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Homemade Banana Liqueur

A smooth, golden liqueur bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, perfect for sipping neat, mixing into cocktails, or gifting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24 1.5-ounce serving
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Homemade, International
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 ripe but firm bananas about 1.5 pounds
  • 750 milliliters vodka 80 proof, standard unflavored
  • 1.5 cups white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 whole vanilla pod split lengthwise (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Pinch of nutmeg optional for depth

Equipment

  • 1 quart glass jar with tight-fitting lid
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Cheese cloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Funnel (optional)
  • Glass bottles for storage (clean, with lids)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or chopstick for stirring

Method
 

  1. Peel the bananas and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  2. Place the banana slices into the quart jar, packing them loosely.
  3. Pour the vodka over the bananas, ensuring all fruit is submerged.
  4. Add the split vanilla pod to the jar.
  5. Seal the jar tightly and label with the start date.
  6. Store in a cool, dark place and shake the jar gently once daily for the first 7 days.
  7. After 14 days, taste the infusion; continue steeping up to 30 days if a stronger banana flavor is desired.
  8. Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and strain the infused vodka into a bowl, leaving solids behind.
  9. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water and sugar; stir until the sugar dissolves completely to form a simple syrup.
  10. Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  11. Combine the strained liqueur, cooled syrup, sea salt, and nutmeg in a clean container and stir thoroughly.
  12. Use a funnel to bottle the liqueur into glass storage bottles and seal tightly.
  13. Let the bottled liqueur rest at least one week before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For best flavor, rest the liqueur for at least one week in bottles. Store sealed bottles in a cool, dark place and shake gently before serving.