Crème de banane

Crème de banane is a sweet, banana-flavored liqueur, usually bottled at 17%-25% ABV. It is mostly used in alcoholic drinks but also in cooking; it is an ingredient of various cocktails and desserts.

Cooking

Crème de banane can be used as a syrup on frozen desserts. In some baked dishes, it may be added to obtain a strong banana flavor.

Cocktails

The Yellow Bird (cocktail) can be made with crème de banane.

African Dream

• 1 oz Amarula
• 1 oz crème de banane
• 1 oz milk

Bazooka Bubble Gum

• Highball glass filled with ice
• 1 oz Southern Comfort
• 1/2 oz crème de banane
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• Fill glass with milk and stir

King Kong Cola

• Highball glass filled with ice
• 2 oz Crown Royal
• 1 oz crème de banane
• Fill glass with cola

Monkey Coke

• Highball glass filled with ice
• 1 1/2 oz crème de banane
• Fill glass with cola

Recipe for homemade banana liqueur

• 2 medium-sized bananas, peeled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a 2-inch length of vanilla bean
• 1 cup simple syrup or 2 cups to make crème de banane
• 3 cups vodka
• Optional flavoring: a pinch of cloves or a piece of cinnamon stick.

1. Mash the bananas and add the vodka, the cooled syrup, and the vanilla.
2. Shake gently. Steep for 1 week; then strain and filter. It can be drunk now or aged 2–3 months for best results.

Production

Companies such as Marie Brizard, Lucas Bols, and DeKuyper make this liqueur. It is based on neutral-tasting, unaged grape brandy flavored by means of infusion or maceration.