If you’re anything like me, there are few things more relaxing after a long work week than kicking my feet up, turning on a movie and indulging in a fun and fruity beverage. Hello, at-home vacation. As much as I love a Mai Tai or Pina Colada, sometimes I like to switch it up a bit. That’s when I pull out my secret cocktail ingredient: banana rum.
Banana rum is a light rum that benefits from the sweet tropical flavor of banana. I prefer Kenny Chesney’s brand, Blue Chair Bay, for my liquor cabinet because it also contains toasted coconut and spices for a well-rounded flavor that’ll send your taste buds right to the beach.
My go-to cocktail for banana rum is an easy punch that uses ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. Keep reading to see what goes in it.
Psst! Here are some seriously good cocktails you’ll want to serve at your next party.
How to Make Banana Rum Punch
Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- 1/4 cup banana rum (we like Blue Chair Bay’s)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon grenadine syrup
- 3 tablespoons lemon-lime soda
Yield: 1 serving
Tools:
Step 1: Fill Shaker
First, fill your shaker about three-fourths full of ice cubes. Then pour in your banana rum, fruit juices and grenadine.
Test Kitchen Tip: You can turn this cocktail into a mocktail by substituting the banana rum for banana juice.
Step 2: Shake
Place the cover on your shaker (don’t forget the strainer!) and shake the cocktail until condensation forms, about 15 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a glass of your choosing and top with soda.
Serving Ideas for Banana Rum Drinks
Take your cocktail to the next level with some simple upgrades.
- Feel like you’re truly on the beach with some tropical garnishes. Skewer a slice of pineapple, orange and a maraschino cherry with a mini parasol and place against the glass’ rim.
- If you prefer a blended drink, add your ingredients to a blender along with about half a cup of ice. Blend on high until smooth, then serve in the glass of your choice.
- Add some Polynesian flair by serving your cocktail in one of these Tiki-inspired glasses.
Try Our Other Rum-Based Cocktails
Guava Coconut Rum CocktailMy beverage is so sensational it's like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this
coconut rum drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
Black-Eyed SusanThe Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pina ColadaVelvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Blueberry MojitosBlueberry and lime are two of my favorite flavors, so I added blueberries to my favorite mixed drink! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.—Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois
Passion Fruit HurricanesThis is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Cranberry SparklerThe flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer's night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It's a favorite for our girls' night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Pineapple Rum PunchI created this with my favorite Bahamian juices. I got the inspiration for it from other Bahama punches I have sampled. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Henderson, North Carolina
Mojito SlushWhether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois
Santa’s Orange-Kissed CocktailRefreshing but not overly sweet, this drink is a festive choice for Christmas get-togethers. Serve it during cocktail hour, at dinner or even for brunch in place of mimosas. —Claire Beattie, Toronto, Ontario
Maple Blackberry MojitoThis refreshing blackberry cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
Peachy Keen DaiquirisYou won’t mind breaking out the blender for these frosty fruit drinks—they’re a breeze to whip up. If you don't have fresh, use frozen peaches. A dash of grenadine gives the golden daiquire a blush of red.—Joan Antonen, Arlington, South Dakota
Spiked LemonadeRum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Mai TaiThis party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour. For a splash of color, garnish with strawberries and lime.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Agua de JamaicaThis agua de Jamaica is an iced tea made from hibiscus, which is tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hop, Skip and GoHere's a different drink for a beer-drinking crowd. It gets a touch of sweetness from lemonade. Make it in a blender for a frothy, fun look or mix in a pitcher for less foam.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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