This Banana Daiquiri is the perfect tropical rum cocktail! It's refreshing, easy to make, and tastes like a vacation in a glass. If you love classic daiquiris, you're going to be obsessed with this banana version.
You’ll love this Banana Daiquiri
It’s tropical. Between the aged rum, banana liqueur, and fresh lime juice, this drink screams island vibes. It's like a mini vacation without leaving your kitchen.
It’s easy to make. Just shake and strain – no blender required! This is a classic shaken daiquiri, not the frozen kind, which means it comes together in minutes and tastes so much more sophisticated.
It can easily be made into a big batch. Planning a summer party or tiki-themed get-together? This banana daiquiri scales up beautifully for pitcher cocktails that'll wow your guests.
Ingredients
Aged Rum. I love using aged rum for this recipe because it adds depth and richness. Try Appleton Estate or Mount Gay for the best results. The aged rum brings warm, caramel notes that complement the banana perfectly.
Banana Liqueur. This is what gives the drink its signature banana flavor. Giffard Banane du Brésil or Tempus Fugit are great options, but you can also use crème de banane, or any banana liqueur that falls within your budget!
Demerara Syrup. This rich, simple syrup adds a molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with aged rum. You can buy it or make your own by dissolving demerara sugar in equal parts hot water.
Lime Juice. Always fresh! The tartness of fresh lime juice balances out the sweetness and keeps this cocktail from being one-note.
How to make a Banana Daiquiri
- Add 2 oz aged rum, ½ oz banana liqueur, ½ oz demerara syrup, and ¾ oz fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass or rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish.
Substitutions and variations
White or Spiced Rum. While I love aged rum for this, you can absolutely use white rum for a lighter, more traditional daiquiri flavor. Spiced rum adds warm baking spices that make this feel more dessert-like – perfect for fall!
Banana Simple Syrup. If you can't find banana liqueur, you can make banana-infused simple syrup. Just add sliced bananas to regular simple syrup, let it steep for a few hours, then strain. You'll need to use a bit more (about 1 oz) to get the same banana punch.
Garnish ideas
- Tropical Drink Umbrella
- Maraschino Cherry
- Lime Wheel
- Dried Lime Wheel
- Banana slice (though it browns quickly!)
- Lime wheel and cherry combo
How to make a big batch of this banana daiquiri
For a pitcher serving 8 people, combine 2 cups aged rum, ½ cup banana liqueur, ½ cup demerara syrup, and ¾ cup fresh lime juice in a large pitcher. Stir well and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. When you're ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice and strain into glasses. You can also serve it punch-style over a large ice block if you prefer!
FAQs
What are some garnishes for a banana daiquiri?
The best garnishes for a banana daiquiri include lime wheels, maraschino cherries, tropical drink umbrellas, and dried lime wheels. You can also add a banana slice, though it will brown quickly. I love doing a lime wheel and cherry combo for a classic tropical look.
What rum for a banana daiquiri?
Aged rum is ideal for a banana daiquiri because it adds depth and complexity. Good options include Appleton Estate, Mount Gay, or Plantation. However, you can also use white rum for a lighter drink or spiced rum for a dessert-like twist.
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Banana Daiquiri
This Banana Daiquiri is the perfect tropical rum cocktail! It's refreshing, easy to make, and tastes like a vacation in a glass. If you love classic daiquiris, you're going to be obsessed with this banana version.
Ingredients
- 2 oz aged rum
- ¾ oz banana liqueur
- ½ oz demerara syrup
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Add 2 oz aged rum, ½ oz banana liqueur, ½ oz demerara syrup, and ¾ oz fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass or rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish.
Notes
Substitutions and variations
White or Spiced Rum. While I love aged rum for this, you can absolutely use white rum for a lighter, more traditional daiquiri flavor. Spiced rum adds warm baking spices that make this feel more dessert-like – perfect for fall!
Banana Simple Syrup. If you can't find banana liqueur, you can make banana-infused simple syrup. Just add sliced bananas to regular simple syrup, let it steep for a few hours, then strain. You'll need to use a bit more (about 1 oz) to get the same banana punch.
Garnish ideas
- Tropical Drink Umbrella
- Maraschino Cherry
- Lime Wheel
- Dried Lime Wheel
- Banana slice (though it browns quickly!)
- Lime wheel and cherry combo
How to make a big batch of this banana daiquiri
For a pitcher serving 8 people, combine 2 cups aged rum, ½ cup banana liqueur, ½ cup demerara syrup, and ¾ cup fresh lime juice in a large pitcher. Stir well and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. When you're ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice and strain into glasses. You can also serve it punch-style over a large ice block if you prefer!
FAQs
What are some garnishes for a banana daiquiri?
The best garnishes for a banana daiquiri include lime wheels, maraschino cherries, tropical drink umbrellas, and dried lime wheels. You can also add a banana slice, though it will brown quickly. I love doing a lime wheel and cherry combo for a classic tropical look.
What rum for a banana daiquiri?
Aged rum is ideal for a banana daiquiri because it adds depth and complexity. Good options include Appleton Estate, Mount Gay, or Plantation. However, you can also use white rum for a lighter drink or spiced rum for a dessert-like twist.
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