Charred Banana and Spiced Rum Tiki Smoothie

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, smoky smoothie blending caramelized banana with spiced rum and tropical fruit flavors for a refreshing tiki-inspired treat. This caribbean-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes blends large ripe banana, spiced rum, pineapple juice into a quick blender drink — a fast breakfast, a pre-workout pour, or an afternoon energy boost, with nothing to wash up but the pitcher. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 1, so it works as a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-gym refuel, or a snack that holds you to the next meal. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 1 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Slice 1 large ripe banana lengthwise and place cut side down on the hot pan.
  2. Step 2: Cook the banana slices for 2-3 minutes until caramelized and charred edges appear, then remove and let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a blender, combine the charred banana slices, 2 oz spiced rum, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 cup ice cubes.
  4. Step 4: Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until smooth and frothy.
  5. Step 5: Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately, garnished with a small banana slice or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Banana and Spiced Rum Tiki Smoothie take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Almost all of that is prep — once everything is in the blender it is under a minute to smooth. Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead so mornings are just dump-and-blend.

How do I store leftover Charred Banana and Spiced Rum Tiki Smoothie?

Smoothies are best within a few minutes of blending, but they keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours — fill it to the top so there is no air gap and shake before drinking, since separation is normal. For longer storage, freeze in an ice-cube tray and re-blend with a splash of liquid. Never reheat.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Banana and Spiced Rum Tiki Smoothie?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Banana and Spiced Rum Tiki Smoothie for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Banana and Spiced Rum Tiki Smoothie?

Caribbean cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.