Banana Calling Cocktail recipe
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Banana Calling is a bright, gin-led sour that leans into a playful tropical note without losing its crisp, aperitif-like edge. You’ll find it sits in the modern “fruit liqueur + citrus” family of cocktails, where a classic sour structure gets a twist from a single character ingredient—in this case, crème de banane—while dry sherry adds a subtle, winey sophistication.
On the palate, dry gin brings a clean backbone that keeps everything lifted, while banana liqueur contributes a soft, rounded sweetness that reads as ripe banana rather than candy. Lemon juice drives the drink with sharp, mouthwatering acidity, and simple syrup smooths the corners so the citrus doesn’t feel too austere. Dry sherry threads through the middle, adding a gently dry, nutty-grape note that reins in the banana and makes the finish feel more grown-up and structured.
Serve it in a cocktail glass when you want something zippy yet a little unexpected—ideal for pre-dinner sipping or as a change-up from your usual gin sour. If you like citrus-forward drinks but enjoy a hint of fruit richness, this one hits the sweet spot without turning heavy.
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Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Dry gin leads with crisp botanicals, while banana liqueur adds a ripe, candy-like tropical sweetness that’s sharpened by lemon juice; dry sherry brings a nutty, lightly oxidative dryness, and simple syrup rounds the edges into a smooth, bright sour. It works because the lemon’s acidity and sherry’s dryness keep the banana from turning cloying, making it ideal for gin-sour fans who want a playful fruit twist without losing structure.
Method
How to make a Banana Calling
- Dry gin 30ml, Banana liqueur (crème de banane) 12.5ml, Sherry (dry) 10ml, Lemon juice 25ml, Sugar / simple syrup 10ml
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- First, add all of your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, ensuring each component is measured accurately for the best flavor balance
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- Next, secure the lid on your shaker tightly to avoid any spills during the vigorous shaking process
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- Shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosted, indicating the contents are well-chilled
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- After shaking, take a fine strainer and hold it over your chilled glass to catch any unwanted ice or pulp as you pour the mixture in
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- Finally, serve the freshly strained cocktail in the chilled glass, ready to be enjoyed immediately for its optimal taste and temperature
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a high-quality dry sherry like Fino or Manzanilla for a nutty and subtly briny flavor that pairs well with the banana liqueur.
- For the sugar syrup, consider using a rich (2:1) syrup for a slightly thicker and sweeter finish.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail
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FAQ's
What is the best type of glass to serve the Banana Calling cocktail in?
The Banana Calling cocktail is best served in a cocktail glass. This type of glass, often shaped with a wide, shallow bowl atop a stem, is ideal for serving up cold, alcoholic drinks that are not shaken or stirred, allowing the aromas and flavors to be enjoyed fully.
Can I make the Banana Calling cocktail without alcohol?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version of the Banana Calling by substituting the sherry, banana liqueur, and dry gin with non-alcoholic alternatives or a combination of fruit juices and non-alcoholic syrups to mimic the original flavors. Adjust the sugar syrup as necessary to balance the sweetness.
What can I use if I don't have banana liqueur for the Banana Calling cocktail?
If you don't have banana liqueur, you can substitute it with a banana-flavored syrup or even a small amount of mashed ripe banana mixed with a bit of water or neutral alcohol to maintain the banana flavor profile. Keep in mind the texture and sweetness might slightly change, so adjust accordingly.
How should I serve the Banana Calling cocktail to best enjoy its flavors?
To best enjoy the Banana Calling cocktail, serve it cold in a pre-chilled cocktail glass. Do not shake or stir the mixture before serving. The delicate balance of dry gin, sherry, banana liqueur, and lemon juice is best appreciated when the cocktail is served at a lower temperature, allowing the sweet and tart flavors to shine.
Is the Banana Calling cocktail suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The Banana Calling cocktail, as described, is suitable for vegetarians. Most vegans should also find it acceptable, but it's worth checking the specific brands of sherry, banana liqueur, and dry gin for any animal-derived ingredients or processing methods, as some alcoholic beverages use animal products in filtration or fining processes.
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