Frozen Banana Daiquiri Recipe: Ingredients, Variations, and Tips

frozen banana daiquiri in hurricane glass with lime wheel

A frozen banana daiquiri offers the perfect blend of creamy fruit texture, bright citrus, and the lush backdrop of rum. This tropical favorite is easy to make at home and highly customizable. Learn which ingredients create the ideal frozen banana daiquiri, how to choose and store your bananas for peak flavor, and discover creative variations with add-ins from spices to other fruits.

Essential Ingredients for a Classic Frozen Banana Daiquiri

60 ml white rum
30 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml simple syrup (1:1 water to sugar)
1 small ripe banana, sliced and frozen (about 100 g flesh)
100 ml ice (roughly 5–6 standard ice cubes)

The banana should be ripe for maximum sweetness and smooth texture, while fresh lime juice keeps things zesty. White rum maintains a clean, tropical profile.

Method: How to Make a Frozen Banana Daiquiri

Peel, slice, and freeze your banana slices for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to ensure a thick, creamy blend.
Add 60 ml white rum, 30 ml lime juice, 15 ml simple syrup, frozen banana slices, and 100 ml ice into a blender.
Blend at high speed until completely smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed — add a little more syrup or another splash of rum for balance.
Pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wheel, banana slice, or a sprig of mint.

Tips for Selecting and Storing Bananas

Use bananas with yellow skin flecked with brown spots — these are sweeter and blend especially creamy in frozen drinks.
Overripe bananas (deeper brown spots) are excellent for daiquiris if they're not mushy. Under-ripe (greenish) bananas can taste starchy and may result in a less pleasant texture.
To freeze, peel and slice bananas first. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent ice crystals and freezer burn.
If storing bananas on the counter, keep them out of sunlight. Ripe bananas can be refrigerated (the skin darkens, but the fruit stays fresher), or frozen slices can be kept for up to two months.

Flavor Variations: Add-Ins and Enhancements

A basic frozen banana daiquiri is deliciously pure, but custom add-ins can elevate your drink, adding complexity and new character.

Fruits: Add 30 ml mango or pineapple chunks for extra tropical flair. Strawberries, peaches, or even coconut flesh work nicely.
Spices: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg offers warmth and pairs especially well with banana. Try 1 ml (one dash) per drink.
Liqueurs: For extra sweetness and depth, splash in 15 ml banana liqueur, coconut rum, or orange curaçao.
Flavored syrups: Swap simple syrup for cinnamon syrup, vanilla syrup, or honey syrup to shift the flavor direction.
Dairy and cream alternatives: Add 15 ml coconut cream or a splash of evaporated milk for richness and silkiness.

banana daiquiri with pineapple and cinnamon garnish

Pro Tips for the Perfect Frozen Texture

Always use fully frozen banana slices for the creamiest blend and best chill.
Adjust ice quantity based on your blender and desired thickness. A powerful blender may need less ice.
Taste before pouring. Adjust lime, syrup, and rum to dial in the ideal sweet-tart balance.
Chill your glass before serving for a longer-lasting frosty effect.