In this column, we usually like to post drinks that are quick and easy to make, which is why we were surprised at how much we liked the following recipe. Whenever we see “Bananas Foster,” we do a little dance – it’s one of our favorite desserts. Then we looked at the long list of ingredients and noted that part of the drink needed to be cooked and died a little inside. But it turned out to be totally worth it. Use this to impress guests at a dinner or cocktail party. It has the consistency of a thin milkshake, and it’s probably best served as an after-dinner drink. It’s a great fall drink, combining elements of summer (ice cream, tropical fruit) with the warmer flavors of caramel and rum.

Bananas Foster Frappe (serves 1)

½ banana, peeled
juice of ¼ lemon
2 tsp butter
2 tsp brown sugar
pinch of ground cinnamon
½ oz Grand Marnier
½ cup half and half
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 ounce Mount Gay Eclipse Rum

Combine bananas, lemon juice, Grand Marnier, sugar and cinnamon in a mixing bowl and toss gently. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the banana mixture. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Allow the mix to cool completely. Then, add the banana/syrup mix to a blender, along with the rum, half and half and ice cream. Blend until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass and enjoy!

This drink can easily be increased to make 4 or 8 servings. The quantities aren’t exact – play around with it until you find what you like.