Cocktail Friday: Banana Daiquiris

While fall is just around the corner the temperatures will still feel like summer for the next few days. That means that you have to fit in this last summer inspired cocktail while the temperatures are in the 80's. If you love piña coladas then you will love this banana twist or if you are just trying to think of what to do with your constantly browning bananas!

You have to plan ahead on these a bit and freeze sliced ripe bananas ahead of time. We definitely recommend the frozen bananas because they make a smoother creamier drink. If you were in a pinch though you could use regular bananas and add some extra ice. 

Banana Daiquiris (serves 4)

2-3 sliced frozen bananas

3/4 cup light coconut milk 

4 Tbsp. fresh squeezed orange juice

8 oz coconut rum

*If you are using fresh and not frozen bananas cut the down to one banana and use about 2/3 cup ice

Mix everything together in a blender until smooth and serve in chilled glass.

Top with shredded coconut. 

To make coconut rim: Coat rim of glass with orange juice and roll in the coconut shreds.

Enjoy these last few moments of summer and this delicious Banana daiquiri. 

A Perfect Summer Cocktail: Frozen Coconut Mojito

Nothing is better on a summer evening than a refreshing cocktail and these Coconut Mojitos are just the ticket. They are made with fresh lime juice, mint simple syrup, coconut milk, coconut rum, and if you desire coconut water drained right from the coconut -here is a good link that teaches you how to get the juice from a coconut(or you could easily use coconut water from the store).

The key to a great cocktail is to use good quality alcohol and the freshest ingredients available. If you don't your cocktail is really going to suffer.

To start this cocktail you are going to need to make a mint simple syrup. Start with fresh mint, sugar and water. 

Mint Simple Syrup

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Water

1/4 Cup Mint Leaves 

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves. Turn down heat and continue stirring for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool down, pour into a dish and refrigerate for 20-30 mins. 

Once your mint simply syrup has chilled you can begin making the rest of your drink. As I mentioned before- start with good quality alcohol. In this case coconut rum! This brand was recommend at the liquor store and it got good reviews online. 

Coconut Mojitos (Makes 4)

1 Cup Coconut Rum

1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

1/4-1/2 Cup Mint Simple Syrup 
( We don't like it super sweet so we used less syrup)

1/4 Cup Coconut Water

3/4 Cup Fresh Lime Juice (about 3 limes)

1/4 Cup Fresh Mint, torn into pieces

1 to 1 1/2 Cups Ice

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse into well mixed. Serve in pretty glass garnished with mint sprig and lime wedge. Cheers!