There’s no monkeying around with this banana-inspired take on the cocktail classic.
The bar was just about empty. With the sun on the rise, it was no surprise. A few stragglers wobbled past me, burping and hiccupping from a long night of boozing. I felt as though I was stepping into a cartoon. The giant, twenty-four-foot ape sitting in the corner only added to the vibe. The towering monkey sat morosely and alone, the top of his head scraping the high ceiling.
I walked past the bartender, who winked and nodded my way… I’ll get a few drinks in before last call. I tossed my trilby across the room at the hat rack, but it missed and flew out an open window, disappearing somewhere on the dark street. Now I’ll have to get another one. Again. I brushed the annoyance aside and turned my attention back to the great ape in the corner. Could it be…?
As I got closer, my heart began to pound. This was indeed The King. Clearing my throat as I approached, I shyly squeaked out, “Mr. Kong?”
Only his eyes moved to look at me. His voice boomed even as he whispered. “If you call me Donkey, I’m throwing you outta that window.”
“No worries there, Mr. King, I’m a big fan, going all the way back to your first trip up the Empire State Building…”
He sighed, sounding depressed. “Those were the days, man. Now they got this young guy in the new movies… he’s like four hundred feet tall, how do I compete with that?!”
“Isn’t he computer generated?”
“And he ain’t even a Kong, man. His name’s Gary!”
I could see where this was going, and only one thing came to mind. I gently put a hand on one of his giant fingers. “Let me buy you a drink.”
The big guy was partial to a Banana Daiquiri, which made perfect sense to me. Over the next hour while we drank, I gushed over the giant gorilla, telling him what a huge lifelong fan I’ve always been of his, and that he was an innovator, an originator… basically the Little Richard of monster movies. The combination of rum, banana liqueur and lime juice kept us going way past sunrise, and our bartender was kind enough to close the joint up and let us hang around.
Feeling better, the ape stood up, accidentally busting through the ceiling. Not seeming to notice, he turned to me, smiled and simply said “Thanks.” Then he jumped through the hole he created and started climbing up the nearest skyscraper.
And I was left with a bill for forty-two Banana Daiquiris.
What is the Best Rum to Use in a Banana Daiquiri?
I find that the flavor of banana, while tasty, can also be quite strong. Especially in things like candy and Daiquiris. For this cocktail, our recipe calls for aged rum, but sometimes I’ll opt for a white, or silver, version. It’s a cleaner-tasting spirit compared to its darker and spiced variations, and along with the clear color it melds beautifully with the lime and banana liqueur, giving it a finer yellow hue. For a more complex flavor, definitely try some of the darker rums in this drink.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces aged rum
- 1/2 ounce banana liqueur
- 1 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- Banana slice to garnish
Instructions
- Combine the aged rum, banana liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, and simple syrup into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake the mixture vigorously until the shaker feels very cold to the touch.
- Strain the chilled cocktail into a coupe glass to create a smooth texture without any ice chips.
- Add a banana slice to the rim of the glass for a garnish that complements the drink’s tropical taste.
Nutrition
What kind of glassware and garnish is used for a Banana Daiquiri?
Serve your drink up, with no ice, in a chilled coupe, garnished with a bright yellow banana slice.
Is the Banana Daiquiri really King Kong’s favorite drink?
Of course it is, why would I make up something like that?
Banana Daiquiri Variations
The Daiquiri cocktail has been around since 1898, and historical icon Ernest Hemingway loved them so much that he even created his own. And they, along with many other variations, are just as popular today. If these tropical treats are your favorite way to beat the summer heat, Twist & Toast will keep your cups full with some of the best recipes around. Try a few of these this weekend or at your next pool party.
- Classic Daiquiri – This old-school cocktail is one of my favorites! Simple, strong, sweet, and tart, this is a must for your repertoire.
- Frozen Daiquiri – A perfect and smooth beverage for sipping as you sit poolside on a hot day.
- Strawberry Daiquiri – The perfect summer fruit meets the perfect summer drink in this delicious recipe.
- Rum Sour – Swap out the lime for lemons to make your next concoction a Rum Sour.
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