Best Substitutes for Banana

Out of Banana? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.

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Original Ingredient

Banana

Other Sweet, tropical nose with ripe banana, honey, and subtle creaminess. Palate is smooth with rich banana sweetness and soft, creamy texture. Medium, fruity finish with starchy depth.

Recommended Substitutes

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Mango

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Papaya

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Kiwi

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

General Substitution Tips

  • Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
  • For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
  • Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.