Havana Banana Cocktail Recipe

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Havana Banana Nutrition Facts

Calories:300

Fat:1g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:35g

Alcohol %:20

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: January 7, 2024

History

The Havana Banana is a tropical cocktail that originated in the Caribbean. It's a favorite among beach-goers and those who enjoy fruity, refreshing drinks. The cocktail is named after Havana, the capital of Cuba, and features a delightful blend of rum, banana, and coconut flavors.

  • Who would like it?

    If you're a fan of tropical flavors and enjoy a sweet, fruity cocktail, the Havana Banana is for you. It's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or when you're dreaming of a beach vacation.

How Havana Banana Tastes?

The Havana Banana is a sweet, creamy, and tropical cocktail. It has a strong banana flavor with a hint of coconut and a smooth rum finish. The taste is refreshing and light, making it a perfect summer drink.

Interesting facts about Havana Banana

  • The Havana Banana is often served in a hurricane glass, which enhances its tropical presentation.
  • Despite its sweet taste, the Havana Banana can be quite strong due to the rum.
  • The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a slice of fresh banana or a cherry to enhance its fruity flavor.

Ingredients

White Rum

White Rum is the backbone of our Havana Banana cocktail, offering a sweet, slightly grassy canvas upon which the tropical flavors can dance. With 2 oz, we're steering the ship to buzz town with enough kick to balance the sweetness. Less rum makes a timid cocktail, while more can overshadow the other flavors—keeping everyone on deck is key!

Mary Mitkina

Cream of Coconut

The Cream of Coconut is the luscious wave smoothing out our cocktail's texture while instilling a sweet, creamy paradise. At 1 oz, it's like the perfect sunscreen coating—not too thick, just enough to bask in tropical glory. Skip it, and you'll miss the creaminess that's as essential as the sun in the Caribbean sky.

Alex Green

Banana Liqueur

Just like a fun-loving friend who brings the extra flair to a party, Banana Liqueur adds a fruity zing that complements the fresh banana. Its 1 oz splash is crucial, otherwise, the cocktail might feel like a banana lacking its pajamas—just not complete. Without it, you'll lose the depth of banana flavor that really makes this cocktail sing.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple Juice is the sunny companion, brightening our concoction and bringing a zesty tang. Pour in 2 oz to ensure the cocktail beams with joy; any less and it might start to frown, any more and it could turn into a pineapple-palooza!

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Banana

The fresh banana is the star of the show—and we're not monkeying around! It brings natural sweetness and body to the mix. No banana means no Havana in our Banana cocktail—it would be a tropical tragedy!

Alex Green

Cherry

A cherry garnish is the finishing touch, a little wink to say 'hey, life's a beach!' It's not just pretty—it's the sign-off on a postcard from flavor island.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Havana Banana Drink

  1. In a blender, combine the rum, cream of coconut, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, and fresh banana.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture into a hurricane glass.
  4. Garnish with a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to blend the cocktail until it's completely smooth for the best texture.
  • Chill your glass before serving for a refreshing experience.
  • Use a fresh banana for the best flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Empanadas: Stuffed with savory meats or cheese, empanadas pair wonderfully with the fruity, tropical nature of the Havana Banana cocktail.
  • Coconut Shrimp: The coconut breading complements the cream of coconut in the drink.
  • Fruit Platter: A selection of tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, and kiwis would enhance the fruits already present in the cocktail.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Seafood: Grilled fish or shrimp would go well with the cocktail, marrying the smokiness of the grill with the sweetness of the drink.
  • Caribbean Jerk Chicken: The spices used in the jerk seasoning pair nicely with the Havana Banana's sweetness, bringing a delightful contrast.

Desserts

  • Key Lime Pie: The tartness of key lime pie would be a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Simple vanilla ice cream would make an excellent companion to the cocktail, especially when topped with a banana or pineapple sauce.

Drinks

  • Iced Tea: A non-alcoholic option like iced tea offers a refreshing cleanse to the palate between sips of the sweet cocktail.
  • Coffee: A strong coffee or espresso can offer a robust contrast to the sweet, creamy flavors in the cocktail.

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What you could change in Havana Banana

  • If you don't have banana liqueur, you can use a banana-flavored syrup.
  • You can substitute the white rum with a dark rum for a deeper flavor.
  • If you're out of cream of coconut, coconut milk can be used as a substitute.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Havana Banana Spiced

Give your cocktail a twist by adding 1/2 oz of spiced rum for a hint of warmth and vanilla notes. Reduce the white rum to 1 1/2 oz to keep the alcohol content balanced. Ingredients: Same as the original, with 1/2 oz spiced rum added. Recipe: Follow the original recipe, blending the additional spiced rum. This version will add a bit of a kick and depth to the creamy cocktail, perfect for when the nights get as cool as your drink.

Havana Banana Coffee Blend

This twist is for the coffee lovers. Add a shot of cold brew coffee and swap the white rum for coffee-infused rum. The banana and coffee flavors create a delightful brunch cocktail. Ingredients: Replace white rum with coffee-infused rum, add 1 oz cold brew coffee. Recipe: Blend all ingredients including the cold brew coffee. You'll get a caffeinated twist on the tropical classic, providing a pick-me-up in your island escape.

Havana Berry Banana

Bring a berrylicious twist with 1/2 oz of raspberry liqueur and a handful of fresh raspberries in the blend. The berries will introduce a tart contrast to the cocktail's sweetness. Ingredients: Same as the original, with added raspberry liqueur and fresh raspberries. Recipe: Blend all ingredients, including the raspberries, until smooth. A berry twist can give the Havana Banana a richer color and a refreshingly sharp edge to cut through the creaminess.

In case you forgot basics how to make Havana Banana

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 Havana Banana

What is the origin of the Havana Banana cocktail?

While the exact origin is unknown, the Havana Banana cocktail is recognized as a unique Caribbean creation. Its tropical and refreshing flavors are reminiscent of the region, and its name, 'Havana Banana', pays homage to Havana, the capital of Cuba.

Can the Havana Banana cocktail be made non-alcoholic?

Yes, the Havana Banana cocktail can certainly be made non-alcoholic. You can omit the rum and banana liqueur, and replace them with non-alcoholic substitutions such as banana and coconut extracts.

Can I use any other type of glass if I don't have a hurricane glass?

Yes, you can use a highball glass if you do not have a hurricane glass. However, the hurricane glass is preferred for this cocktail to enhance its tropical presentation.

Can I make a Havana Banana mocktail?

Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the rum and banana liqueur with a banana-flavored syrup and coconut water.

What other fruits can I use to garnish the Havana Banana?

Pineapple or mango slices, a wedge of lime, or even mint leaves could also be used as garnishes for the Havana Banana. Don't be afraid to get creative!

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