This creamy, citrusy Banana Daiquiri is like summer in a glass. It’s fruity, frosty, and just boozy enough to keep things fun. Sweet ripe banana blends with zesty lime and smooth white rum to create a drink that’s both refreshing and just a little indulgent. I’ve made this drink countless times—especially on warm evenings—and every time, it’s a hit. Here’s how you can make it at home, plus a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.
Banana Daiquiri
Ingredients
Serves: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Glass: Chilled coupe or margarita glass
- White rum – 2 oz (60 ml)
- Ripe banana – 1 medium (make sure it’s spotty and soft for best flavor)
- Fresh lime juice – 1 oz (30 ml)
- Simple syrup – ½ oz (15 ml), or to taste
- Ice – about 1 cup (roughly 120 g)
What You’ll Need
- Blender
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
Method
- Prep your ingredients. Peel the banana and break it into chunks. Juice your lime—fresh is always best here.
- Blend everything together. In a blender, add the banana, white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. You’re looking for a thick, slushy texture—smooth enough to sip, but still icy.
- Serve it up. Pour into a chilled coupe or margarita glass. Garnish with a banana slice, lime wheel, or even a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your drink will be. If it’s too firm, the flavor won’t shine through.
- Taste and tweak. After blending, give it a taste. If it’s too tart, add a splash more syrup. Too sweet? A bit more lime juice will balance it out.
- Chill your glass. Just pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand. It makes a big difference in keeping the drink cold and slushy.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can blend the daiquiri ahead of time and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Right before serving, give it a quick re-blend to bring back that smooth texture. If it’s too thick, add a splash of lime juice or water to loosen it up.
Substitutions & Variations
- No simple syrup? Use honey or agave syrup. Start with a little and adjust to taste.
- Want it creamier? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of coconut milk before blending.
- No blender? You can mash the banana really well and shake all the ingredients with ice in a shaker. It won’t be as smooth, but the flavor’s still there.
Flavor Twists
Berry Banana Daiquiri
- Add a handful of mixed berries (fresh or frozen) to the blender for a fruity twist.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint.
Coconut Banana Daiquiri
- Swap out half the simple syrup for ½ oz (15 ml) of coconut cream.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical finish.
Chocolate Banana Daiquiri
- Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the blender.
- Garnish with a chocolate drizzle or shaved dark chocolate.
Virgin Banana Daiquiri
- Skip the rum. Blend banana, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice for a family-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
This drink is a natural match for bold, sunny flavors. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
Spicy Appetizers
The sweetness of the banana and the cool slushiness help tone down heat. Try it with jalapeño poppers, spicy shrimp skewers, or buffalo wings.
Grilled Chicken
Smoky grilled chicken and a fruity cocktail? Yes, please. The lime and banana flavors play so well with charred, savory bites.
Coconut Shrimp
The tropical flavors in both the drink and the dish make this combo feel like a beach vacation.
Fun Facts
- President John F. Kennedy reportedly loved Banana Daiquiris.
- National Daiquiri Day is celebrated on July 19—mark your calendar!
- Adding a splash of triple sec can bring a little orange zing to the mix.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice?
You can, but fresh lime juice gives the drink a brighter, cleaner flavor.
What kind of rum works best?
White rum is traditional, but aged or spiced rum can add depth. Just keep in mind it’ll change the flavor profile a bit.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use a less ripe banana, reduce the syrup, or add a bit more lime juice to balance it out.
How can I make it richer?
Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of cream of coconut for a dessert-like twist.
What if I don’t have a blender?
Mash the banana thoroughly and shake everything with ice. Strain into a glass. The texture won’t be as smooth, but it’ll still be tasty.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Blend in batches and store in the freezer until ready to serve.
—
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s easy, refreshing, and surprisingly flexible—once you get the basic version down, you can tweak it endlessly. Whether you’re blending up a batch for friends or just treating yourself, the Banana Daiquiri brings a little sunshine into every glass. Cheers!
