The Cocobanana is a creamy, fruity Sour that combines coconut milk and fresh banana. The combination of tart citrus and sweet banana creates a drink reminiscent of a holiday – but with the precision of a classic Sour. Not a Piña Colada copycat, but an original creation balanced by the texture of the coconut milk and the acidity of the lemon juice. Perfect for guests looking for something exotic without compromising on craftsmanship.
And this is what you need for the Cocobanana
5 cl white Rum (40–50 % vol.)
3 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cl coconut milk (canned, not the thin drinking milk)
2 cl banana purée (ripe banana blended with 1 cl simple syrup)
1 cl simple syrup (1:1)
1 dash Angostura (optional, for depth)
This is what matters
The coconut milk must come from a can – the thin drinking milk from a carton will curdle in the shaker and make the drink lumpy. If no canned milk is available, mix 1 cl coconut cream (e.g., from an Asian store) with 1 cl hot water. When it comes to banana purée: the riper the banana, the more intense the flavor. Unripe bananas taste grassy and disrupt the balance. A trick from the kitchen: heat the banana in the microwave for 30 seconds before blending – this releases the aromas and prevents the drink from turning brown later on.
Variations
- Cocobanana Fizz — Top the finished cocktail with 6 cl cold soda water. Glass: Highball, Ice: Crushed ice. Garnish: Banana slice and mint leaf. The flavor profile becomes lighter, but less creamy.
- Spiced Cocobanana — Replace 1 cl simple syrup with 1 cl honey syrup and lightly muddle 2 slices of fresh ginger with the ingredients in the shaker (remove before shaking). The result is a spicy-sweet variation with more complexity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen banana?
No. Frozen banana contains too much water and makes the drink watery. Fresh, ripe banana is essential for the right texture and sweetness.
Why does my Cocobanana taste bitter?
Probably the lemon juice was stored too long or the banana was not ripe enough. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and an almost black banana are a must. Alternatively, reduce the lemon juice by 0.5 cl.
Can I use vegan coconut milk?
Yes, but pay attention to the fat content. Vegan coconut milk with at least 18 % fat (e.g., from Aroy-D) works best. Light products are too thin and taste metallic.
