The Banoffee Pie Cocktail feels like it was made for slow evenings and small wins. The first time I made it was after dinner, when no one wanted another slice of dessert but everyone still wanted something sweet. This drink filled that space perfectly. It tasted familiar and comforting, with just enough richness to feel like a treat without being too much.
What makes this cocktail stand out is how closely it reflects the dessert that inspired it. Banana, caramel, cream, and a hint of graham cracker come together in a way that feels thoughtful and balanced. I like this cocktail because it delivers big flavor without complicated steps or a long prep list. It’s fun to make and even better to serve.
Why You Will Love This
The Banoffee Pie Cocktail takes a classic dessert flavor and turns it into something you can sip. It is rich, smooth, and surprisingly easy to pull together.
- Tastes like a well known dessert
- Creamy texture that feels comforting
- Simple ingredients with big payoff
- Easy to make in a blender
- Great option for dessert lovers
- Always gets reactions from guests
Once you try it, this cocktail often becomes a repeat request, especially when sweets are involved.
Ingredients
This cocktail works because each ingredient plays a clear role. Together, they recreate the flavors of banoffee pie in liquid form without going overboard.
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 oz banana rum
- 2 oz half and half
- 2 tablespoons dulce de leche
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Crushed graham cracker for garnish
- Banana slices for garnish
A ripe banana is key here since it adds natural sweetness and body. Banana rum reinforces that flavor and gives the drink its alcoholic base. Half and half keeps the texture smooth without being too heavy. Dulce de leche brings caramel richness that ties everything together. The garnishes are more than decoration. They help set expectations before the first sip.
Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions
Choosing the right banana rum helps keep the flavor clean and balanced. There is flexibility here depending on what you have available.
- Malibu Banana Rum for a lighter profile
- Cruzan Banana Rum for a stronger banana note
- Giffard Banane du Brésil for a richer flavor
- Dark rum plus fresh banana if banana rum is unavailable
- Coconut cream in place of half and half for a dairy free option
If you want less sweetness, use a slightly underripe banana or reduce the dulce de leche slightly. For more richness, heavy cream can replace half and half.
Equipment and Glassware
This cocktail is straightforward and does not require special bar tools.
A rocks glass or coupe works well, depending on presentation. Chilling the glass ahead of time helps keep the drink cold longer.
How to Make It
This cocktail is blended, which gives it a smooth and dessert-like texture.
- Add the banana, banana rum, half and half, and dulce de leche to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Serve immediately so the texture stays creamy and fresh.
Pro Tips
These small tips help you get the best result every time, especially if you plan to serve this to guests.
- Use a ripe banana for better sweetness
- Blend long enough to remove all lumps
- Chill the glass before pouring
- Taste before serving and adjust sweetness
- Add garnishes just before serving
- Use fresh whipped cream for best texture
- Serve right away for best consistency
Once you are comfortable with the base recipe, small tweaks can help you fine tune it to your taste.
Variations
The Banoffee Pie Cocktail is easy to adapt depending on preferences or dietary needs.
- Make it alcohol free by skipping rum
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth
- Use chocolate shavings instead of graham cracker
- Blend with ice for a frozen version
- Add espresso for a coffee twist
Each variation keeps the dessert focus while offering a slightly different experience.
When to Serve and Pairings
This cocktail works best as a dessert drink rather than a main event cocktail. It shines when served at the end of a meal.
Serve it after dinner, during holiday gatherings, or at small parties where dessert cocktails fit the mood. It also works well for cozy nights in.
- Simple cookies or biscotti
- Chocolate desserts
- Banana based treats
- Coffee or espresso
Keeping pairings light helps avoid overwhelming the palate.
Storage and Serving Notes
This cocktail is best made fresh. Because it contains dairy and banana, it does not store well once blended.
If prepping ahead, measure ingredients and keep them chilled. Blend just before serving for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Does this cocktail taste very sweet?
It is sweet, but the cream helps balance it.
Can I make this without banana rum?
Yes. Plain rum and banana can work as a substitute.
Is this more of a dessert or a drink?
It sits comfortably between both.
Can I use milk instead of half and half?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter.
What glass works best?
A rocks glass or coupe both work well.
More Cocktails to Try
If you enjoyed this Banoffee Pie Cocktail, here are a few other dessert style cocktails worth exploring.
- Cinnamon Roll Espresso Martini
- Coconut Pie Martini
- Butterscotch Martini
- Banana Pudding Martini
- Banana Old Fashioned

Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 oz banana rum
- 2 oz half and half
- 2 tablespoons dulce de leche
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Crushed graham cracker for garnish
- Banana slices for garnish
Instructions
- Add the banana, banana rum, half and half, and dulce de leche to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use frozen banana slices for a thicker, milkshake-like texture.
- Drizzle extra dulce de leche inside the glass before pouring for added flavor and visual flair.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt to enhance the dessert profile.


