Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam (Sweet, Naughty & Totally Irresistible)
Some recipes are polite. This one absolutely is not.
Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam is bold, indulgent, and unapologetically fun — the kind of spread that makes toast feel like dessert and pancakes feel like a secret indulgence. Sweet ripe bananas melt into brown sugar and butter, while dark rum brings warmth, depth, and just enough mischief to earn this jam its cheeky name.
This isn’t a traditional fruit jam meant for canning and forgetting. It’s a small-batch, spoon-licking, warm-from-the-pan kind of recipe — the kind you make when your bananas are overripe, your mood is playful, and your kitchen smells like caramelized sugar and spice.
Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or spooning it straight from the jar (no judgment), this banana rum jam is pure comfort with a wink.
What Is Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam?
Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam is a rich, stovetop banana jam made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, butter, warm spices, and a splash of dark rum. The alcohol cooks down, leaving behind deep caramel notes and a subtle boozy warmth rather than sharp alcohol flavor.
The name comes from the playful idea of bananas “getting tipsy” in rum — and once you taste it, you’ll understand. It’s sweet, sultry, and just a little bit naughty.
Unlike classic berry jams, banana jam has a creamy, almost toffee-like texture that feels luxurious and dessert-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Jam
This recipe is beloved for a few irresistible reasons:
- Uses overripe bananas you might otherwise toss
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Small-batch and no canning required
- Deep caramel flavor with tropical warmth
- Works as a spread, topping, or dessert component
It’s cozy enough for fall and winter, but tropical enough to feel indulgent year-round.
Ingredients for Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam
Simple ingredients come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas (very ripe is best)
- Brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Dark rum
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Salt
- Fresh lemon juice
Each ingredient plays a role — sweetness, richness, balance, and depth — without overpowering the bananas.
Instructions: How to Make Banana Rum Jam
- Peel and mash the bananas until mostly smooth with some texture remaining.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved and bubbling.
- Add mashed bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and glossy.
- Pour in rum and simmer until alcohol cooks off and jam deepens in color.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and lemon juice.
- Cool slightly before transferring to jars.
The jam will thicken more as it cools, reaching a spreadable, luscious consistency.
Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mash bananas until mostly smooth.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and stir until bubbling.
- Stir in bananas, spices, and salt. Cook until thickened.
- Add rum and simmer until alcohol cooks off.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and lemon juice.
Notes
Texture & Flavor Profile
This jam is:
- Thick but spoonable
- Smooth with light banana texture
- Richly caramelized
- Warmly spiced
- Gently boozy without being overpowering
The rum doesn’t scream — it hums quietly underneath the sweetness, adding complexity and grown-up charm.
Tips for the Best Banana Rum Jam
- Use bananas with deep brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Mash bananas by hand — don’t purée completely.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking or scorching.
- Choose dark or spiced rum for deeper flavor.
- Let the jam cool before judging thickness.
Delicious Ways to Use This Jam
This isn’t just a toast spread — it’s incredibly versatile.
Try it:
- Spread on warm toast or croissants
- Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt
- Spooned over pancakes or waffles
- Layered into cakes or cupcakes
- Paired with peanut butter
- Served with cheese boards
- As a filling for crepes
It even works warmed and drizzled over vanilla ice cream.
Fun Flavor Variations
Once you master the base, try these twists:
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- Stir in coconut flakes
- Add a splash of banana liqueur
- Use maple syrup for part of the sugar
- Add espresso powder for depth
Each variation keeps the jam playful and customizable.
Storage & Shelf Life
Because this is a small-batch jam:
- Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator
- Keeps well for up to 10 days
- Can be frozen for longer storage
Always use a clean spoon to extend freshness.
Cultural & Culinary Notes
Bananas and rum share a long culinary history in tropical and Caribbean cuisines, often paired in desserts for their complementary flavors. This jam borrows from those traditions while keeping a cozy, homemade feel that fits beautifully into modern comfort cooking.
The name may be cheeky — but the flavor is seriously good.
Why This Recipe Works
Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam balances sweetness, acidity, richness, and warmth in perfect harmony. It’s approachable yet indulgent, playful yet refined, and designed for real-life kitchens where flavor matters more than perfection.
If you love bold spreads, cozy desserts, and recipes with personality, this jam belongs in your fridge.
