There’s something about the Banana Old Fashioned that keeps me coming back. It’s a warm, smooth take on the classic cocktail-familiar yet just different enough to surprise you. The mellow sweetness of banana plays beautifully with the rich, oaky notes of bourbon. It’s cozy, a little tropical, and perfect for everything from quiet nights in to dinner parties with friends.
Banana Old Fashioned
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch, and I thought I’d share my favorite version-plus a few fun ways to make it your own.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Lowball or rocks glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) banana liqueur
– 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup (or maple syrup for a richer twist)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Ice, for mixing and serving
– Garnish: banana slice or dehydrated banana chip
Method
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Pour in the bourbon, banana liqueur, simple syrup, and bitters.
- Stir for about 20-30 seconds, or until the outside of the glass feels cold. You’re chilling and slightly diluting the drink here-it helps smooth everything out.
- Strain into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a banana slice or a banana chip. If you’re feeling fancy, a cinnamon stick makes a lovely aromatic touch.
Tips & Tricks
– A sweeter bourbon (like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve) really brings out the banana flavor.
– Maple syrup adds a cozy, fall-like richness-great if you’re sipping this by the fire.
– If you don’t have banana liqueur, try infusing bourbon with ripe banana slices for 3-5 days. Just strain before using.
– Stir, don’t shake-shaking can make the drink too frothy and dilute it too fast.
Make-Ahead Note
Want to make this for a group? Multiply the ingredients, stir everything in a pitcher with ice, and strain into a bottle or carafe. Keep chilled. When you’re ready to serve, just pour over ice and garnish.
Storage
If you’ve pre-mixed a batch (without ice), it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Once mixed over ice, it’s best enjoyed right away.
Flavor Profile
The Banana Old Fashioned is smooth, slightly sweet, and gently spiced from the bitters. The banana note isn’t overpowering-it lingers in the background, adding a soft, tropical warmth. Think of it as a classic Old Fashioned that decided to take a vacation.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
Chocolate Desserts
The banana and bourbon combo sings next to a slice of flourless chocolate cake or a scoop of dark chocolate gelato.
Grilled Meats
Try it with smoky ribs or grilled steak-the sweetness of the drink balances the savory richness.
Cheese & Charcuterie
A small plate of sharp cheddar, aged gouda, and prosciutto? Perfection with this cocktail.
Variations to Try
Spiced Banana Old Fashioned
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg when mixing to bring warm spice notes. Perfect for fall.
Chocolate Banana Old Fashioned
Swap in a dash of chocolate bitters and garnish with a chocolate shaving. It’s like dessert in a glass.
Coffee Banana Old Fashioned
Use coffee-infused bourbon for a deeper, roasted flavor. Great for after-dinner sipping.
Virgin Banana Old Fashioned
Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and banana syrup (or mashed banana with water and a touch of honey). Still flavorful, with all the cozy vibes.
Substitutions & Swaps
– Bourbon: Try rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
– Banana Liqueur: Use homemade banana-infused bourbon or banana syrup.
– Simple Syrup: Maple syrup, honey, or agave all work beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Don’t over-stir-it’ll water the drink down.
– Avoid cheap banana liqueur; it can taste artificial. Go for quality brands or make your own infusion.
– Don’t skip the bitters-they balance the sweetness and add complexity.
Behind the Drink
The Banana Old Fashioned is a modern twist on a true classic. The original Old Fashioned dates back to the 1800s-just whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. But bartenders today love to play with new flavors, and banana’s natural sweetness and creamy aroma make it a fun and unexpected addition.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: if you’re using fresh banana for infusion, choose ripe but not overly soft ones-they give a clean, mellow flavor without turning the bourbon cloudy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without banana liqueur?
Yes-infuse bourbon with banana slices for 3-5 days, or use banana syrup.
Is it sweet?
It’s balanced. The banana adds a soft sweetness, but the bourbon and bitters keep it grounded.
How do I make it healthier?
Use a natural sweetener like honey or agave, and go easy on the banana liqueur.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Keep the ratios the same and mix in advance. Store in the fridge and pour over ice when guests arrive.
What if I don’t have a mixing glass?
No problem. Use a mason jar or any sturdy glass. Just stir with a spoon until chilled.
What does banana-infused bourbon taste like?
It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and has a mellow banana flavor-not candy-like. Great for sipping or mixing.
Whether you’re a cocktail newbie or a seasoned home bartender, the Banana Old Fashioned is a fun one to have in your back pocket. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Cheers to trying something new-but still timeless.
