Paul Kushner
The Bananas Foster Martini is a dessert-inspired cocktail that transforms the classic flavors of the famous New Orleans dessert into a creamy, indulgent drink. Banana liqueur brings rich tropical sweetness, while vanilla vodka adds depth and warmth. Dark rum provides the signature Bananas Foster flavor, enhanced with a dash of cinnamon for gentle spice. Heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth texture, and the brown sugar rim adds a caramelized sweetness with every sip. Garnished with fresh banana and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this martini is perfect for after-dinner sipping or as a show-stopping party treat.
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Tasting Notes
The Bananas Foster Martini delivers a dessert-like experience in liquid form. The banana liqueur brings a rich, fruity sweetness that instantly sets the tone, while vanilla vodka adds a smooth layer of flavor. Dark rum deepens the profile with a subtle molasses-like warmth, reminiscent of the classic dessert. Heavy cream ties everything together, creating a silky, luscious texture. A dash of cinnamon adds gentle spice, cutting through the sweetness. The brown sugar rim provides a pleasant crunch, and the caramel drizzle enhances the dessert character. This is a cocktail that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for ending a meal on a flavorful note.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare the Bananas Foster Martini, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for blending and chilling the drink evenly. A jigger ensures accurate measurements for consistency. A fine mesh strainer can be useful if you want the smoothest possible pour. For rimming the glass with brown sugar, a small plate works best. Use a paring knife for slicing fresh banana for garnish. A chilled martini glass is the ideal serving vessel, highlighting the drink’s creamy texture and presentation. You’ll also need a spoon or squeeze bottle for drizzling caramel sauce neatly over the garnish or inside the glass before serving.
Ingredients
- Banana Slice and Caramel Sauce for garnish
- 2 oz Banana Liqueur for that rich banana flavor
- 1 oz Vanilla Vodka adds sweetness and depth
- 1 oz Dark Rum for a hint of classic Bananas Foster taste
- 2 oz Heavy Cream to smooth everything out
- A dash of Cinnamon for spice
- Brown Sugar for the rim of the glass
Instructions
- Wet the rim of your martini glass with a little water or a slice of banana.
- Dip the rim into brown sugar set on a plate, coating it nicely.
- In a shaker, combine the banana liqueur, vanilla vodka, dark rum, and heavy cream.
- Add a dash of cinnamon.
- Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a slice of banana and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Enjoy!
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, creamy flavors of your Bananas Foster Martini.
Pro Tips
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer before serving.
- Use freshly sliced banana for garnish to prevent browning.
- Shake vigorously for the smoothest cream integration.
- Try caramelizing the banana slice for extra flavor.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for garnish.
- Avoid over-pouring the cream to keep balance.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste for stronger or milder spice.
When to Serve
The Bananas Foster Martini is ideal as a dessert cocktail for dinner parties, special celebrations, or holiday gatherings. Its rich flavor profile makes it a natural fit for colder months when warm spices and creamy textures are especially appealing. Serve it after a meal alongside light desserts such as biscotti, shortbread, or fruit tarts. It can also stand alone as the sweet ending to an evening. Because of its presentation and dessert-like qualities, it works well for romantic dinners, festive occasions, or as a signature cocktail for events that celebrate indulgent flavors.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Banana Liqueur
- Giffard Banane du Brésil
- Tempus Fugit Crème de Banane
- DeKuyper Crème de Banane
- Marie Brizard Banane Liqueur
Vanilla Vodka
- Absolut Vanilia
- Smirnoff Vanilla
- Stolichnaya Vanil
- Grey Goose La Vanille
Dark Rum
- Goslings Black Seal
- Plantation Original Dark
- Myers’s Original Dark
- Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Banana Liqueur for that rich banana flavor
- 1 oz Vanilla Vodka adds sweetness and depth
- 1 oz Dark Rum for a hint of classic Bananas Foster taste
- 2 oz Heavy Cream to smooth everything out
- A dash of Cinnamon for spice
- Brown Sugar for the rim of the glass
- Banana Slice and Caramel Sauce for garnish
Instructions
- Wet the rim of your martini glass with a little water or a slice of banana.
- Dip the rim into brown sugar set on a plate, coating it nicely.
- In a shaker, combine the banana liqueur, vanilla vodka, dark rum, and heavy cream.
- Add a dash of cinnamon.
- Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a slice of banana and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Enjoy!
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, creamy flavors of your Bananas Foster Martini.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use ripe bananas for garnish to maximize flavor and aroma.
- For an extra-decadent touch, lightly caramelize the banana slice before adding it to the glass.
- Chill the martini glass ahead of time for the best serving temperature.
a new favorite dessert martini to share