This Baileys Banana Colada is smooth, creamy, and a little tropical escape in a glass.
It’s what I whip up when I want something cozy and sweet, but with a little kick and a lot of flavor.
It’s like a banana piña colada grew up, went on vacation, and brought back a bottle of Baileys.
You don’t need a blender, you don’t need a lot of prep—just a quick shake, pour, and sip.
Why I Love This Recipe
This drink has a soft spot in my heart because I made it once on a rainy beach trip when we were stuck inside with a bunch of ripe bananas and a mini bottle of Baileys. We didn’t have much, but we had fun, and this drink became our new go-to. I’ve made it for backyard dinners, cozy nights in, and even as a quick after-dinner dessert drink. It’s indulgent without being fussy.
- No blender needed
- Takes 5 minutes, start to finish
- Sweet, creamy, and a little boozy
- Feels like a dessert and a cocktail in one
Makes
2 servings
Total Time
5 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Optional: toasted coconut flakes and banana slices for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with lid)
- Jigger or shot glass for measuring
- Small knife and cutting board
- Spoon for scooping coconut cream
- Cocktail glass or small round glass to serve
Pro Tips
- Use a super ripe banana for max sweetness and smooth texture
- Shake hard for 20–30 seconds to get that creamy, frothy top
- Use coconut cream, not coconut milk—thicker and richer
- Chill your cocktail glass ahead of time for an extra frosty sip
- Garnish with banana and toasted coconut for a fancy touch
Substitutions & Variations
- No Baileys? Use any Irish cream liqueur
- No pineapple juice? Try orange juice for a twist
- Want it vegan? Use a vegan Irish cream and swap coconut cream for coconut yogurt
- Extra boozy? Add a splash more rum
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix everything except the ice and banana ahead of time. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge, then just add the banana and ice and shake when you’re ready to serve.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Peel and break the banana
Peel 1 ripe banana and break it into a few chunks so it’s easier to mix.
Step 2: Add all ingredients to shaker
Add the banana chunks, 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream, 1 oz white rum, 1 oz coconut cream, 1 oz pineapple juice, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cup ice cubes into a cocktail shaker or mason jar.
Step 3: Shake hard
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until it’s super cold and frothy.
Step 4: Strain and pour
Open the shaker and pour the mixture into two chilled round cocktail glasses. Use a fine strainer if you want it extra smooth.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Top each glass with a banana slice and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Leftovers & Storage
This drink is best fresh, but if you must, store leftovers (without ice) in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake again before serving.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Banana adds body: Its natural starches thicken and give a smooth texture.
- Coconut cream gives richness: It blends with alcohol and banana without separating.
- Shaking chills and aerates: This helps the drink feel creamy and light.
Common Mistakes
- Using coconut milk instead of cream – too watery
- Not shaking long enough – you want it cold and frothy
- Using an underripe banana – not sweet or creamy enough
- Overloading with ice – dilutes the drink too much
What to Serve With
- Coconut shrimp or tropical sliders
- Fresh pineapple slices or mango salsa
- Shortbread cookies for a sweet bite
FAQ
Can I blend it instead of shaking?
Yes! It’ll be more smoothie-like, but still tasty.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Sure—skip the Baileys and rum, and use chocolate milk or coconut milk instead.
Can I use frozen banana?
You can, but thaw it a little first or it’ll make the drink too thick to pour.
Is this very sweet?
It’s dessert-level sweet. You can cut the banana size or use less Baileys if you want it lighter.
