Creamy, sweet, and just a little bit cheeky, the Slippery Monkey is one of those cocktails that always gets people talking. With banana, coffee, and Irish cream liqueurs all mingling together over ice, it’s the kind of drink that feels like dessert in a glass. I’ve made this countless times for friends after dinner—it’s always a hit and easy to whip up when you want something fun and indulgent.
Slippery Monkey
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball glass or margarita glass
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) banana liqueur
– 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur
– 1 oz (30 ml) Irish cream liqueur
– 1 oz (30 ml) milk or cream (dairy or non-dairy)
– Ice cubes (enough to fill your shaker and glass)
– Optional garnish: banana slice or maraschino cherry
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the banana liqueur, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream.
- Add the milk or cream.
- Put the lid on and shake well for 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This chills the drink and blends everything together smoothly.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain the drink into it.
- Top it off with a slice of banana or a cherry for a little flair.
Tips & Tricks
– Shake hard! This isn’t just about mixing—shaking helps the drink get nice and frothy.
– Use cold ingredients if you can. It keeps everything refreshing and keeps the ice from melting too fast.
– Don’t skip the garnish. It adds a pop of color and gives guests a little preview of what’s inside.
Make-Ahead Note
You can pre-mix the liqueurs and keep them in the fridge for a party. Just add milk or cream and shake with ice right before serving.
Storage
Leftovers? Store the mixed liqueurs (without milk or cream) in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Add milk and shake fresh when you’re ready for your next round.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is rich and creamy, so it’s perfect after dinner. Serve it alongside:
– A slice of chocolate cake
– Spiced nuts or salty snacks (to balance the sweetness)
– A fresh fruit platter—think strawberries, pineapple, or mango
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails because it’s just so easy to fall in love with. There’s something about the combo of banana and coffee that feels cozy and fun all at once.
Variations
Tropical Slippery Monkey
– Use mango liqueur instead of banana
– Add a splash of pineapple juice
– Garnish with a pineapple wedge
Chocolate Slippery Monkey
– Swap coffee liqueur for chocolate liqueur
– Top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder
Coconut Slippery Monkey
– Use coconut milk instead of cream
– Garnish with toasted coconut flakes
Virgin Slippery Monkey
– Use banana and coffee-flavored syrups
– Mix with cream or a dairy-free alternative
– Shake with ice and serve in a fun glass with a cherry
Substitutions
– Banana liqueur: Try mango or peach liqueur for a fruity twist
– Coffee liqueur: Chocolate liqueur works great if you prefer a deeper flavor
– Irish cream: Use a vegan Irish cream or oat-based alternative for a dairy-free version
– Milk or cream: Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Don’t overfill the shaker—it needs room to move so everything blends well.
– Avoid using warm milk or cream; it can make the drink taste off and affect the texture.
– Don’t skip the shake! Stirring won’t give you that smooth, frothy finish.
Why These Steps Matter
Shaking chills the drink and helps mix the different liqueurs evenly. If you just pour and stir, you’ll end up with layers that don’t blend well. Using ice in both the shaker and the glass keeps things cool and smooth from the first sip to the last.
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Use banana and coffee-flavored syrups with cream or a non-dairy milk. Shake it up the same way and enjoy.
What’s the best glass to use?
A highball glass works best—it’s tall enough for ice and makes the drink look great. A margarita glass adds a festive touch.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk all work beautifully.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back slightly on the liqueurs or use sugar-free versions. You can also add a splash more milk or cream to mellow the sweetness.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Sure! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix everything but the milk ahead of time, and store it chilled. Shake individual servings with milk and ice when ready to serve.
This drink has been my go-to for summer nights on the patio or cozy evenings with friends. It’s creamy, sweet, and always gets a smile. Try one version—or try them all—and make the Slippery Monkey your own.
