Creamy, cool, and kissed with tropical flavor, the Banana Cow is like a banana milkshake with a grown-up twist. This retro cocktail blends rum, banana, and cream into a smooth, dessert-like drink that’s just as at home on a sunny patio as it is at a cozy dinner party. I’ve made this cocktail countless times—it’s always a hit, especially when I want something sweet but not too fussy.
Banana Cow
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or hurricane glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) light or gold rum – smooth and mellow, perfect for creamy drinks
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) crème de banane – a banana liqueur that adds sweetness and tropical flavor
– 1 oz (30 ml) heavy cream – or use half-and-half for a lighter version
– 1/2 ripe banana, sliced – the riper, the better for natural sweetness
– 1 to 1½ cups ice – enough to get a thick, milkshake-like texture
– Pinch of ground nutmeg – for a cozy, aromatic finish
Optional Equipment
– Blender – any standard blender will do
– Chilled glass – helps keep the drink cold and creamy
Method
- Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you prep the ingredients. This keeps the drink colder longer.
- Add to blender: rum, crème de banane, cream, banana slices, and ice. Start with 1 cup of ice—you can add more if needed to thicken.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. You’re aiming for a milkshake-like consistency that pours easily but holds its shape.
- Pour into your chilled glass. The highball glass shows off the creamy texture beautifully, but a hurricane glass adds a fun tropical flair.
- Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg. For extra flair, add a banana slice on the rim or even a maraschino cherry.
Tips & Tricks
– Use a very ripe banana. It adds more flavor and blends smoother. If your banana has brown spots, it’s perfect.
– Want it extra creamy? Add an extra splash of cream or use coconut cream for a tropical twist.
– If it’s too thick, just blend in a little milk or water to loosen it up.
– Don’t skip the nutmeg—it gives the drink a warm, cozy aroma that balances the sweetness.
Make-Ahead Note
You can slice the banana and measure out your liquids ahead of time. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to blend. Since bananas oxidize quickly, avoid blending the drink too far in advance—it’s best fresh.
Ingredient Swaps
– Rum: Coconut rum adds a beachy vibe. Dark rum gives it a deeper, richer flavor.
– Cream: Use coconut cream or oat cream for a dairy-free version.
– Crème de banane: No banana liqueur? Add 1/2 tsp banana extract and a splash of simple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights. It’s rich enough to serve as a dessert drink, but light enough to enjoy on a warm afternoon.
Pair it with:
– Spicy jerk chicken – The cool, sweet drink balances out the heat.
– Coconut shrimp – The tropical flavors play beautifully together.
– Vanilla flan or banana pudding – Go all-in on dessert with a creamy, dreamy match.
Variations
Chocolate Banana Cow
– Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the blender.
– Drizzle some syrup inside the glass before pouring for a pretty swirl.
Spiced Banana Cow
– Add a dash of cinnamon or allspice before blending.
– Top with a cinnamon stick for extra aroma.
Frozen Banana Cow
– Use frozen banana slices and skip the ice.
– The texture becomes thick and frosty—almost like a banana daiquiri milkshake.
Virgin Banana Cow
– Skip the rum and replace with extra cream or banana syrup.
– Great for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol. Top with whipped cream and a cherry!
Storage
This drink doesn’t store well once blended, but you can prep ingredients in advance. Just store the banana slices and liquids separately in the fridge and blend when you’re ready. If you do have leftovers, keep in the fridge for up to 4 hours and stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Coconut cream, almond cream, or oat cream all work well and keep the drink silky.
Is it very sweet?
It leans sweet, like a dessert. Reduce the crème de banane or swap in a natural sweetener like agave if you prefer it less sugary.
What kind of rum works best?
Light or gold rum keeps it smooth. Dark rum adds richness. Coconut rum brings out tropical vibes.
Can I prep it ahead?
Blend just before serving for the best texture, but you can prep ingredients ahead and chill them.
How do I make it look fun for a party?
Garnish with banana slices, a cherry, or a paper umbrella. Serve in a hurricane glass for that tiki lounge feel.
Any health perks?
You’ll get a little potassium and fiber from the banana, but this is definitely a treat. Enjoy it in moderation.
The Banana Cow is one of those cocktails that brings a smile with every sip. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and just tropical enough to feel like a mini vacation in a glass. Whether you serve it after dinner or sip it poolside, it’s a creamy crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.
