Banana Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Banana Old Fashioned Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:30

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century. It's traditionally made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. The Banana Old Fashioned is a modern twist on this classic, incorporating banana liqueur or a muddled banana to add a fruity complexity that complements the whiskey's warmth.

  • Who Would Enjoy It?
    • Whiskey aficionados looking for a unique twist
    • Fans of fruit-infused cocktails
    • Those who appreciate classic cocktails with a modern edge

How Banana Old Fashioned Tastes?

The Banana Old Fashioned offers a rich, velvety texture with a sweet, caramel-like banana flavor that balances the spicy, oak notes of the whiskey. It's a strong cocktail with a lingering, mellow fruit finish.

Interesting facts about Banana Old Fashioned

  • The Old Fashioned is often cited as the original cocktail.
  • Banana flavor pairs well with the vanilla and caramel notes found in many whiskeys.
  • This cocktail is a perfect example of how classic drinks can be adapted to suit modern tastes.

Ingredients

  • Bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Banana liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.25 oz(8ml)
  • Angostura bitters: 2dashes
  • Ice cubes: as needed
  • Orange peel: 1pc (for garnish)
  • Banana slice: 1pc (for garnish)

Bourbon

Bourbon is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a robust and rich base with sweet, woody notes. 2oz is just the right amount to ensure the cocktail is strong but not overpowering. Too little, and you won't feel the warm embrace of this classic spirit; too much, and you'll overshadow the subtlety of the other ingredients.

Emma Rose

Banana Liqueur

At 0.5oz, the banana liqueur adds a playful, tropical twist without turning the cocktail into a full-blown fruit basket. This ingredient offers a sweet and aromatic banana flavor that marries beautifully with bourbon. Skip it, and you'll miss the whole 'banana' in 'Banana Old Fashioned.'

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

The simple syrup at 0.25oz sweetens the deal, rounding off the edges and helping the flavors blend seamlessly. Too much would transform your sophisticated sipper into a candy drink, and too little might leave you with a bit too much bite. Swap it with maple syrup for an autumnal twist that complements the bourbon's vanilla notes.

Mary Mitkina

Angostura Bitters

Two dashes are the norm in an Old Fashioned, offering depth and a hint of herbal complexity. You can't leave them out without losing the soul of the cocktail. Bitters tie everything together; forget them, and your cocktail becomes a sweet, boozy banana beverage instead of a well-rounded libation. Try chocolate bitters to play up the pairing with dark chocolate.

Emma Rose

Ice Cubes

As needed, because nobody enjoys a lukewarm Old Fashioned. Ice chills the drink and offers a slight dilution which is essential for the perfect texture and strength balance.

Alex Green

Orange Peel

1pc is more than zest for life; it's zest for your drink! The oils from the orange peel provide a fresh, citrus aroma that lifts up the spirits (pun intended). No orange peel? You'll miss out on that fragrant flair.

Mary Mitkina

Banana Slice

1pc for garnish because drinks like these deserve to get dressed up too. It adds visual appeal and reinforces the banana theme. Eat it last for a soaked-in-bourbon treat!

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Banana Old Fashioned Drink

  1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, banana liqueur, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
  2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  4. Express the orange peel over the glass to release its oils and then drop it into the drink.
  5. Garnish with a banana slice on the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

  • Always use a high-quality bourbon as the base spirit for the best flavor.
  • When expressing the orange peel, make sure to do it over the glass to capture all the essential oils.
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the drink colder for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese boards: The richness of cheese complements the sweetness of the banana and the robustness of the bourbon. Try nutty and aged cheeses to contrast the sweetness.
  • Cured Meats: The saltiness of cured meats such as prosciutto would counterbalance the sweetness and enhance the savory notes of the bourbon.

Desserts

  • Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate could enhance the deep flavors of the bourbon while playing nicely with the banana liqueur's sweetness.
  • Pecan Pie: The nutty and caramel flavors will pair delightfully with the cocktail's complexity.

Main Dishes

  • Pulled Pork Sliders: The cocktail's richness and the sweetness from the banana can cut through the fattiness of the pork.
  • Grilled Steaks: A well-seasoned steak would stand up to the bold flavors of this Old Fashioned variant.

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What you could change in Banana Old Fashioned

  • Bourbon: You can use rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
  • Banana Liqueur: If you don't have banana liqueur, muddle a few slices of ripe banana in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
  • Simple Syrup: Maple syrup can be used for a more autumnal flavor profile.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Coffee-Infused Banana Old Fashioned

  • Ingredients: Replace banana liqueur with coffee-infused bourbon.
  • Instructions: Follow the original recipe but use the coffee-infused bourbon in place of plain bourbon and banana liqueur. Flavor Twist: You'll get a cocktail with a caffeine kick, blending the deep notes of coffee with the sweet complexity of the bourbon.

Spicy Banana Old Fashioned

  • Ingredients: Add a small slice of fresh chili to the mixing process.
  • Instructions: Muddle the chili with the simple syrup before adding the other ingredients. Flavor Twist: This drink will have a spicy kick that can warm you up on a cold evening, adding a fiery contrast to the sweet and smooth banana notes.

Banana Nut Old Fashioned

  • Ingredients: Use walnut bitters instead of Angostura and garnish with a candied walnut.
  • Instructions: Replace the Angostura bitters with walnut bitters and follow the rest of the original recipe. Flavor Twist: The walnut bitters will give a nutty depth to the drink, playing up the dessert qualities and creating a beautiful harmony with the rich bourbon and sweet banana.

In case you forgot basics how to make Banana Old Fashioned

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Banana Old Fashioned

What type of glass is best for serving a Banana Old Fashioned?

A rocks glass, also known as an old-fashioned glass, is traditionally used for serving Old Fashioned cocktails.

Can I use a different type of bitters other than Angostura?

Yes, you can experiment with different bitters to find a flavor profile that suits your taste. Walnut or chocolate bitters could complement the banana flavor nicely.

Is the Banana Old Fashioned suitable for those who are new to whiskey cocktails?

Yes, the Banana Old Fashioned can be a great introduction for those new to whiskey cocktails as the banana liqueur softens the whiskey's edge.

How can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

You can create a mocktail version by using non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, banana syrup, and non-alcoholic bitters.

What is the best way to store bourbon to preserve its flavor?

Store bourbon at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.

How long does banana liqueur last once opened?

Banana liqueur can last several years if stored properly in a cool, dark place with the cap secured tightly.

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