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Have you heard of a Dirty Banana? I had never heard of this amazing, blended cocktail until I sailed with Princess Cruises a handful of years back. It’s been my favorite adult milkshake ever since. What’s not to love about a frozen drink/dessert combination?
Anyways, back to this deeeeeeelicious Dirty Banana. Silly name aside, this “adult milkshake” is something you need to experience. Not overly sweet, but refreshingly so, it’s a lot of fun to make and serve. While the foundation is similar to some of the chocolate milkshakes we know and love (like this chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie!), the dark rum and coffee liqueur add a whole new dimension to it.
Dirty Banana
This recipe for a dirty banana creates a Caribbean inspired cocktail that tastes more like a milkshake than a cocktail. And, that makes it a super fun treat whether you’re cruising through your dream vacation or are relaxing on the back porch at home.
The ingredient list might seem long, but you know me. I’m all about no muss, no fuss recipes. It’s just a small splash of each liquor, and the flavors that it delivers when they’re combined is fantastic.
I still remember the first time I had a dirty banana. It was a wonderful vacation. But, the best part is that I got to bring this part of it home. And lucky for me? It’s easy enough to make in just minutes.
I was looking for a sweet drink recipe for the whole family and I stumbled on this article. I read and followed the instructions carefully and I made this dirty banana deliciously! Every member of my family is so happy! Thanks for this!
Ingredients and Substitutions
The Rum – I use Gosling’s Black Seal rum for this drink, but your preference may vary. As long as you’re using a dark rum, it should be fine with this recipe.
The Liqueurs – Kahlua and Patron XO are my coffee liqueurs of choice for this mixed drink. They really nail the rich dark coffee flavor with just enough sweetness.
Heavy Cream – For a rich milkshake, you can’t go wrong with heavy cream. You can swap for half-and-half, but it won’t be as rich.
Chocolate Syrup – I promise, I’m not fancy. But, I do like to use my own homemade chocolate syrup for this recipe. But a store-bought syrup will work just fine if that’s your preference.
Bananas – Bananas are a classic milkshake ingredient for a reason. The mix of creamy texture and mild sweetness is perfect for making thick, pourable beverages.
Ice – Ice is 100% non-negotiable. Please remember, if you come at me in the comments about how you tried to make this frozen beverage without ice, other people can see it.
Toppings – I like to serve this drink topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder.
Notes on Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make a Dirty Banana
Combining the Ingredients: Measure the ice, dark rum, Kahlua, cafe liqueur, heavy cream, and chocolate syrup into a large blender. Then, add your banana.
Blending: I blend everything together until it is thick and creamy.
Serving: Pour into glasses and lightly top each cocktail with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder before serving.
Expert Tip
The best banana is not the biggest banana. You’re going to want to use perfectly ripe bananas with this blended drink. They’re much more flavorful and sweet, and that helps the banana flavor to come through when it’s time to drink up. Younger bananas also tend to be more starchy, which can affect the taste and thickness of this cocktail. I look for fruit that’s in-between fully ripe and ready for banana bread.
Add Syrup Last – Chocolate syrup can stick to the sides of the blender easily. I usually add it to the blender last, so that by the time it hits the blender, it’s ready to mix with the other ingredients.
Manage the Sweetness – This recipe calls for Kahlua and Patron coffee liqueur, which are both mildly sweet. Use a light hand with the chocolate syrup and liqueurs at first. You can always add more to the blender after tasting.
Serving Suggestions
I’ll be honest. I’m past the age at which fancy cocktails are a weekly, or if I’m honest, even a monthly occurrence. But, these days when my girls are in town, there’s a good chance that someone will be breaking out the blender for dirty bananas. Add in an easy charcuterie board, and we’re all set for a fun evening spent catching up.
If it’s around lunch time, then I find this mixed drink goes well with a lighter spread. And, since I first discovered it on a cruise, that means seafood. I whip up some crab salad and serve it with crackers, or I just throw together a tray of shrimp quesadillas.
