Rich, cozy, and subtly sweet, the banana brings instant warmth and depth to cocktails, making it a go-to comfort ingredient when the temperature drops.
You’ll find the nostalgic flavor popping up everywhere: from the Banana Bread Martini at Ocean at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort’s in Kennebunkport, Maine, to creative banana-forward builds at New York standouts like Bar Calico and Jac’s on Bond.
Cocktail connoisseurs have been leaning into banana as both a standout flavor and a versatile ingredient, and unlike fleeting seasonal trends, its appeal continues to grow, bringing a touch of nostalgia and warmth to every cocktail it’s in. Check out the banana-forward recipes below that are keeping things warm all winter long!
Photo by Andrew Bui
City Oasis
by Bar Calico – Gramercy, NYC
Ingredients
- 2 dashes Chocolate Bitters
- ¾ oz. Passion Fruit-infused Sotol
- ¾ oz. Diplomatico Planas Rum
- ½ oz. Banana Liqueur
- ½ oz. Amontillado Sherry
- ¼ oz. NA Pina
- Glassware: Nick & Nora
- Garnish: Makrut Lime Leaf
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients and stir to integrate.
- Pour into a Nick & Nora glass and garnish with a Makrut lime leaf.
Additional Notes
Find it at Bar Calico — Gramercy, NYC
Banana Bread Martini
by Melissa Sharpe – Lead Bartender at Ocean Restaurant
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz. Gosling’s Dark Rum
- ¾ oz. Giffard Banane du Brésil
- ¾ oz. Demerara Syrup*
- ½ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- Glassware: Nick & Nora
- Garnish: Sugar Rim
Preparation
- Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a Nick & Nora glass with a sugar rim.
Additional Notes
Find it at Ocean at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort — Kennebunkport, ME
*Demerara Syrup
Preparation
- Combine equal parts Demerara sugar and water; stir until dissolved.
