Sometimes, the day drags on and all you want is a drink that feels like a warm hug. This Banana Bread Old Fashioned Cocktail brings together the familiar comfort of banana bread and the smooth kick of bourbon, creating a sip that instantly settles your mind.
I remember the first time I made this drink—I was halfway through sorting a mountain of laundry, and my attention drifted somewhere between the hum of the washing machine and my craving for something both sweet and strong. I grabbed the bourbon, added a splash of banana liqueur, and stirred in a touch of maple syrup with bitters. The cinnamon stick garnish gave it a cozy aroma that almost made me forget about the never-ending chores. It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly what I needed, and I’m pretty sure I took a few extra sips just to delay going back to folding clothes.
- It’s a cocktail that feels like dessert without being overly sweet.
- The combination of banana and maple syrup adds warmth but doesn’t overpower the bourbon’s character.
- Simple to prepare in just a few minutes—no complicated tools or techniques.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point; sometimes you want a drink that doesn’t require fuss.
Even if you’re not usually a fan of Old Fashioneds, this twist might surprise you with its balanced flavors and cozy vibe.
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Banana Bread Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1
Description
A rich and flavorful twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this Banana Bread Old Fashioned Cocktail combines the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread with the smoothness of bourbon and a hint of spice for a delightful sipping experience.
Ingredients
2 ounces bourbon
0.5 ounce banana liqueur
0.25 ounce maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
1 small banana slice, for garnish
1 cinnamon stick, for garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
Add 2 ounces of bourbon, 0.5 ounce of banana liqueur, 0.25 ounce of maple syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1 dash of orange bitters to the mixing glass.
Stir the mixture gently for about 20 seconds until well chilled and combined.
Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
Garnish with 1 small banana slice placed on the rim of the glass and 1 cinnamon stick inserted into the drink.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Banana Bread Old Fashioned Cocktail.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Don’t worry about having any fancy bar equipment—just a sturdy glass and a spoon will do. This cocktail pairs surprisingly well with an evening spent reading or a quiet chat with friends. If you want to switch things up, I’ve tried it with a splash of dark rum instead of bourbon, or sometimes I skip the banana liqueur for a subtler hint of banana from fresh muddled fruit (though that’s less consistent). Adding a pinch of nutmeg on top can also bring out the spices in a different way, but I haven’t tested that enough to say for sure.
FAQ
Can I make this drink ahead of time? It’s best fresh, but you can mix the bourbon, banana liqueur, maple syrup, and bitters a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Stir well and add fresh ice when serving.
What if I don’t have banana liqueur? You could try a banana-flavored syrup or muddle a bit of banana, but it won’t have quite the same smoothness.
Is this drink very sweet? No, it balances sweetness with the bitterness of the Angostura and orange bitters, so it’s not cloying.
Ready to try something that feels familiar yet new? Give this Banana Bread Old Fashioned Cocktail a whirl and see how it fits into your evening ritual.