Drunken Banana (Banana Mudman)
Drunken Banana (Chinese name: 蕉泥座人) is a creative cocktail primarily served in the Sanlitun area of Beijing, China. Characterized by its unique recipes that use tropical fruits and high-proof spirits, as well as its distinctive presentation in a banana-shaped container, it has become emblematic of urban cocktail culture in China since the 2020s. Particularly popular among young people and tourists, it adds a new dimension to local bar menus with its innovative themes and flavors.
- Taste Rating
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A tropical-style cocktail based on rum and tequila, mixed with banana, coconut, papaya, and pineapple. When I ordered it, I was warned that it was strong, but I thought I could handle 15%. Turns out I had misheard and it was actually 50%, so I was totally defeated.
- Price
- 98 Yuan Renminbi
- Meal Date
- 9/27/2025
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Drunken Banana (Chinese name: 蕉泥座人) is a modern creative cocktail served in the Sanlitun area of Beijing, featuring a unique combination of tropical fruits and high-proof spirits. Its name literally means "Drunken Banana," and it is known for its impactful flavor and presentation. Especially since the 2020s, cocktails with unique themes and creative plating have become popular in the bar culture of Chinese metropolitan areas, and Drunken Banana stands out as a representative example embodying this trend.
Recipe and Characteristics
Drunken Banana uses rum and tequila as its base spirits, characterized by a fruity and rich flavor profile created with banana, coconut, papaya, and pineapple. While this combination of ingredients is inspired by Caribbean and Latin American tropical cocktail cultures, the strong emphasis on banana flavor and the humorous banana-shaped flask presentation are considered unique developments within China. In addition, this cocktail often has a higher alcohol content, with some recipes exceeding 40% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), making it notably intoxicating.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Characteristic or Role |
|---|---|
| Rum | Provides sweetness and a full-bodied base |
| Tequila | Adds a distinctive agave aroma and sharpness |
| Banana liqueur or puree | Supplies the signature flavor |
| Coconut | Imparts tropical feel and smoothness |
| Papaya, Pineapple | Emphasize tartness and refreshing qualities |
Design and Presentation
A standout feature of the Drunken Banana is its distinctive banana-shaped container—often made of yellow-molded plastic or glass—which is served as either the main or an accompanying vessel. This container brings a sense of friendliness and humor and became popular for its social media appeal. Some establishments pour the cocktail into a glass and serve additional liqueur or alcohol separately in the banana-shaped vessel. Such presentations have continued to evolve as a form of experience-driven beverage service, which is highly valued in the bar industry.
Cultural Background and Local Cocktail Scene
Sanlitun is a cosmopolitan nightlife hotspot located at the heart of Beijing, home to a concentration of Western-style and craft cocktail bars. The cocktail culture here embraces global trends while adding creative local touches, resulting in unique developments. Drunken Banana, with its humorous theme and high alcohol content, has gained particular popularity among young people and tourists. The establishment’s Chinese name, "蕉泥座人," is a wordplay related to "banana" (蕉), demonstrating a keen sense of inventive branding.
Related Information and Reception
Creative cocktails like Drunken Banana have played a significant role in the cocktail scenes of China and other major Asian cities since the 2020s. They have attracted attention on global social media and at cocktail awards, and local bartenders have developed variations and seasonal versions. Due to the notably high alcohol content, patrons are advised to consider their physical condition and tolerance when ordering or drinking this cocktail.