Banana Milkshake Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink with Vanilla

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Banana Milkshake Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink With Vanilla

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, refreshing drink, especially when the Indian summer heat kicks in. And honestly, nothing beats a classic banana milkshake. It’s creamy, dreamy, and takes just minutes to whip up. I first made this for my little cousin when she visited, and it’s been a family favourite ever since! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana milkshake isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert. Plus, it’s super easy to customize to your liking – more on that later! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good banana shake?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful banana milkshake:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1.25 cups milk (about 300ml)
• Honey, jaggery, or sugar to taste
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (optional, but highly recommended!)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Banana Varieties for Best Flavor

Honestly, any ripe banana will work, but I find that Elaichi bananas (small, fragrant Indian bananas) give the most amazing flavour. If you can get your hands on them, definitely give them a try! Otherwise, Cavendish bananas are perfect too. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your milkshake will be.

Milk Options: Dairy & Non-Dairy

I usually use full-fat milk for the creamiest texture, but you can absolutely use whatever milk you prefer. Almond milk, soy milk, or even oat milk work beautifully for a lighter version. For a richer taste, try using full-fat milk (about 3.5% milkfat).

Sweetener Choices: Honey, Jaggery & Sugar – A Regional Perspective

This is where things get fun! In my family, we often use jaggery (gur) instead of sugar – it adds a lovely caramel-like flavour that’s so comforting. Honey is another great option, especially if you want a slightly floral note. White sugar works perfectly fine too, of course! Adjust the amount to your sweetness preference.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Enhancing the Creaminess

The vanilla ice cream is optional, but it really takes this milkshake to the next level. It adds extra creaminess and a lovely vanilla flavour. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even use homemade vanilla ice cream!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic!

1. Peel and chop your banana. Pop it into your blender with about ¼ cup (60ml) of milk. Blend until it’s beautifully smooth – no chunks allowed!
2. Now, add the remaining 1 cup (240ml) of milk, your sweetener of choice (start with a teaspoon and add more to taste), and that scoop of vanilla ice cream (if you’re using it).
3. Blend again until everything is perfectly combined and you have a lovely, frothy milkshake.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately. A sprinkle of grated chocolate on top is always a good idea, right?

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years:

• Chill your glass: Pop your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring in the milkshake. It keeps it colder for longer!
• Don’t overblend: Overblending can make the milkshake too frothy. Blend just until everything is combined.
• Taste as you go: Sweetness is subjective! Add sweetener gradually and taste as you go to get it just right.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Banana Milkshake

Super easy! Just use your favourite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work great) and a vegan vanilla ice cream alternative. My friend, Priya, swears by using coconut milk for an extra tropical twist!

Sugar-Free Banana Milkshake

Skip the sugar, honey, or jaggery altogether! Ripe bananas are naturally sweet enough for many people. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Nutmeg

My grandmother always added a tiny pinch of cardamom powder to her banana milkshakes. It adds a lovely warmth and fragrance. Nutmeg is also delicious!

Summer Cooling Adaptations: Adding Rose Water or Saffron

For an extra cooling and fragrant milkshake, add a teaspoon of rose water or a pinch of saffron strands (soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk for 10 minutes) to the blender. It’s a classic Indian summer cooler!

Serving Suggestions

This milkshake is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• A light breakfast of toast and fruit
• A plate of biscuits or cookies
• A slice of cake for a decadent treat

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this milkshake is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you must store it, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It may separate, so give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I make this milkshake ahead of time?

It’s best to make it right before serving, but you can prep the banana by chopping and freezing it beforehand.

What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly for this recipe?

Place the bananas in a paper bag with an apple or tomato. The ethylene gas released by these fruits will help ripen the bananas faster.

Can I use frozen bananas for a thicker milkshake?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas will give you a super thick and creamy milkshake.

What are some healthy alternatives to vanilla ice cream?

You can use frozen yogurt, or even a tablespoon of nut butter for added creaminess and flavour.

Is this milkshake suitable for kids? Are there any allergy considerations?

Yes, it’s generally suitable for kids! However, always check for any allergies (dairy, nuts, etc.) before serving.