Nothing beats a cold glass of Caribbean Banana Punch when the weather is blazing hot. Known by different names throughout the Caribbean, and with each island putting its own spin on the ingredients, this creamy, satisfying drink has remained a favorite for generations. This is the Banana Punch recipe my mom made for us growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, and one I now enjoy making for my own family whenever the craving hits.
It’s been scorching hot here in Ontario over the past couple of weeks, and with Pali home from school, I thought it was the perfect time to introduce him to one of the refreshing drinks my mom would make for us as children. Whenever bananas became a little too ripe for eating out of hand, she knew exactly what to do with them. While many people would turn those bananas into Banana Bread Pudding, Banana Fritters, or Banana Nut Bread, Mom would often reach for the blender and make a cold jug of Banana Punch instead. It was one of those simple homemade treats we always looked forward to, especially on a hot afternoon.
As with many traditional Caribbean recipes, every family has their own version. Some people sweeten it with condensed milk; others add oats, sea moss, peanut butter, or even protein powder for an extra nutritional boost. My recipe keeps things simple while staying true to the flavors I grew up with. Be sure to watch the video below as I walk you through the process, and when you’ve made it, I’d love to hear how your family enjoys their Banana Punch, so leave your comments below.
Ingredient Guide
Ripe Bananas The star of the recipe, providing natural sweetness, body, and that unmistakable creamy banana flavor.
Honey Adds natural sweetness while allowing you to control how sweet the finished drink will be.
Vanilla Rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle aroma.
Freshly Grated Nutmeg Gives the punch its warm Caribbean fragrance. Freshly grated nutmeg has a much brighter aroma and flavor than the pre-ground version.
Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth and complements the sweetness of the bananas.
Evaporated Milk Makes the punch rich, creamy, and silky smooth.
Milk Brings everything together while allowing you to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Shopping Made Easy
• Look for bananas with plenty of brown speckles, as they’ll be sweeter and blend more smoothly.
• Fresh whole nutmeg is available at most Caribbean grocery stores and many well-stocked supermarkets.
• Evaporated milk is usually found alongside canned milk products in the baking aisle.
• If shopping at a Caribbean market, you’ll also find sea moss if you’d like to customize the recipe.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
• Chilling the bananas before blending gives you a colder drink without watering it down.
• Freshly grated nutmeg really does make a noticeable difference in both aroma and flavor.
• Sea moss, smooth peanut butter, or protein powder all work beautifully if you’d like to make the drink even more filling.
• A tiny pinch of salt at the end helps brighten all of the flavors.
• Adjust the amount of milk to make the Banana Punch as thick or as light as you prefer.
The Best Caribbean Banana Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 5 to 6 cups milk
- Sea moss optional
- Smooth peanut butter optional
- Protein powder optional
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Chill the bananas, then peel and break them into pieces before placing them in your blender.
- Add the honey, vanilla, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cinnamon, evaporated milk, and milk.
- If using sea moss, smooth peanut butter, or protein powder, add them to the blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and add a small pinch of salt if you'd like to enhance all of the flavors.
- Serve well chilled or over ice. be sure to stir or shake before serving from the frdige as it may settle.
- Be sure to refer to the video below for the complete demonstration, and don't forget to leave your comments afterward. I'd love to hear if your family has their own version of Banana Punch.
- Note: This is my take on the Banana Punch my mom made for us growing up. She would usually use about 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk instead of the honey I've used here, and it was always one of our favorite homemade treats.