Explore the Bananarac recipe, a harmonious mix of whiskey, brandy, and banana liqueur that comes together to create a refreshingly bold cocktail.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
2 minutes
Servings:
1
Calories:
205
Ingredients
- Absinthe - for rinse
- 1 oz Old Overholt Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Tariquet VSOP Armagnac
- ½ oz Giffard Banane du Brésil Liqueur
- ½ tsp demerara simple syrup
- 1 dash The Bitter Truth Old Time aromatic bitters
- Ice Cubes
- Lemon twist - for garnish
Equipment
- Rocks Glass chilled
- Mixing Glass
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Rinse Glass: Pour a small amount of Absinthe into your rocks glass, swirl to coat the inside, and discard any excess.
- Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your rocks glass.
- Combine Ingredients: In the mixing glass, add the 1 dash The Bitter Truth Old Time aromatic bitters, ½ tsp demerara simple syrup, ½ oz Giffard Banane du Brésil Liqueur, 1 oz Tariquet VSOP Armagnac, and 1 oz Old Overholt Rye Whiskey.
- Stir: Fill up the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir the mixture until well chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mix into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Twist a swath of lemon peel over the drink to express its oils and discard the peel.
Notes
Substitutes:
- If I don't have Old Overholt rye whiskey, I sometimes use another quality rye whiskey that's more accessible.
- For Tariquet VSOP Armagnac, a less expensive brandy can work, but I make sure it's still good quality to maintain the drink's character.
- Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur is unique, but if necessary, another banana liqueur could be used, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
- Demerara simple syrup can be made by dissolving demerara sugar in water or substituting it with regular simple syrup for a less rich sweetness.
Making a Pitcher of Bananarac:
- Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8.
- Mix: Combine the rye whiskey, Armagnac, banana liqueur, demerara simple syrup, and aromatic bitters in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
- Serve: Rinse each rock glass with absinthe, pour the mixture into the glasses over fresh ice, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
Substitute the rye whiskey, the absinthe, the bitters, and Armagnac with non-alcoholic whiskey and brandy alternatives. Use a non-alcoholic banana-flavored syrup instead of the banana liqueur. Follow the original steps using these non-alcoholic substitutes and enjoy a non-alcoholic Bananarac.Making it Vegan:
Ensure that the sugar used in the demerara simple syrup is certified vegan, as some sugars are processed with animal bone char. Verify that the absinthe, bitters, and banana liqueur are vegan-friendly, as some brands may use animal-derived ingredients or processing methods.What is a Bananarac?
A Bananarac is a modern twist on the Sazerac cocktail, infusing the traditional mix with a hint of banana liqueur. It plays on the name Sazerac, one of the oldest known cocktails, with the name Bananarac suggesting a playful take on the original. The inclusion of banana liqueur offers a delightful and unexpected twist, infusing the traditional Sazerac with a sweet and fruity note that complements its classic flavors.
What is in a Bananarac – The ingredients
The blend for a Bananarac includes these components:
- Absinthe: Used to rinse the glass, it sets a herbaceous foundation for the cocktail.
- Rye whiskey: Adds a spicy, robust flavor that serves as the backbone of the drink.
- Armagnac: Brings a rich, deep fruitiness and warmth to the mix.
- Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur: Infuses the cocktail with a sweet, creamy banana essence.
- Demerara simple syrup: Offers a subtle molasses sweetness to balance the strong spirits.
- Aromatic bitters: Contribute a complex layer of spices and a hint of bitterness.
- Lemon twist: Provides a zesty aroma and a touch of citrus to finish the drink.
