The Banana Daiquiri is a fruity, tropical twist on the classic Daiquiri, a simple Cuban cocktail traditionally made with just rum, lime juice, and sugar. While the original Daiquiri dates back to around 1898 in Cuba (named after the mining town of Daiquirí), the banana version emerged much later as a fun, vacation-style drink.
History and Origin
The Banana Daiquiri originated in the U.S. Virgin Islands around the 1950s (some sources say 1953, others the 1970s). British sea captain George Soule is often credited with creating it at the Mountain Top bar on St. Thomas. He used local Cruzan rum, his own homemade banana liqueur, ripe bananas, fresh lime juice, and sugar cane extract to craft a chilled, frothy tropical drink.
Around the same time, bartender Harry Yee in Waikiki, Hawaii, developed a similar version using banana purée and a splash of maraschino cherry syrup. The drink became popular in tiki and beach bar scenes, evolving into both shaken and frozen/blended styles. It’s now a staple at tropical resorts and a go-to for summer sipping.
Ingredients
- 2 oz aged rum (or a split of light/dark rum for complexity)
- ½ oz banana liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz simple syrup or demerara syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- Garnish: banana slice
Instructions
- Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
Tips
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Fresh lime juice is essential—bottled won’t cut it.
- Quality banana liqueur makes a big difference; cheap ones can taste artificial.
- Variations include adding coconut milk/cream for a piña colada vibe, pineapple juice, or even a split rum base with rhum agricole for more funk.
Other riffs exist, like using homemade banana syrup instead of liqueur/fresh fruit, or creative versions with Chartreuse or spiced rum.Serving SuggestionsServe it ice-cold in a coupe, hurricane, or margarita glass. Garnish with a fresh banana slice, lime wheel, maraschino cherry, or even a tiny umbrella for that fun tiki feel. It’s perfect for pool parties, beach days, or as a dessert-like cocktail.
