Nanjangud Banana Panaka by Abhishek K M, Head Bartender, Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks

Inspired by the famous Nanjangud banana from Karnataka, this cocktail combines tropical fruit richness with traditional Indian spice notes. The drink takes cues from “panaka,” a refreshing spiced beverage often enjoyed during festivals and warm weather.

The natural sweetness of ripe banana blends beautifully with jaggery syrup and coconut milk, while dry ginger and black pepper add subtle warmth and complexity. White rum provides a smooth tropical backbone that balances the creamy texture.

Comforting yet refreshing, the Nanjangud Banana Panaka celebrates Karnataka’s regional produce in a modern cocktail format.

Ingredients:

• 1 Ripe Nanjangud Banana
• 45 ml White Rum
• 20 ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 15 ml Jaggery Syrup
• A Pinch of Dry Ginger Powder
• A Pinch of Black Pepper
• 60 ml Thin Coconut Milk
• Ice Cubes

Method:

Prep the Ingredients:

Peel and slice the banana into smaller pieces for easy blending.

Mix the Cocktail:

Add banana, white rum, lime juice, jaggery syrup, ginger powder, black pepper, and coconut milk into a shaker or blender with ice. Blend or shake until smooth and chilled.

Serve:

Pour into a chilled glass over fresh ice.

Glassware:

Old Fashioned Glass

Garnish

Banana slice or light dusting of dry ginger powder

Flavour Profile

Creamy, Tropical, Spiced, Smooth, Comforting