Learn how to make creamy Agua de Plátano, a refreshing banana agua fresca made with ripe bananas, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and simple pantry ingredients. This quick recipe yields a silky, frothy drink perfect for warm days or anytime you want a cooling treat.
Ripe bananas are wonderfully versatile — beyond banana bread or nice cream, they make a delicious base for aguas frescas. Blended with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, water, and a touch of vanilla, bananas create a naturally sweet, creamy beverage that feels indulgent yet simple.
This banana agua fresca is quick to prepare and always popular with family and guests. Below you’ll find everything you need to make it, plus tips for variations and storage.
What is Banana Agua Fresca?
Agua fresca literally means “fresh water” in Spanish and refers to light, non-alcoholic drinks made by blending water with fruit, flowers, grains, or seeds. Agua de plátano (banana agua fresca) uses ripe bananas blended with water and milks to produce a smooth, refreshing, and slightly creamy drink commonly enjoyed in Mexico and beyond.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: The recipe uses common pantry items and ripe bananas—no specialty produce required.
- Fast to make: Just blend and chill; total active time is about 10 minutes.
- Rich, creamy texture: Bananas and milks combine to create a frothy, velvety drink without ice cream.
- Easily adaptable: Swap dairy for plant-based condensed and evaporated milk to make it vegan.
The Ingredients
- Ripe bananas: Choose bananas with some brown spots but not completely brown or mushy for the best flavor and texture.
- Cold water: Filtered, cold water yields a smoother, more refreshing result and reduces the need for extra ice.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creamy body; adjust amount to taste.
- Evaporated milk: Contributes richness without extra sugar; can be substituted with a dairy-free version.
- Vanilla extract: A small amount brightens and rounds the flavors.
- Ice: Serve the agua fresca over ice or blend with ice for a chilled drink.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Substitutions
Replace sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with dairy-free alternatives (coconut condensed milk, plant-based evaporated milk) to make a vegan version. Whole milk can replace evaporated milk if preferred, though evaporated milk gives a denser creaminess.
How to Make Banana Agua Fresca
1. Add liquids to the blender
- Combine cold water, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla in the blender.
2. Add bananas and ice
- Peel and add ripe bananas in large pieces, then add ice. If your blender is small, blend in two batches.
3. Blend
- Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. Serve immediately over ice or refrigerate in a pitcher or bottle for 30–60 minutes to chill.
How to Serve
Stir before serving to recombine any separation. Serve in clear glasses and optionally sprinkle with ground cinnamon for a warm, complementary note.
How to Store
This drink is best fresh but can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir or shake well before serving, as separation may occur.
Tips and Variations
- For cinnamon flavor throughout, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the blender.
- Adjust sweetness by using all, half, or less of the sweetened condensed milk depending on your taste and how ripe the bananas are.
- Riper bananas are sweeter and yield a creamier drink; avoid overly brown or mushy bananas with an off flavor.
- To make it thicker and more like a shake, use frozen bananas but add extra water if it becomes too thick.
FAQ
Yes. Frozen bananas will thicken the drink and may require longer blending and a little extra water to reach a pourable consistency.
Yes. Whole milk works best for creaminess, but evaporated milk provides a denser texture without added sweetness.
More Creamy Drink Recipes
- Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca
- Horchata Agua Fresca
- Vegan Coquito
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating. Enjoy sharing and experimenting with variations to suit your taste.
Recipe
Agua de Plátano (Banana Agua Fresca)
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Equipment
- Blender
- Pitcher or container
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold water
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas
- 2 cups ice
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add water, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla to the blender.
- Peel the bananas and add them in large pieces to the blender for easier processing.
- Add the ice.
- If your blender is full, blend in two batches.
- Blend 1–2 minutes on high until smooth and creamy.
- Serve over ice or refrigerate in a pitcher for 30–60 minutes until cold.
- Garnish each glass with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Stir before serving to recombine any separation.
- Use dairy-free versions of condensed and evaporated milk to make this vegan.
- Adjust sweetness based on banana ripeness and personal preference.