Banana Balm - Vodka, Banana & Lime Soda Highball

Banana Balm is a modern vodka highball that uses banana liqueur as an accent rather than the main event. Fresh lime provides the acidity, club soda adds length and carbonation, and vodka supplies a clean base that lets the fruit stay clear without becoming heavy.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Vodka - provides the clean alcoholic backbone.
• Banana Liqueur - adds concentrated banana aroma and sweetness.
• Lime Juice - supplies the acidity that keeps the liqueur in check.
• Club Soda - lengthens the drink with dry carbonation.

Crème de banane can replace banana liqueur. White rum can replace vodka for a softer sugarcane profile.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Highball Glass

Banana Without the Heavy Finish

A half-ounce of banana liqueur is enough to make the fruit obvious without turning the highball syrupy. Equal lime provides structure, while three ounces of club soda make the drink long, cold, and crisp.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap vodka for white rum for a more tropical variation.
• Use crème de banane in place of banana liqueur.
• Replace club soda with sparkling mineral water.
• Add a small splash of coconut water in place of some soda for a softer variation.
• Use lemon instead of lime for a rounder citrus profile.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the club soda before building.
• Shake only the vodka, Banana Liqueur, and Lime Juice.
• Fill the Highball Glass well with fresh ice before straining.
• Add Club Soda last and stir only briefly to preserve carbonation.
• Garnish with a lime wheel rather than a banana slice if the drink will sit for more than a few minutes.