Banana Mocha Ice Blended

A few years ago, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf offered a summer drink called the Banana Caramel Ice Blended. It was essentially a caramel ice blended coffee drink with banana added to it. A few years before that, Starbucks had a Banana Mocha Frappuccino on their menu that was very similar. These drinks only lasted the season, but they had quite a few fans – including some friends of mine who are reminded of them every time they’re in the mood for a frappuccino. Fortunately, with a blender, some bananas and some coffee, I was able to put together an acceptable substitute to hold them over until they reappear on menu boards.

This Banana Mocha Ice Blended starts out like a regular blended mocha drink with a whole banana added to it. The banana alone might not seem like it goes well with coffee, but both coffee and bananas go very well with chocolate, and the three work together beautifully when combined. The drink is creamy, with a nice coffee kick and some extra sweetness from the banana. It’s very refreshing and the banana adds just enough of a nutritional punch that you could justify drinking one of these for breakast as well as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Banana Mocha Ice Blended
3/4 cup strong coffee, cold
1/2 cup milk
1 large banana
1/3 cup sugar (or more, to taste)
3 tbsp cocoa powder
2 cups ice
whipped cream, for topping

In a blender jar, combine coffee, milk, banana, sugar and cocoa powder, then add in the ice. Blend at medium speed for a few seconds then at high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add additional sugar, to taste, if desired.
Pour into two large glasses and top with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 2 large drinks (or 4 medium/small).