Banana Split Martini

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/13/21
Banana Split Martini in a martini glass and garnished with fruit

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

Banana split martinis are fun cocktails to mix up at home. The​ simple vodka martini is filled with the tempting duo of bananas and chocolate, but there's so much more you can do with this delicious dessert cocktail.

Just like a real banana split, play with this recipe and add your favorite "toppings," from strawberries and pineapple to caramel and whipped cream. Even the drink's ingredients offer opportunities to customize the flavor. For instance, you can choose a flavored vodka, give it a luscious creamy twist, or add other fruity mixers.

There are no right or wrong ways to enjoy a banana split martini. Get creative and use this recipe as inspiration for devising your perfect indulgence in a glass.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka

  • 3/4 ounce crème de banane liqueur, or other banana liqueur

  • 3/4 ounce crème de cacao liqueur

  • Banana slices, or strawberry, or pineapple wedge, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for a Banana Split Martini in shot glasses and garnish on a plate

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour the vodka, crème de banane, and crème de cacao.

    Vodka, crème de banane, and crème de cacao in a glasses next to a cocktail shaker

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Shake well.

    Shake the cocktail shaker

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Strain into a well-chilled cocktail glass.

    Banana split martini in a glass

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  5. Garnish with banana slices, strawberries, or pineapple wedges. Serve and enjoy.

    Banana split martini in a glass and garnished with fruit

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Garnish Options

No banana split is complete without the adornments, and garnishing your martini can be as simple or complex as you like. Beyond drinking it, it's the best part of making this cocktail.

  • Fresh and dried banana slices will typically float on top of the martini.
  • Cut a slit in banana slices, a whole strawberry, or pineapple wedges to slip them on the rim.
  • A fan of strawberry slices is beautiful, and chocolate-covered strawberries add a sweet touch.
  • Make a traditional "flag" garnish by skewering a pineapple wedge and cherry.
  • Add chocolate, caramel, or strawberry sundae syrups: Drizzle syrup inside the cocktail glass, then place it in the freezer while you make the drink or use the syrup to top the other garnishes.
  • A fun option is to float a canned pineapple slice on top of the drink, then top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of syrup. Admittedly, it's a little awkward to drink, but it is yummy.
  • Top the martini with toasted coconut flakes or use them to rim the glass.

Tip

  • Crème de cacao is a sweet chocolate liqueur. You can find it in both white (clear-colored) and dark (brown-colored) varieties, and which you choose will determine the martini's color.

Is Crème de Banane the Same as Banana Liqueur?

Crème de banane is a type of banana liqueur. Like all "crème" liqueurs, it is a little sweeter than other banana-flavored liqueurs. While most crème liqueurs are clear, many of the banana crèmes have a golden yellow color. Banana schnapps and other banana liqueurs are excellent substitutes in this martini. When stored properly, any banana liqueur has a shelf life of several years; it does not need to be refrigerated.

Recipe Variation

  • One of the easiest ways to add an extra layer of flavor is to choose a flavored vodka that mimics your favorite sundae toppings. Coconut, pineapple, strawberry, and even caramel or chocolate vodkas are excellent options.
  • If you want a richer banana split martini, switch to a creamy chocolate liqueur or add 1/2 to 1 ounce of a cream liqueur or heavy cream.
  • Bring in another fruity flavor with 1/2 ounce of strawberry liqueur or grenadine.
  • Transform this martini into a delicious smoothie. The spiked banana split smoothie recipe features chocolate and strawberry vodkas, a whole banana, pineapple juice, and vanilla ice cream.

How Strong Is a Banana Split Martini?

The banana split martini may be sweet and pretty, but it packs a big punch. The alcohol content should fall somewhere around 25 percent ABV (50 proof), which is not unusual for martinis.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
311 Calories
0g Fat
40g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 311
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 15%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 28g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 10mg 51%
Calcium 6mg 0%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 424mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)