Ingredients
- 1/6 oz Vodka
- 2/3 oz Banana Liqueur
- 1/3 oz Creme De Bananes
- 4/5 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
- .5 oz Cream
Instructions
Shake Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes, pour 1/6 oz vodka, 2/3 oz banana liqueur, 1/3 oz creme de bananes, 4/5 oz blue curacao liqueur, and 0.5 oz cream.
Shake Well:
- Shake the mixture well until all the ingredients are chilled and combined.
Strain into Glass:
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel, a maraschino cherry, and a sprig of mint.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, creamy flavors of the Blue Temptation.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Blue Temptation's exact origin is murky, like many of its brightly colored, fruit-forward cousins. It certainly didn't pop up in any pre-Prohibition cocktail guides. Think more along the lines of 80s or 90s resort bar menus, where color often trumped subtlety.
It slots into the 'creamy, sweet, dessert cocktail' family, standing shoulder to shoulder with drinks like the Blue Hawaiian or a Piña Colada, but with a distinct banana twist. It's a party drink, not a contemplative sipper, designed for immediate gratification and a memorable hue.
You'd order this one on a beach vacation, at a lively club, or serve it at a backyard barbecue where the vibe is strictly 'fun and fruity.' It's for when you're not trying to impress anyone with your sophisticated palate, just trying to enjoy a sweet treat.
What it tastes like
Expect a rich, creamy mouthful dominated by sweet banana, thanks to a double hit of banana liqueur and creme de bananes. The blue curacao adds a subtle orange citrus note that cuts through the sweetness just enough, plus that unmistakable vibrant color. The cream brings it all together into a smooth, dessert-like experience.
Clocking in at roughly 17% ABV, this drink isn't going to knock you flat, but it's no slouch either. It's stronger than your average beer, more in line with a generous glass of wine. Don't let the creamy sweetness fool you into thinking it's a soft drink, though; it still carries a decent kick.
The technique
Building a Blue Temptation is straightforward. Get your shaker half-filled with ice. Pour in the vodka, both banana components, blue curacao, and the cream. Give it a proper shake until the shaker feels frosty to the touch and everything is thoroughly mixed and chilled. Strain it into a chilled cocktail glass, then hit it with the orange peel, cherry, and mint for a bit of flair.
When you're dealing with cream and liqueurs, a good, hard shake is non-negotiable. Don't just give it a few lazy jiggles. Really go for it, making sure that cream emulsifies and everything gets properly cold and integrated. That's how you get that smooth, uniform texture.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Banana Liqueur
- Use
- A decent quality banana liqueur, like Bols or Giffard, will give you the best, most natural banana flavor without tasting artificial.
- Skip
- Cheap, overly sweet banana schnapps that tastes like candy flavoring. You're already layering two banana products; quality matters.
- Why
- This is where the 'Temptation' really gets its character. It's the primary flavor driver, making the drink unmistakably banana-forward and sweet.
Blue Curacao
- Use
- A standard triple sec or curacao will do the trick. The 'blue' part is mostly for color, but the orange flavor is key.
- Skip
- Anything labeled 'blue coloring' or a super cheap, flavorless version. You need that orange citrus to balance the banana and cream.
- Why
- Beyond the striking color, blue curacao provides a crucial citrus counterpoint to the rich banana and cream, preventing the drink from becoming cloyingly sweet.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Tropical Temptation
- Swap vodka for rum
- Use a light or gold rum instead of vodka for a more pronounced tropical note, adding depth to the banana flavors.
Green Temptation
- Melon twist
- Replace the blue curacao with Midori or another melon liqueur for a vibrant green drink with a complementary fruity profile.
Coconut Temptation
- Add coconut cream
- Reduce the dairy cream slightly and add a splash of coconut cream for an even richer, more exotic, Piña Colada-esque texture and flavor.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use an additional 2/3 oz creme de bananes, or a different fruit liqueur like peach or pineapple for a different flavor profile.
Use an additional 1/3 oz banana liqueur. The slight difference in sweetness and texture won't derail the drink.
Use a regular orange liqueur like triple sec or Cointreau. You'll lose the blue color, but keep the necessary citrus notes.
A clean jar with a tight-fitting lid will work in a pinch. Just make sure it seals well before you start shaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Blue Temptation?
A Blue Temptation contains vodka, banana liqueur, creme de bananes, blue curacao liqueur, and cream.
Is the Blue Temptation very sweet?
Yes, it's a distinctly sweet, dessert-style cocktail, heavy on the banana and cream. The blue curacao offers a slight citrus balance.
What kind of vodka should I use?
Any standard, unflavored vodka will work well here. The other ingredients are strong enough that a top-shelf vodka isn't strictly necessary, but avoid anything harsh.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
You could try a non-alcoholic banana syrup, blue food coloring, and cream, but it won't have the same depth or kick.
Is this considered a dessert drink?
Absolutely. With its creamy texture and prominent sweet banana flavor, it's often enjoyed as an after-dinner treat or a sweet indulgence.
What glass should I serve it in?
A chilled cocktail glass, coupe, or even a martini glass works best to showcase its vibrant color and smooth texture.
Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?
It's best made fresh to ensure the cream is perfectly emulsified and the drink is properly chilled. Pre-mixing can lead to separation.
What's the difference between banana liqueur and creme de bananes?
Creme de bananes is typically sweeter and thicker than a standard banana liqueur, often having a more intense banana flavor and lower alcohol content.
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