Banana Cart Cocktail Recipe

Banana Cart Nutrition Facts

Calories:~200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~22g

Alcohol:~14%

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 Cart cocktail is a relatively modern concoction that has gained popularity for its unique blend of tropical and spicy flavors. It's a hit among those who enjoy a twist on traditional rum cocktails and has a playful character that makes it suitable for festive occasions or as a dessert drink.

  • Originating in the craft cocktail movement, this drink reflects a trend towards revisiting classic ingredients like rum and banana liqueur with a new perspective.
  • The addition of cinnamon sugar syrup gives it a warm, comforting undertone, making it especially popular in the cooler months or as an evening treat.
  • It's often favored by those with a penchant for sweet and spicy flavor profiles.

How Banana Cart Tastes?

The Banana Cart cocktail offers a delightful dance of flavors on the palate. It's sweet yet balanced with a tangy citrus kick from the lemon juice. The spiced rum brings a robust and slightly fiery note that complements the creamy sweetness of the banana liqueur. The cinnamon sugar syrup adds a layer of warm, aromatic sweetness, making the drink rich and complex.

Interesting facts about Banana Cart

  • The Banana Cart can be considered a 'dessert in a glass', often enjoyed after dinner.
  • Spiced rum's versatility makes it a favorite base for this cocktail, as it pairs well with the sweet and fruity flavors.
  • The name 'Banana Cart' evokes a sense of whimsy and tropical escapism, which is reflected in the cocktail's flavor profile.

Ingredients

Spiced Rum

  • Why: Spiced rum is the backbone of this cocktail, providing warmth and a variety of undertones such as vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg. It's the charismatic lead singer in your drink's band.
  • Effects: Without it, your cocktail would be meek and lack depth. Imagine a pirate without a ship—nowhere near as fun.
  • Alternatives: Dark rum for a deeper taste or bourbon for a twist; the cocktail will dance to a different beat.

Mary Mitkina

Banana Liqueur

  • Why: The seductive whisper of banana flavor that sings backup to the rum's lead vocals. It adds a tropical sweetness without overpowering.
  • Effects: Skipping it is like a banana split without the banana—confusing and a tad empty.
  • Alternatives: A splash of crème de cacao could make for a choco-banana affair, or mango liqueur for a different fruity flirtation.

Alex Green

Cinnamon Sugar Syrup

  • Why: The sweet spice that gives this drink its signature kick—think of it as the sparkle in the cocktail's eye.
  • Effects: Without this, the drink would lose its warm, sweet dimension, like a winter’s night without a blanket.
  • Alternatives: Maple syrup for a woodsy twist or vanilla syrup for a smoother, subtler experience.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

  • Why: This is the zesty best friend that balances the sweetness and adds brightness, like a splash of sunshine in your glass.
  • Effects: Leaving it out would make the drink cloyingly sweet, a no-go zone.
  • Alternatives: Lime juice for a sharper tartness, or grapefruit juice for a bittersweet vibe.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

  • Why: It chills the party and ensures that every sip is as cold as the other side of the pillow.
  • Effects: Without ice, the drink is like an awkward conversation—no one wants to linger.
  • Alternatives: Frozen banana slices could chill and infuse the drink simultaneously, making for a smoothie-like texture.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Banana Cart Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Pour 1 1/2 oz of spiced rum into the shaker.
  3. Add 1/2 oz banana liqueur.
  4. Include 1/2 oz cinnamon sugar syrup.
  5. Squeeze in 1 oz of fresh lemon juice.
  6. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  7. Fine strain into a chilled glass.
  8. Optionally, garnish with a slice of banana or a cinnamon stick.

Pro Tips

  • For a smoother taste, use a high-quality, aged spiced rum.
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool and refreshing.
  • If you're making your own cinnamon sugar syrup, use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water and add cinnamon sticks while simmering for a more intense flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Tropical Salads: The fruity notes of the cocktail will complement the sweetness and acidity of tropical fruits.
  • Grilled Seafood: The smokiness of grilled shrimp or fish will be enhanced by the spiced rum’s robust flavor.
  • Pulled Pork Sliders: A playful match with the sweet and savory notes of the pork against the banana and cinnamon in the drink.
  • Caramelized Desserts: Think bananas foster or cinnamon rolls, which share similar flavor profiles with the Banana Cart cocktail.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: A strong, black coffee can balance the sweetness and provide a contrasting flavor that cleanses the palate.
  • Coconut Water: For a non-alcoholic pairing, coconut water can complement the tropical vibe without overpowering the cocktail’s nuances.

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What you could change in Banana Cart

  • Spiced Rum: You can substitute with a dark rum or a gold rum if spiced rum is not available. Brands like Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry are recommended for their spice profiles.
  • Banana Liqueur: If you don't have banana liqueur, try using a banana-flavored syrup or muddle a few slices of ripe banana.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Syrup: Maple syrup with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon can be a good alternative.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Coco-Banana Cart

  • Ingredients: Substitute the cinnamon sugar syrup with coconut syrup.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, replacing the cinnamon sugar syrup with coconut syrup.
  • Taste: This twist will transport you straight to the beach, with a creamier and more tropical taste.
  • Why Make It?: For those who dream of palm trees and sandy toes, here's a sip of paradise.

Spicy Banana Cart

  • Ingredients: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
  • Recipe: Mix the original ingredients and add the cayenne with the ice before shaking.
  • Taste: Expect a fiery kick that’ll warm you up from the inside out—not for the faint of heart!
  • Why Make It?: Perfect for those chilly nights when you need a bit of spice to liven things up.

Berry Banana Cart

  • Ingredients: Include 0.5 oz of raspberry liqueur.
  • Recipe: Add the raspberry liqueur along with the other ingredients and shake well.
  • Taste: The addition of berries turns the tropical vibe into a berry bonanza with a tart edge.
  • Why Make It?: If you're feeling berry adventurous and want a fruity explosion in your glass, this one's for you.

In case you forgot basics how to make Banana Cart

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 Cart

What type of glass is best for serving the Banana Cart cocktail?

A chilled coupe or martini glass is ideal for serving the Banana Cart cocktail to highlight its elegance and allow the aroma to enhance the drinking experience.

Can I make the Banana Cart cocktail in advance?

It's best to make the cocktail fresh to preserve the vibrant flavors and ensure proper dilution from shaking with ice. However, you can pre-mix the ingredients without ice and store them briefly in the refrigerator.

What is the best time of year to enjoy a Banana Cart cocktail?

While it can be enjoyed year-round, the Banana Cart cocktail's warm spice notes and tropical flavors make it especially suitable for summer events or as a cozy winter treat.

Is the Banana Cart cocktail suitable for vegans?

Yes, the ingredients listed for the Banana Cart cocktail do not contain any animal products, making it suitable for a vegan diet.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

For the best taste, it's recommended to use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice may contain preservatives and lack the freshness that brings balance to the cocktail.

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