A creamy, tropical delight with a hint of coconut and banana—this Banana Monkey cocktail is a must-try! It’s smooth, refreshing, and perfect for warm days or whenever you want a fun, vacation-style drink at home. I’ve made this countless times, and it’s always a hit. Let me walk you through how to make it, plus a few fun twists to try!
Banana Monkey
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 oz (30ml) banana liqueur
- 1 oz (30ml) light rum
- 1 oz (30ml) coconut cream
- 2 oz (60ml) milk
- 1 cup ice
- 1/2 banana, sliced
For serving:
- Banana slice for garnish
- Hurricane glass (or highball glass as an alternative)
How to Make a Banana Monkey Cocktail
- In a blender, combine banana liqueur, light rum, coconut cream, milk, and the sliced banana.
- Add ice and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a chilled hurricane glass and garnish with a banana slice.
Tip: Use a ripe banana for a naturally sweeter flavor. Also, chilling your glass beforehand keeps the drink nice and cold!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
A Banana Monkey is rich and creamy, so it pairs well with:
- Fresh tropical fruits like pineapple or mango
- Grilled seafood (shrimp or fish) for a sweet-and-savory balance
- Light salads with citrus dressing to keep things fresh
Make It Your Own
Want to switch things up? Here are some easy variations:
- Chocolate Banana Monkey: Add 1 oz (30ml) chocolate liqueur and garnish with chocolate shavings.
- Strawberry Banana Monkey: Blend in 1/2 cup fresh strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Minty Banana Monkey: Toss in a few fresh mint leaves and garnish with a sprig of mint.
- Lighter Version: Swap coconut cream for almond milk to cut back on richness.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Blend banana, coconut cream, milk, and ice for a delicious Virgin Banana Monkey.
I’ve played around with different versions, and the chocolate one is a personal favorite—it’s like a boozy banana milkshake!
FAQs
What’s the key ingredient in a Banana Monkey?
Banana liqueur! It gives the drink its signature banana flavor.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Just leave out the rum and banana liqueur, and blend banana, coconut cream, milk, and ice.
What’s the best glass to use?
A hurricane glass works best, but a highball glass is a good alternative.
How do I make it healthier?
Use less coconut cream or swap it for almond milk to lighten it up.
What foods pair well with this drink?
Tropical fruits, grilled seafood, and light salads are great options.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding chocolate, strawberries, or mint for a fun twist.
This drink is a tropical escape in a glass. Whether you’re sipping it by the pool or just unwinding after a long day, the Banana Monkey is always a treat. Cheers! 🍌🍹
