Last Tuesday we celebrated Mardi Gras, which reminded me how long New Orleans has been on my travel list. I’m drawn not to the party scene so much as to the city’s history, its rich culture and, above all, the food. I know many neighborhoods are still rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, but I hope to visit someday — I have a feeling I could fall hard for this place.
For the occasion we tossed beads, dressed up a bit and set some bananas aflame in the kitchen. This cocktail is more than a couple of simple pours into a shaker; it’s a little theatrical and perfect for marking a special moment. If you’re making it at home, grab a banana, take your time, and toast carefully.
Note: this recipe involves flambéing. Do not attempt if you are impaired and always follow safe flambé practices.
New Orleans Special Cocktail
Kita
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 oz rum
- 1 oz brandy
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 banana – peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp packed dark brown sugar
Instructions
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In a saucepan, gently simmer the milk with half of the rum, the brandy, and the cinnamon sticks for about 5 minutes; do not let the mixture boil.
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Combine the sliced banana with the ground cinnamon and lemon juice in a small bowl, tossing to coat.
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Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bananas and brown them just until they soften, a few minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, add the remaining rum in a safe area, and flambé with caution.
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When the flame subsides, carefully transfer the bananas and their cooking liquid into the saucepan with the milk. Simmer another 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before dividing into glasses to serve.
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If desired, finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon.
Notes
Take care when flambéing: keep a long-handled lighter nearby, a metal lid to smother flames if needed, and never add alcohol to a hot pan while it is on the heat.
Nutritional information is approximate and will vary with ingredient brands and portions.
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