Licuados

Let's be honest. Even on a cold day in Honduras, you might sweat a little. It's just hot. Fortunately, there are licuados (lee-quah-does). Not quite a smoothie, not quite a milkshake, but every bit as refreshing. Made from milk, ice, sugar, and fruit, these rascals go down smooth on a hot day. Popular fruit flavors are papaya, banana (try it with chocolate too), mango, strawberry, pineapple, and cantalope, but really any fruit will do. Some baristas vary the base liquid as well. Instead of milk, you can use water (great with watermelon) or fresh orange juice (great with strawberry).  Give it a shot next time you feel the temperature rising. We made some here in the office last week with favorite licuado combination- cantalope and milk.

Here's how to make your own.

 What you'll need.

• Ice
• Milk (also or water or orange juice)
• Sugar
• Sliced fruit
• Cinnamon (optional) 
• Blender 

 

 Process

1. Drop your ice cubes in the blender pitcher. 4-5 cubes per serving (large glass).
2. Pour in milk to 1/2 inch below the top ice cubes.
3. Dump the fruit on top. A volume of fruit roughly equivalent to the amount of ice should do it. With a weaker fruit like cantalope or watermelon, you may find that you need a little more.
4. Sugar the concoction to taste. I like it pretty sweet, so I go for 2-3 tablespoons per serving.
5. Blend on high until you can't hear ice chunks clunking in the blades. You want it to end up smooth and frothy at the end.
6. Pour.
7. About a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon on top dresses it up a bit and makes for a nice spicy finish.
8. Enjoy.