Citrus Banana Frappe

Pro tips

• Freeze banana slices 1 hour ahead for a naturally thicker, colder frappe without diluting it with extra ice.
• Blend rum and citrus juices first, then add banana and milk to avoid over-blending the fruit and making it grainy.
• Fresh lime juice is essential—bottled lime juice lacks the bright acidity that balances the sweetness.
• Pour into a chilled glass and serve within 2 minutes; frappés separate quickly.

Substitutions

• Dark rum → spiced rum (adds warmth and vanilla notes)
• Fresh lime juice → bottled lime juice (less vibrant but still works; use 3/4 oz due to higher acidity)
• Milk → coconut milk or oat milk (richer, dairy-free alternative)
• Light brown sugar → white sugar or 0.5 oz simple syrup (equal sweetness)

Storage & make-ahead

Serve immediately after blending. Do not store; ingredients separate and banana oxidizes quickly.

Equipment

blender · jigger or shot glass for measuring

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes. Replace the 2 oz dark rum with 2 oz additional milk or coconut milk for a non-alcoholic version. Increase the brown sugar to 1.5 tsp for balance.

What type of banana should I use?

Use a ripe banana (yellow with a few brown spots). It should be soft and sweet, not green. You can also freeze banana slices beforehand for a thicker, colder frappe.

How do I get the right consistency?

Blend until smooth, about 45–60 seconds. If too thick, add more milk 0.5 oz at a time. If too thin, add more banana or ice.

Can I batch this for a party?

Multiply ingredients by the number of servings. Blend in batches (don't overfill the blender) and serve immediately over fresh ice.

What rum works best?

Dark or spiced rum gives the best flavor. Avoid overproof varieties; they can overpower the citrus and banana. Light rum is less ideal but will work.