In the Limelight: Banana

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

Liqueur, Rum, Sherry

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

1. Combine all ingredients and stir to integrate.
2. Pour into a Nick & Nora glass and garnish with a Makrut lime leaf.

Additional Notes

Find it at Bar Calico — Gramercy, NYC

Liqueur, Rum

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

1. 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

---

Ingredients

• Demerara sugar
• Water

Preparation

1. Combine equal parts Demerara sugar and water; stir until dissolved.