More Cocktail Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. You can still enjoy all these coffee, banana, and chocolate flavors in a Not-So-Dirty Banana. Just just add 1/4 cup of cold coffee to the above ingredients and skip the booze. If coffee isn’t your speed, you can also use milk!
You can swap for half-and-half or milk. But, the fat content of the dairy product is what makes this a rich and thick milkshake. If you skimp on one, you’ll end up getting skimped on the other.
It’s not necessary. I don’t typically chill mine. But, I did test it, and if the ingredients are chilled beforehand, you’ll get a slightly thicker drink. (Note: don’t come at me in the comments using tap water instead of ice. Obviously, that needs chilled!)
Dirty Banana
Ingredients
- 2 cups ice
- ½ ounce Gosling’s dark rum
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1 ounce Patron XO Cafe Liqueur
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2-3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- ½ large banana
- Whipped cream and cocoa powder for topping
Instructions
- Combine ice, dark rum, Kahlua, cafe liqueur, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, and banana in a blender.
- Blend until thick and creamy. Pour into 2 small glasses or 1 large glass.
- Top with whipped cream before serving. Sprinkle lightly with cocoa powder, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 4/11/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 5/25/26}
We sat by the pool and used the Ocean Medallion to order drinks and food that was delivered literally in minutes. Slices of pizza, a few orders of fries, and of course, dirty banana milkshakes – just looking back on the photos has me realizing it’s time to book another cruise.
Disclosure: Though the trip was many years ago, the disclosure holds. I partnered with Princess Cruises to share my travels with you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. For more information about Princess Cruises and/or to book a cruise visit their website.
This sounds so good, but I cannot drink dairy. Is a substitute for the heavy cream?
I’m thinking it would work well with coconut cream or even almond milk. (Although the almond milk won’t give it the same thickness.) I’d try it with your favorite dairy alternative.
We use Baileys as a substitute for the cream.
Mmmm I bet that’s delicious.
I was looking for a sweet drink recipe for the whole family and I stumbled on this article. I read and followed the instructions carefully and I made this dirty banana deliciously! Every member of my family is so happy! Thanks for this!
I am thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, Kate!
I freeze my bananas, peeled and cut in half in a large zip lock bag. Freeze them in a single layer. Easy to use from there. Put frozen in blended drinks, slice frozen for cereal and let thaw briefly for breads/muffins.
I love having frozen bananas on hand too, Beth!
Kahlúa is a coffee Liquor why add another?
The combination of the different liquors is what gives this such an amazing flavor, Teresa. Feel free to change it up however you like best!
This was a very tasty and refreshing smoothie, I absolutely loved it!
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it, Lily!
SO good, but very filling.
No doubt.
Really nice recipe. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you like it, Chris.
We just came off a Princess Alaska Cruise and I had many Dirty Bananas! I discovered them on a pre-Covid
cruise about three years ago. They go down so smoothly, you know their rest, I just can’t have one!
Best drink ever…….
You know exactly what I am talking about! I hope you enjoy making them at home now. Although this information is a little dangerous to have.
I just went on another Princess Cruise for our 40th wedding anniversary. We also love the new Dirty Banana drink!!!!!!! I have been trying to get all the ingredients, but can’t find the Patron XO Cafe. I read online that it has been discontinued. OMG, now what am I supposed to do?
I know!! I just heard that too and it’s a bummer. The best alternative I’ve found is Conker Cold brew coffee liqueur, but it can be a bit hard to find in the states. I recommend trying whichever coffee liqueur you can find locally. Happy sipping!
yeah we had the ocean medallion too. Ordered way too many Dirty Bananas. Thanks for doing the research for the recipe though. Somebody had to sacrifice.
Am seconding the frozen banana, too. No ice to dilute the liquor. I like the almond milk: leaves a cleaner blender.
It’s a fun drink, isn’t it? Glad you had fun cruising too!
Hi. I’m not a coffee drinker. Does that flavor come through, or is it more chocolate and banana? Thanks!
There is some coffee flavor, but it’s mild, defintiely more chocolate than anything else.