This Lemon Twist® Banana is a sweet and zesty recipe that uses banana, lemon juice, and tropical juice.
This homemade copycat is bright, creamy, and tastes just like the refreshing Lemon Twist® Banana smoothie from Smoothie King.
What’s in the Lemon Twist® Banana?
The Official Smoothie King Version
It features banana, lemon juice, papaya juice blend, turbinado sugar, and ice for a tangy-sweet blend with a creamy finish.
Our Homemade Copycat Version
We use frozen banana, fresh lemon juice, papaya juice, and a touch of maple syrup to mimic the sweet-citrusy combo.
Lemon Twist® Banana Ingredients
- Frozen Banana: 1 large banana—adds creaminess and natural sweetness to balance the lemon.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp (about ½ lemon)—brings bright, tart citrus flavor that pops.
- Papaya Juice (or mango juice): ¾ cup—adds tropical depth and smooths out the lemon.
- Maple Syrup (Optional): 1 tsp—sweetens the blend naturally if your banana isn’t super ripe.
- Ice Cubes: 1 cup—keeps it thick and frosty.
- Water or Almond Milk (Optional): ¼ cup—only if you need help blending.
How to Make the Lemon Twist® Banana at Home
- Add the liquid base: Start with papaya juice and lemon juice in the blender.
- Add frozen banana: This gives your smoothie its creamy backbone.
- Add ice and sweetener: Toss in ice and maple syrup (if needed) to thicken and balance the flavor.
- Blend: Blend on high for 45–60 seconds until thick, smooth, and zippy.
- Taste and adjust: Add more lemon for tartness or syrup for sweetness.

Why This Recipe is a Perfect Copycat
- Bright Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon juice makes it super zesty and refreshing.
- Sweet & Smooth: Banana and papaya juice balance out the tartness.
- Thick and Chilled: Ice and frozen banana give it that smoothie shop texture.
- Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar—just fruit and optional maple syrup.
Easy Tips and Swaps
- No Papaya Juice? Use mango, orange, or pineapple juice instead.
- Add a Protein Boost: Toss in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Make It Creamier: Add a splash of almond milk or a bit of Greek yogurt.
- Make It Vegan: It already is—just skip honey and use maple syrup.
How to Store Your Smoothie
In the Fridge: Store in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours. Shake well before sipping.
In the Freezer :Freeze in cubes or a jar and re-blend with juice to refresh.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving about 20 oz)
This smoothie is a wake-up call in a glass—zesty, sweet, and satisfying!
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 25g (mostly from fruit)
- Fiber: 4g
Note: This info is an estimate. It can change based on the juice and fruit you use.
FAQs
- Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice gives the best citrus flavor. - What if my smoothie is too tart?
Add more banana or a touch more juice or sweetener to balance it. - Can I make this with lime instead of lemon?
Sure! It’ll have a tropical lime twist—delicious.
Try More Recipes:
- Smoothie King King Cake Yogurt D-Lite Recipe
- Smoothie King Island Impact® Recipe
- Smoothie King Caribbean Way® Recipe
Smoothie King Lemon Twist Banana Recipe
2
servings5
minutes210
kcalA bright, creamy smoothie with lemon, banana, and papaya juice—just like the Lemon Twist® from Smoothie King!
Ingredients
1 frozen banana
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¾ cup papaya juice or mango juice
1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
1 cup ice cubes
¼ cup water or almond milk (optional, for blending)
Directions
- Add lemon juice and papaya juice to the blender.
- Add frozen banana.
- Add maple syrup (if using) and ice.
- Blend on high until thick and smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.