Banana Cabana Cocktail Recipe

Banana Cabana Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0.1g

Protein:0.2g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Banana Cabana is a tropical cocktail that is perfect for beach parties and summer gatherings. It was first created in the Caribbean, where bananas and rum are both plentiful. This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy fruity and refreshing drinks. It's a perfect blend of sweet and sour, with a hint of tropical flavors.

  • Origin: Caribbean
  • Ideal for: Beach parties, Summer gatherings

How Banana Cabana Tastes?

The Banana Cabana is a sweet and tangy cocktail with a hint of tropical flavors. The banana liqueur gives it a sweet, fruity taste, while the pineapple juice adds a tangy twist. The coconut cream adds a creamy texture and a tropical flavor. The rum gives it a strong kick, making it a perfect cocktail for those who enjoy strong drinks.

Interesting facts about Banana Cabana

  • The Banana Cabana is a popular cocktail in the Caribbean.
  • It's a perfect cocktail for beach parties and summer gatherings.
  • The cocktail is named after the banana liqueur that is used in its preparation.

Ingredients

Rum

Rum is the backbone of the cocktail, providing a potent kick and depth of flavor. 2 oz is just enough to feel the warmth without overshadowing the other tropical components. If you skimp on this, you'll have a less boozy beach sipper, but too much, and you'll send your taste buds on a tipsy tango. An alternative could be cachaça for a Brazilian twist, making it powerful with a grassier note.

Alex Green

Banana Liqueur

1 oz of Banana Liqueur brings in the playful sweetness and the headlining banana flavor—it's a tropical hug in a glass. Miss this and your Banana Cabana is just a wannabe. Too much, and you're in banana overkill territory. A good substitute is banana-flavored syrup if you're looking for a non-alcoholic version but expect a less nuanced taste.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple Juice at 1 oz is enough to give the cocktail a fruity acidity and fragrant sweetness, balancing the creamy coconut and the sweetness from the liqueur. If it's forgotten, the drink lacks its zesty punch. More would make it too acidic and overshadow the other players. Mango juice can play a sub here, adding a different tropical profile.

Mary Mitkina

Coconut Cream

Coconut Cream brings a luscious creaminess and subtle sweetness, creating a rich texture that's key to the cocktail's indulgence. With 1 oz, it's like a vacation in a cup, but go easy––too much, and you'll feel like you're drinking sunscreen. Less and the creaminess takes a dive. Cream of coconut is a sweeter alternative but be careful, it might turn your cocktail into a sugar rush.

Alex Green

Garnishes

A Pineapple Slice and a Cherry are the perfect finishing touches to this tropical masterpiece, playing into the island aesthetic while offering a nibble and a pop of color. Without them, it's like a beach without the sun—still delightful but lacking the final touch.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Banana Cabana Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain into a large glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use a ripe banana for a more intense flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use crushed ice for a smoother texture.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Fried Plantains: The sweetness of the plantains complements the tropical flavors of the cocktail.
  • Coconut Shrimp: The coconut in the shrimp harmonizes with the coconut cream in the drink.

Main Dishes

  • Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa: Matches the sweetness and tropical notes while providing a savory balance.
  • Teriyaki Salmon: The pineapple juice component aligns with the sweet glaze of the salmon.

Desserts

  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Echoes the pineapple element and enhances the cocktail's dessert-like quality.
  • Banana Cream Pie: Taps into the banana flavor, rounding off a thoroughly tropical dining experience.

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What you could change in Banana Cabana

  • You can replace the rum with vodka for a lighter taste.
  • If you don't have banana liqueur, you can use banana syrup or a ripe banana.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Choco-Banana Cabana

  • Replace rum with chocolate-flavored vodka
  • Add a 1/2 oz of creme de cacao
  • Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring The chocolate pairs with banana for a dessert-like indulgence. It's the sort of drink that satisfies a sweet tooth, and it's best served after dinner.

Berry Banana Cabana

  • Use raspberry flavored rum
  • Add a splash of cranberry juice
  • Muddle a few fresh raspberries before shaking This twist adds a tart berry note to the mix, creating a deeper flavor profile and a vibrant red hue that's both eye-catching and delicious.

Spiced Banana Cabana

  • Use spiced rum instead of regular rum
  • Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon
  • Add a 1/2 oz of ginger beer on top after shaking Adding spice to the tropical mix gives this cocktail a warming dimension, ideal for those chillier evenings when you still want a touch of the tropics.

In case you forgot basics how to make Banana Cabana

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Banana Cabana

Can non-alcoholic versions of this cocktail be made?

Yes, the rum and banana liqueur can be replaced with non-alcoholic alternatives, like banana and pineapple juice.

Is this cocktail gluten-free?

Yes, typically the ingredients used in the Banana Cabana cocktail are gluten-free. However, if you have a severe sensitivity, always check the specific brands of your ingredients.

Can I freeze the Banana Cabana cocktail?

Yes, you can, but it may alter the texture and flavor somewhat. It is recommended to serve it fresh for the best taste and experience.

What type of glass would be best for serving this cocktail?

This cocktail is usually served in a tall, highball glass to accommodate the garnish and ice.

Can I prepare the Banana Cabana in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the main ingredients in a pitcher, however, the cocktail should be shaken with ice just before serving to ensure it is cold and well blended.

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