Banana Daiquiri Recipe: Creamy, Frozen & Full of Flavor

Some drinks whisper sophistication. Others shout party. The Banana Daiquiri? It giggles, hands you a beach towel, and invites you to dance barefoot in the sand while holding a ridiculously delicious frozen concoction that tastes like vacation in blender form. It’s creamy, it’s cold, it’s unapologetically fruity, and if you think banana doesn’t belong in a cocktail—this daiquiri is about to prove you so, so wrong.

I wasn’t always a banana cocktail believer. In fact, for years I avoided them completely. Banana was something I threw into smoothies to hide the taste of kale—not something I expected to show up in a daiquiri with actual flavor goals. But then came that one trip to a tiny beach bar in the Virgin Islands. I’d already had two rum punches and zero regrets, so when the bartender asked if I wanted to try “the best banana daiquiri on the island,” I shrugged and said, “Sure. Let’s see what your blender can do.”

What happened next was life-changing. One sip, and I realized this wasn’t the sad banana mush I was expecting. It was smooth, boozy, tropical magic. Like a piña colada and a banana cream pie had a wild, frozen baby. I ordered another before the first was even gone. And then I spent the next three years chasing that banana daiquiri high like a rum-fueled treasure hunt.

Today, I can confidently say this version brings all that magic home—no passport, no sand in your shoes. Just creamy, dreamy banana deliciousness that belongs in your blender and your life.

The Perfect Drink for Lazy Afternoons, Beachy Vibes & Frozen Drink Dreams

There’s something about a frozen cocktail that immediately turns your day around. You could be standing in your kitchen surrounded by unfolded laundry and unanswered emails, but one whirl of the blender and boom—you’re mentally reclining under a palm tree with zero responsibilities.

The Banana Daiquiri is that drink. It’s perfect for:

  • Lounging in a hammock (real or imaginary)
  • Pool days where the goal is to do absolutely nothing
  • Tiki parties where you want to stand out from the usual piña colada crowd
  • Sunday afternoons when brunch turns into “let’s blend things and see what happens”
  • That random Thursday when you decide adulting can wait an hour

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. Even people who “don’t really like banana” end up sipping this and making that face that says, “Okay, I’m mad this is so good.”

Picture Gallery:

Why Banana, Rum, and Lime Are Basically the Dream Team

You might not immediately think “banana” when you think of daiquiris, but hear me out—this combo works. In fact, it works hard.

Banana is the star here. Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, creaminess, and a subtle tropical richness that makes this drink feel decadent without being too heavy. They also blend like a dream, so your drink ends up thick and smooth instead of icy and chunky. Pro tip: use bananas that are starting to spot for peak flavor—this isn’t the time for the green ones.

Rum is the soul of this cocktail. White rum gives it that clean, beachy kick, while dark rum adds depth and caramel notes. I like using a mix of both, because why not let your daiquiri be a little extra?

Lime juice is what keeps everything in balance. Banana and rum are sweet and rich—lime comes in to brighten things up, cut through the creaminess, and remind you that yes, this is still a daiquiri, not a milkshake.

Simple syrup or honey gives it just enough sweetness to round out the citrus, especially if your bananas aren’t overly ripe.

Ice is the final player, turning everything into a frosty, thick, irresistible slush that you’ll want to sip slowly but will absolutely finish too fast.

How to Make a Banana Daiquiri: The Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1.5 oz white rum
  • 0.5 oz dark rum (optional, but highly recommended)
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup ice
  • Optional: 1/2 oz triple sec or banana liqueur for extra oomph
  • Garnish: banana slice, lime wheel, or umbrella (live your best tiki life)

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender: Banana, rum(s), lime juice, sweetener, and ice.
  2. Blend until smooth: Like frozen velvet. You’re looking for a milkshake consistency, not banana soup.
  3. Taste test like a professional: Too tart? Add a touch more syrup. Too thick? Add a splash of rum (you’re welcome).
  4. Pour into your favorite tiki glass or coupe: Bonus points if the glass is cold.
  5. Garnish with flair: Banana slice, lime wedge, umbrella, or all three if you’re feeling festive.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • A splash of coconut milk or cream for a banana colada hybrid
  • Cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spiced twist
  • A dash of vanilla extract to highlight the banana’s sweetness
  • Banana liqueur to double down on the theme
  • A float of overproof rum on top if you’re trying to forget your to-do list entirely

FAQ Section:

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! In fact, they make your daiquiri even creamier and eliminate the need for as much ice. Just skip the extra ice or reduce it slightly.

What’s the best rum for this?
A combo of white and dark rum works great. But if you only have one, go white for a lighter daiquiri or dark for a deeper, richer version.

Do I need to add sweetener?
It depends on your banana. Super ripe ones might not need much (or any). Taste and adjust!

Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Totally. Just skip the rum, add a bit of orange juice or pineapple juice, and blend as usual. Still creamy, still tropical, still delicious.

Can I batch these?
Yes! Multiply everything and blend in a big batch. Just serve right away or keep in the freezer, stirring occasionally to maintain the texture.

Variations:

  • Banana Coconut Daiquiri: Add coconut cream or coconut rum for tropical overload.
  • Peanut Butter Banana Daiquiri: Sounds weird. Tastes like dessert. Try it with a dash of peanut butter.
  • Spiced Banana Daiquiri: Use spiced rum and a pinch of cinnamon or allspice.
  • Chocolate Banana Daiquiri: Add a bit of crème de cacao for a boozy banana split vibe.
  • Banana Berry Daiquiri: Blend in some strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist and bonus color.

When to Serve It:

Hot Summer Days:
Frozen. Fruity. Instantly cooling. Basically a beach in a blender.

BBQs & Cookouts:
Perfect paired with grilled pineapple, skewers, or any meat on a stick. Also: makes your guests think you have bartender superpowers.

Afternoon Tea or Picnics:
Pack it in a thermos and call it Banana Breeze Punch—no one will question your choices.

After a Workout:
Listen… it has banana, okay? Add protein powder and pretend it’s a post-workout shake. No judgment.

Occasions to Serve It:

  • Tiki parties
  • Summer birthdays
  • Brunch with tropical vibes
  • Bachelorette parties with blender access
  • Poolside happy hours
  • “I just cleaned the whole kitchen and deserve a reward” nights
  • Staycation Fridays
  • Any moment that calls for frozen fun

Conclusion:

The Banana Daiquiri is one of those drinks that sneaks up on you—in the best way. It’s unassuming, laid-back, maybe even a little underrated… until you take that first sip and realize it’s kind of a superstar. Creamy, frozen, just boozy enough, and endlessly sippable, it’s the cocktail equivalent of an island breeze and a hammock nap all rolled into one.

Whether you’re blending up a batch for friends or just treating yourself to a solo escape from reality, this drink delivers major flavor and frozen goodness with minimal effort. So grab that ripe banana, fire up the blender, and get ready to discover just how amazing this classic tropical twist can be.

Julio A. Arco

M.Arch. Julio A. Arco is the founder of The Crafted Drink, a blog that blends design, wellness, and creativity into every sip. As an architect and lifestyle creative, Julio is passionate about turning beverages into moments of beauty and intention—from mocktails and smoothies to barista-worthy coffee and artisanal cocktails.

His work is inspired by leading voices in the drink world, including Liquor.com, Punch, Imbibe Magazine, Difford’s Guide, and The Spruce Eats.