripe bananas are sweeter and have a more pronounced flavor, which will enhance the taste of the agua de plátano.
- Start by blending the peeled ripe bananas with water to create a smooth consistency. The ratio of bananas to water can vary based on personal preference, but a good starting point is about 1 large ripe banana for every 2 cups of water.
- If you prefer a smoother and pulp-free texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any banana fibers or solids. This step is optional, I personally enjoy the texture and prefer to skip straining.
- The hero ingredient in this fruity drink is a banana. They are well known for their nutritious value, they are loaded with essential minerals and vitamins such as Potassium, Magnesium, iron, etc. All these are beneficial to the overall functioning of your body.
What To Serve With
Agua de plátano can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing beverage, but it also pairs well with certain foods. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with:
- Tacos: Whether you’re having classic street-style tacos de bistec, shrimp tacos, or vegetarian lentil tacos, the cool and fruity flavors of this banana water provide a nice contrast and help cleanse the palate between bites.
- Mexican Street Food: Aguas frescas are commonly served alongside Mexican street food such as tostadas de picadillo, gorditas, or tortas de jamón.
- Fresh Salads: The fruity and floral flavors of the drinks complement the flavors of salads, making them a refreshing and healthy combination. Try pairing it with this ensalada de pollo (chicken salad) or this ensalada de coditos.
- Spicy Foods: This sweet banana water can help balance the heat and spiciness of dishes. If you’re serving spicy pollo a la diabla or papitas con chile, the cool and soothing nature of this drink can provide relief and enhance the overall dining experience.
Feel free to experiment and find your own favorite food and beverage combinations! Ultimately, aguas frescas are versatile and can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods.
I also think that they are particularly suited to complementing spicy, flavorful, or summery dishes, offering a refreshing and thirst-quenching element to your Mexican meal.
How To Store Banana Water
Agua de plátano should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it chilled and prevent spoilage. Transfer the beverage to a sealed container such as a large mason jar or glass pitcher with a tight-fitting lid, before placing it in the refrigerator.
I recommend consuming the banana water within 2 to 3 days of preparation to ensure optimal taste and quality. Over time, the flavor may deteriorate, and the drink can become less appealing.
You can also freeze it in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. This can help extend its shelf life for up to 1 to 2 months. Thaw the frozen agua de plátano in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and give it a stir before serving.
Just remember, the texture and taste of the banana water may slightly change after freezing and thawing, so it’s best to consume it fresh if possible.
More Agua Fresca Recipes
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Video
Agua de Plátano
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 can evaporated milk
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (+ more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups water
- ice to serve
Instructions
- Add the bananas, evaporated milk, condensed milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and 2 cups of water to a blender.
- Blend until nicely smooth and then transfer the mixture to a large pitcher with ice.
- Add the remaining water and stir to combine.
- Adjust sweet to taste by adding a little bit of sugar if needed.
- Serve in glasses with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and enjoy.
Notes
- Use ripe, yellow bananas with brown spots. Ripe bananas are sweeter and have a more pronounced flavor, which will enhance the taste of this drink.
- If you prefer a smoother and pulp-free texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any banana fibers or solids.
My favorite refreshing treat! I love its sweet, creamy goodness and that strong banana flavor. It’s a go-to drink on hot days. Sweet, creamy, and always satisfying!
So creamy and yummy instead, loved the banana flavor and the light texture, I thought it will be more like a smoothie but turned out better! My kids loved the drink :)