Banana Slices in Beer

This drink is exactly what it sounds like, a sliced banana floating in a glass of beer. It is less a sophisticated cocktail and more of a curiosity or a novelty pour. Expect to see it ordered by someone looking for a laugh, a dare, or a surprisingly simple way to add some fruit sweetness to their pint. It is a straightforward, no-fuss concoction for those seeking something unconventional.

Banana Slices in Beer

4.41 from 22 votes

Calories: 174kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Sliced Banana(s)
▢ 14 oz Bitter Beer

Instructions

▢
Slip the sliced banana gently into a hurricane glass. then fill with beer. Mmmmm.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 174kcal (9%)Carbohydrates: 1gSugar: 1g (1%)

Where it came from

This concoction likely emerged from home experiments or a late night bar dare, rather than any formal mixology tradition. It has no clear historical record, suggesting it is a modern, informal invention, possibly inspired by fruit garnishes in other simple beer drinks or a playful twist on a classic shandy.

While not a true cocktail, it sits in a loose category of beer-based novelty drinks. Think of it as a distant cousin to a Radler or a Michelada in its simplicity of additions to beer, but distinct in its use of whole fruit rather than juice or spices. It stands apart by offering a direct, unadulterated fruit-and-beer experience.

You would probably encounter the Banana Slices in Beer at a laid-back house party, a casual backyard barbecue, or perhaps a dive bar with a bartender willing to indulge a peculiar request. It is a drink for adventurous drinkers or those with a sense of humor, not typically found on a high-end cocktail menu.

What it tastes like

The initial taste is dominated by the malty, hoppy notes of the bitter beer, followed quickly by the soft, sweet, and slightly starchy presence of banana. The fruit’s creaminess coats the palate, mellowing the beer’s bitterness in the mid-palate. The finish is a curious mix of lingering beer bitterness and a subtle, pleasant banana aftertaste, creating a distinct contrast.

Given that a banana contains no alcohol, the ABV of a Banana Slices in Beer is entirely dependent on the beer used. If you use a 5% ABV bitter beer, the drink will also be 5% ABV. This means it has the same alcohol content as a standard beer, making it considerably less potent than most spirit-based cocktails, which typically range from 15-25% ABV or higher.

The technique

The key to building this is straightforward. Gently place the sliced banana into the hurricane glass first, ensuring the slices are evenly distributed and not clumped together. Then, pour the bitter beer slowly down the side of the glass to minimize foam, allowing the banana slices to settle without being violently churned or creating an excessive head.

The most important technique for this drink is the gentle handling of the banana and the slow pour of the beer. If you drop the banana in too hard or pour the beer too aggressively, you risk bruising the banana, causing it to break apart prematurely and creating a messy, overly frothy drink. A gentle approach ensures the banana retains its integrity and the beer maintains its carbonation.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Sliced Banana

Use: Ripe, firm bananas work best. They should be sweet and aromatic, holding their shape without being mushy. Slice them into even, medium-thick rounds for optimal texture and presentation.
Skip: Overripe bananas with brown spots will quickly disintegrate into the beer, making it cloudy and unappetizing. Unripe, green bananas lack sweetness and can impart a starchy, unpleasant flavor.
Why: The banana is the entire point of the drink, providing the core flavor, a unique creamy texture, and the visual novelty. Without it, you just have a glass of beer.

Bitter Beer

Use: IPAs, pale ales, or even some crisp pilsners that have a noticeable hop bitterness work well. The bitterness provides a necessary counterpoint to the banana’s sweetness, creating balance.
Skip: Sweet stouts, overly malty lagers, or fruit beers will either clash with or overwhelm the banana, rather than complementing it. Avoid anything too sweet or cloying.
Why: The beer is the base and provides the alcoholic content and primary liquid volume. Its bitterness is crucial for contrasting with the banana’s sweetness, preventing the drink from becoming one-note.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Banana Stout

A richer, darker take on the fruit beer combo.: Substitute the bitter beer with a dark stout or porter. The roasted notes and often chocolatey undertones of the stout pair surprisingly well with the banana’s sweetness, creating a dessert-like experience.

Spiked Banana Beer

Adding a shot for extra kick and flavor depth.: Before adding the beer, pour an ounce of dark rum or banana liqueur into the glass. This intensifies the banana flavor and adds a spirituous warmth, turning it into a more potent concoction.

Fruity Beer Float

Other fruits for a different sweet contrast.: Instead of banana, try sliced peaches, mango, or even berries. This allows for experimentation with different fruit profiles against the bitter beer base, offering a range of sweet and tart variations.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Sliced Banana?

While the drink’s name implies banana, a sliced apple or pear could provide a similar textural and subtle sweetness, though the flavor profile will obviously shift.

No Bitter Beer?

A crisp lager or a dry cider could work in a pinch, though you will lose the characteristic bitter contrast that defines this drink. The result will be sweeter and less complex.

No Hurricane Glass?

Any tall, straight-sided glass like a pint glass or a large Collins glass will suffice. The hurricane glass is primarily for aesthetics and to accommodate the fruit.

No Fresh Banana?

Frozen banana slices can be used, but they will chill the beer significantly and might become too soft too quickly as they thaw. Not ideal, but functional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Banana Slices in Beer?

A Banana Slices in Beer contains one sliced banana and 14 ounces of bitter beer.

Is Banana Slices in Beer a real cocktail?

It is more of a novelty beer drink than a traditional cocktail. It lacks the complex ratios and spirit base typically found in classic cocktails.

What kind of beer is best for Banana Slices in Beer?

A bitter beer like an IPA or a pale ale works best to balance the sweetness of the banana. Avoid overly sweet or light beers.

How do you make Banana Slices in Beer?

First, gently place the sliced banana into a hurricane glass. Then, slowly fill the glass with bitter beer, pouring down the side to minimize foam.

Does the banana get mushy in the beer?

If the banana is ripe but firm, it should hold its shape for a reasonable amount of time. Overripe bananas will get mushy quickly.

Can I use other fruits with beer?

Yes, experimenting with other fruits like peaches, mango, or even berries in beer can create interesting flavor combinations, though the effect will vary.

Is Banana Slices in Beer served cold?

Yes, like most beer, this drink is best served cold. Ensure both the beer and the banana are chilled for optimal enjoyment.

What does Banana Slices in Beer taste like?

It offers a curious blend of bitter hoppy beer notes upfront, followed by the sweet, creamy taste of banana, finishing with a unique interplay of bitterness and fruity sweetness.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read