How to Make a Dirty Banana Cocktail

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Dirty Banana is a delicious and indulgent desert cocktail that combines the tropical banana smoothness with the rich flavor of rum and a hint of coffee. 

Perfect for sipping on a sunny day or as a delightful after-dinner treat, this cocktail is a glass of creamy, tropical decadence.

 So, grab your Blender and let’s head to the Caribbean!

What is a Dirty Banana Cocktail?

A cocktail and a dessert in one. The Dirty Banana is a popular dessert cocktail that’s creamy, smooth, and sweet with a hint of boldness from Cuban Rum and rich Coffee kick from Kahluá. If you love the taste of Banana and the rich flavor of Rum, this one is for you!

How to Make a Dirty Banana Cocktail

What You’ll Need

• Wine Glass
• Blender
• Paring Knife (for the Banana)
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
  

Got a question about home bartending tools? No problems – check out our guide.

How to Mix

1. Start by adding Ice Cubes to a Blender.
2. Measure and pour Cuban Rum, Cream, Milk, Banana Liqueur, Kahlúa, and a Banana into the Blender.
3. Blend on high until smooth, adding Ice Cubes gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Pour the cocktail directly into a Wine Glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of Banana for that perfect tropical touch.

What Does a Dirty Banana Cocktail Taste Like?

A Dirty Banana takes like a Rum-infused Banana milkshake with a hint of Coffee Liqueur. The velvety goodness of Cream, Milk, and Banana Liqueur dances with the rich notes of Rum, while the Kahlúa adds warm coffee undertones. The result is a satisfyingly sweet and indulgent cocktail.

The History of the Dirty Banana Cocktail

Well, it’s a bit of a mystery, to be honest. What we do know is that this cocktail originated in Cuba during the 90s and has become a popular beachside cocktail in places like Jamaica and the Bahamas too. It’s beloved by locals and tourists alike for its creamy, tropical appeal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dirty Banana Cocktail

The Riper, the better – When selecting a Banana for your garnish, choose a Banana that’s soft and ripe. You know those Bananas with brown spots on the skin? Grab those! That’s right, the riper, the better. Ripe Bananas have more intense flavor and will accentuate the Banana flavors of the cocktail.

Chill your glass – Place your Wine Glass in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving your cocktail. Chilling the wine glass enhances the refreshing, creamy texture of this cocktail, providing a cool contrast to the rich, sweet flavors and adding an extra layer of indulgence.

Variations of a Dirty Banana Cocktail

One of the best things about crafting cocktails at home is the freedom to experiment and personalize the cocktail to your liking. The video on this recipe page presents a slight variation, using different measurements while maintaining the same delightful outcome. Mix it up and see which you prefer!

Meanwhile, below are a few other variations:

• Dirty Monkey
  While both the Dirty Banana and Dirty Monkey contain Banana, Rum, Cream, and Kahlúa, the Dirty Monkey cocktail adds fresh Pineapple Juice and Chocolate Syrup. Now that’s decadent!

• Absolutely Bananas
  If the Pineapple Juice and Banana Liqueur combo of the Dirty Monkey caught your eye, you’re gonna love this Vodka-based cocktail. No Rum in this one, Absolutely Bananas blends Vodka, Pineapple Juice and Banana Liqueur to create a cocktail that’s oh-so tropical and oh-so-delicious. Discover our Absolutely Bananas recipe.

• Mudslide
  Again, if you prefer Vodka over Rum or just want to mix things up, the Mudslide is a wonderfully decadent cocktail that blends Vodka, Cream Liqueur, and Kahlúa. Check out our Mudslide recipe.
  

Serving and Garnish Ideas for Dirty Banana

For the ultimate Dirty Banana experience, we recommend serving it in a Wine Glass. For a creative twist, you can also top the cocktail with Whipped Cream or a drizzle of Chocolate Syrup.

Garnish with a Banana wheel or a chunk of Banana on the rim for an extra touch of tropical flair.