Tropical Dirty Monkey Cocktail with Rum and Bananas

Featured in Delicious Refreshing Drinks.

The Dirty Monkey is a tropical frozen cocktail that brings the beach to your glass. Blending ripe bananas with rum, Kahlua, and coconut cream creates a smooth, creamy drink that's perfect for summer parties or when you're craving a vacation-style cocktail.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:27 GMT
A chocolate dessert beverage topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, served with a lemon in the background. Pin it
A chocolate dessert beverage topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, served with a lemon in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

I created this Dirty Monkey cocktail for my summer parties and it's always the first drink to disappear. It's like having dessert in a glass with creamy bananas, coconut and a splash of rum and Kahlua. When I drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass and top it with whipped cream and a cherry, it reminds me of those banana splits I loved as a kid. Only better because well... rum!

Why This Cocktail Is Always a Hit

My friends go crazy for this drink because it's like being on a tropical vacation with every sip. The combination of sweet bananas and pineapple with that hint of coffee liqueur and rum is absolutely magical. I love serving these at pool parties or when I'm hosting summer BBQs. They're so easy to whip up and everyone always asks for the recipe.

Everything You Need in Your Bar

  • Fresh Stuff: Grab 2 ripe bananas. The riper they are the sweeter your drink will be
  • From the Can: 1/2 cup crushed pineapple. Fresh works too if you have it
  • The Fun Part: 1 ounce Kahlua and 1 1/2 ounces aged rum
  • Creamy Goodness: 1/3 cup coconut cream makes it super smooth
  • Ice Ice Baby: About 3-4 cups for the perfect slushy texture
  • Pretty Extras: Chocolate syrup whipped cream and a cherry for the top

Making Your Dirty Monkey

Start with the Fruity Stuff
Throw your bananas pineapple and coconut cream in the blender. Give it a good whirl until smooth.
Time for the Good Stuff
Pour in your Kahlua and rum. Blend again then add your ice until it's just right.
Make it Pretty
This is my favorite part! Swirl chocolate syrup inside your glasses. It looks so fancy.
Put it All Together
Pour your blended mix into the glasses. Top with a cloud of whipped cream more chocolate and pop a cherry on top.
A tall glass of chocolate dessert drink topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, with a lemon in the background. Pin it
A tall glass of chocolate dessert drink topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, with a lemon in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

My Favorite Cocktail Tricks

Sometimes I use dark rum when I want a richer flavor. Coconut rum is amazing too if you're really feeling those tropical vibes. My sister loves when I make hers with mango instead of pineapple. For the kids parties I skip the alcohol and they feel so grown up drinking their fancy mocktails.

Keeping Your Cocktail Perfect

These drinks are best enjoyed right away while they're perfectly slushy. If you need to make them ahead you can keep the mix in the freezer but give it a quick blend before serving. I love adding some toasted coconut on top with the whipped cream it makes everything extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes, you can skip the rum and Kahlua for a virgin version. Replace them with chocolate milk and a splash of coffee for similar flavors.

→ What type of rum works best?

Aged rum is recommended as it adds caramel notes that complement the banana and coffee flavors. Any golden or dark rum will work well.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It's best to serve this drink right after blending. The ice will melt and change the texture if stored too long.

→ What can I substitute for coconut cream?

Heavy cream or half-and-half can work, but you'll lose the tropical coconut flavor. Coconut milk is also an option but will make the drink thinner.

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work great and will help make the drink thicker. You might need less ice if using frozen bananas.

Dirty Monkey Cocktail

A creamy frozen cocktail mixing rum, bananas, and coconut cream. This tropical drink combines coffee liqueur and chocolate for an indulgent vacation vibe.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes

Category: Refreshing Drinks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 drinks)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 large ripe bananas.
02 8 oz crushed pineapple.
03 8 oz coconut cream.
04 4 oz aged rum.
05 2 oz Kahlua.
06 3-4 cups ice.
07 Chocolate syrup (for serving).
08 Whipped cream (for serving).
09 Maraschino cherries (for serving).

Instructions

Step 01

Add bananas, pineapple, and coconut cream to blender.

Step 02

Blend until smooth.

Step 03

Pour in rum and Kahlua.

Step 04

Add ice to the blender.

Step 05

Blend until well mixed.

Step 06

Coat glass insides with chocolate syrup.

Step 07

Pour drink into glasses.

Step 08

Top with whipped cream and a cherry.

Notes

  1. Best served immediately.
  2. Can use fresh pineapple juice instead of crushed.
  3. Riper bananas make sweeter drinks.
  4. Find coconut cream in international food aisle.
  5. Use aged rum for caramel notes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender.
  • Hurricane glasses.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (whipped cream).
  • Tree nuts (coconut).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 394
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 2 g