Sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of tropical—this Hummingbird cocktail is like a vacation in a glass. With banana, pineapple, and a splash of rum cream, it’s rich but refreshing, and the kind of drink that turns an ordinary evening into something a little more special. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to bring a smile to anyone I serve it to. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just winding down after a long day, the Hummingbird is an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail you’ll want to make again and again.
Hummingbird
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Highball or hurricane glass
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) rum cream liqueur (like Sangster’s or Bailey’s with rum)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
– 1 oz (30 ml) milk (whole milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative)
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice (fresh or 100% juice works best)
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– Crushed ice (enough to fill half your glass)
– Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Method
- Fill your glass halfway with crushed ice. This keeps the drink cold and gives it that classic slushy texture.
- Pour in the rum cream and coffee liqueur over the ice. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors at the base.
- In a blender, combine the milk, pineapple juice, and banana. Blend until smooth and creamy. You’re aiming for a milkshake-like texture.
- Pour the blended mixture into the glass over the liqueurs. Stir gently to combine everything without losing the layered look.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry—either perched on the rim or sliced and dropped in.
Make-Ahead Tips
– You can blend the milk, juice, and banana mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a shake before using.
– Wait to add the liqueurs and ice until just before serving to keep the texture right.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the blended mix (without ice or liqueurs) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir before using.
Helpful Tips
– Bananas: Use a ripe banana for maximum sweetness and creaminess. If it’s a bit overripe, even better.
– Frozen bananas: Totally fine to use. They make the drink colder and creamier—just skip some of the ice.
– Chill the glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink. It helps keep it cold longer.
– Adjust sweetness: If it’s too sweet for your taste, cut back on the coffee liqueur or use less ripe banana.
Ingredient Swaps
– Use coconut milk for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
– Swap rum cream for an almond or oat milk liqueur for a nutty flavor.
– Try mango juice instead of pineapple for a different fruity base.
Why These Steps Matter
– Blending the banana with milk and juice gives the drink its signature creamy texture—like a tropical milkshake with a grown-up kick.
– Pouring the liqueurs over ice first helps chill them quickly and keeps the layers more distinct.
– Stirring gently after blending keeps the drink from becoming too foamy or losing its layered look.
Serving Suggestions
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails—this one. It pairs beautifully with spicy or tropical dishes and makes a fun dessert drink too.
Here are some tasty pairings:
Tropical Fruit Platter
Fresh mango, papaya, kiwi, and pineapple bring out the fruity notes in the cocktail.
Spicy Jerk Chicken
The Hummingbird’s creamy sweetness cools the heat from the spices—delicious and balanced.
Coconut Macaroons or Flan
The coconut in the drink and dessert play off each other for a dreamy tropical combo.
Make It Your Own: Variations
Chocolate Hummingbird
– Add a swirl of chocolate syrup into the glass before pouring.
– Optional: top with shaved chocolate for extra indulgence.
Spiced Hummingbird
– Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm, cozy twist.
Berry Hummingbird
– Blend in a handful of raspberries or blueberries with the banana and juice.
– Garnish with a mix of berries for a pop of color.
Virgin Hummingbird (Non-Alcoholic)
– Just skip the liqueurs and blend the rest.
– Add a splash of vanilla or coconut extract if you want a little extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen banana?
Yes! Frozen bananas make the drink colder and thicker—like a frozen smoothie.
Is it really sweet?
It’s definitely on the sweet side. You can dial it down by using less liqueur or a less ripe banana.
Can I make this ahead?
You can blend the milk, juice, and banana ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the liqueurs and ice when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best rum for this?
A rum cream liqueur works best for that rich, smooth flavor. You can try different brands or even flavored ones like coconut or vanilla.
How do I make it look pretty?
Use a clear glass, layer the ingredients gently, and don’t skip the fresh fruit garnish. A chilled glass helps too!
Final Thoughts
The Hummingbird is one of those drinks that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to make. It brings together creamy, fruity, and tropical flavors in a way that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Play around with flavors, try a few variations, and find the version you love best. It’s a cocktail that’s just as fun to make as it is to sip. Cheers!
