I grew up drinking fruit smoothies at breakfast time. Banana smoothies used to be some of my favorites (besides guava, papaya, and avocado smoothies)....It has been a while since I have had one. So this morning I decided to remember old times -- but with a little difference. Instead of making a simple banana smoothie -- which in Brazil is basically prepared by blending bananas with milk and sugar -- I decided to spice mine up by adding chai tea and a bit of coffee (Brazil's most popular drink). Oh, boy, what a wonderful Banana Coffee Chai Smoothie! 🙂
If you are a chocoholic, you'll love the addition of either a homemade or good quality store-bought chocolate sauce to this banana coffee chai smoothie. However, if health or weight is a concern, you could skip the chocolate sauce and use skim milk and/or a sugar substitute to prepare your banana coffee chai smoothie, as I prefer to do with mine. Since gluten is not a concern in my diet, I have also added wheat germ to my banana coffee chai smoothie, which is a great source of both vitamin E and folic acid.
Well, enjoy this healthy, refreshing, and delicious banana coffee chai smoothie!!!
xx
Banana Coffee Chai Smoothie
Serves 2
Segments: From My Table To Yours/ Brazilian cuisine (Inspired)
Ingredients:
½ cup water
1 chai tea bag
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1 large frozen or fresh banana, cut into chunks (frozen bananas make a thicker, frostier smoothie)
½ cup milk**
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of ground ginger
2-4 tablespoons sugar, honey or sugar substitute
1 tablespoon wheat germ (optional)*
4 ice cubes
Chocolate fudge sauce (optional), store-bought or homemade
** For a dairy-free version, use soy, rice, or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
* For a gluten-free version, skip the wheat germ
Directions:
1. Bring the water to a boil. Pour ¼ cup water in a small mug and add the teabag. Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes or until the tea is strongly brewed. Squeeze out the teabag and discard it. Add the instant coffee to the remaining ¼ hot water and stir.
2. Pour both the brewed tea and prepared coffee into a blender, and add the milk, banana, spices, sugar, and wheat germ if desired. Puree until smooth. Add the ice cubes and blend just until the ice is crushed. If desired, pour a bit of chocolate fudge into a glass and swirl. Then, pour smoothie into the glass, sprinkle with additional cinnamon or ginger if you wish. Enjoy Banana Coffee Chai Smoothie!
Note: Recipe adapted from About.com Herbs and Spices.
You might also enjoy:
- Coffee with Guaraná (Café com Guaraná)
- Açaí MilkShake (Milk Shake de Açaí)
- Virgin Fruit Cocktail Drink (Coquetel de Frutas Virgem)
- Virgin Tangiroska (Tangiroska Virgem)
- Berry Caipilé Drink with Tangerine Popsicle (Caipilé de Frutas Vermelhas)
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Love smoothies, especially the ones spiked with coffee, chai and spices! This will keep me alert for a very LONG time 😀
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Sounds like this drink has everything I like! We're having warmer days here and this sounds like a perfect drink to enjoy the spring!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Nami! I hope you can try it.
Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen says
Yum, your smoothie looks and sounds so delicious!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Rosie!!!
Wizzy says
New to your blog and excited to have stumbled upon it.. The recipes look exciting and this smoothie is just my cup of tea ....or maybe coffee since it has both.:-)
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Wizzy!
I do also appreciate your visit. Wishing you a great week!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
I have so many bananas right now, many of them too soft - might as well make this kind of smoothie. Thank you for the idea! It looks wonderful in that glass cup - I have the same one!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Julia! I hope you try it...
Natalie says
This looks SO delicious! Basically a dessert in a cup 😛
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Natalie!
Deb says
What a marvelous breakfast treat! The pairing of banana with chai is irresistible!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Deb! I do agree with you: Chai and bananas pair very well.
Coffee and Crumpets says
Yummy! Looks so good! My children love smoothies and we have one of those individual blender thingies and they all make their own. I will recommend these flavours to them.
Nazneen
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Nazneen! My husband and I enjoy it...