The Tropical Julius

I realized two things while I was making this.

#1  I think I'm getting stupider.  I went to the store specifically for the pineapple juice.  I bought it.  Brought it home.  Set it on the counter.  And then forgot to put it in the drink.

#2  I need to buy some new placemats.  I have no brightly colored, tropically-looking placemats because I-LIVE-IN-THE-FARTHEST-THING-FROM-A-TROPICAL-LOCATION.
This must be remedied.

I dug a wrinkled blue one out of the closet.

(Wrinkly part not pictured.)

I thought this drink was a genius idea.

I'm a little embarrassingly proud of myself for substituting banana for the sweetness.  A regular orange julius has way too much sugar in it.

As I handed one to my husband he said, "Did you already take a picture of it?", implying that he needed permission to drink it and mess it all up.

Of course, I already took a picture of it.  I'm not that stupid.

Tropical Julius
makes 2 servings

6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate (I used Five Alive)
1 banana (can be frozen)
1 cup milk (I used skim, but I'm trying not to mix fruit/dairy these days, so I'll try almond next time.)
2 t. vanilla
1/2 cup pineapple juice

Ice

For the alcoholic version:
1 shot rum
1 shot Triple Sec
1 shot coconut rum

*You may want to add a couple of teaspoons of sugar if it's not sweet enough for you.  Or even a packet of Splenda, stevia, etc.  Just taste it first.*

In a blender, combine the orange juice, banana, milk, vanilla, pineapple juice, and liquor (if using).  Once it's combined well, add in a couple of handfuls of ice cubes until it hits the consistency you want.  Taste and add a sweetener if desired.