Vegan Banana Pineapple Licuado: Latin American Shake

Delicious, creamy, sweet, and healthy – vegan banana and pineapple licuado or Latin American shake is all you need to cool down on a hot day. 

^{Last updated: August 30, 2025}

Vegan Banana and Pineapple Licuado

It might be November outside, but Southern California is still as hot as ever. It is true that the days are getting shorter and the mornings and evenings  are cooler. The scorching day heat, however, forces you to reach for refreshing vegan banana and pineapple licuado even at the end of the fall. Easy to make, satisfying and nourishing, theis Latin American banana and pineapple shake will satisfy your thirst in just a few minutes. 

A Word about Licuado

Licuado (pronounced lee-kwaw-doh) is a signature Latin American drink. It is made by blending fruits, milk, and ice. Some variations of licuado also include spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. The popular Latin American shake often substitutes breakfast. Busy city residents also use licuado as a healthy alternative to a snack or a light meal on the go. 

To the delight of those who are unable to make their banana and pineapple licuados at home, the refreshing drink is in abundance at street stands. Unlike agua fresca, another popular Latin American beverage that is sold pre-made, licuado is made freshly upon your order. 

Although bananas and pineapples are the most common components of licuado, you can use mango, strawberries, peaches, or any other fruits. It is recommended to choose the sweetest and ripest varieties as the fruits enhance the taste of the refreshing drink. 

Let’s Make This Vegan Banana and Pineapple Licuado

Traditionally, the recipe asks for dairy milk. I prefer non-dairy milk. You can use soy, almond, oat, coconut, or hemp milk. Any kind of plant-based beverage will work well for your vegan licuado, additionally enriching it with a nutty flavor. 

Vegan Banana and Pineapple Licuado

• Yield: 3-4 servings
• Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cup plant-based milk
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup pineapple, cubed
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• a pinch of nutmeg for a garnish (optional)
• 1/2 cup ice (optional)

Method

1. Place the plant-based milk, banana, pineapple, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ice in a blender and process until smooth and frothy.
2. Once it is done, pour the drink in serving glasses and sprinkles with nutmeg. Enjoy your refreshing and nourishing vegan licuado!

Tips

1. Use more ice for a thicker consistency.
2. Adjust the sweetness of the beverage by adding or subtracting sugar. Alternatively, you can use honey or brown sugar instead of coconut sugar.

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