National Dish South Africa: Banana Amarula Milkshake (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to the Banana Amarula Milkshake, a wonderfully indulgent treat that captures the spirit of South Africa in a single glass. It blends the sweet richness of ripe bananas with the smooth, creamy warmth of Amarula liqueur — a drink made from the fruit of the African marula tree. The result is a refreshing yet luxurious shake that is perfect for celebrations or simply for cooling down on a hot afternoon. Easy to whip up and impossible to resist, it brings a little taste of the veld straight to your kitchen.
About Banana Amarula Milkshake
The Banana Amarula Milkshake is a beloved South African indulgence, celebrated for its silky texture and its distinctive, grown-up flavour. At its heart is the pairing of ripe bananas with Amarula, the cream liqueur pressed from the fruit of the marula tree. That liqueur lends the drink a unique character — mellow, caramel-like and unmistakably African. Ideal for festive gatherings or a quiet moment of self-indulgence, it is a shake that feels special without ever being fussy to make.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 200 ml milk (or a plant-based alternative)
- 50 ml Amarula liqueur
- 2–3 tablespoons vanilla ice cream
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
To make a truly delicious Banana Amarula Milkshake, it is worth seeking out fresh, good-quality ingredients. Visit your local supermarket or health-food shop to find the best bananas — they should be slightly soft and full of flavour. Choose fresh milk or a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk, depending on your preference. Amarula liqueur is stocked in most off-licences and spirits shops, and it is the ingredient that gives the shake its signature creamy note.
Preparing the dish
Getting the Banana Amarula Milkshake ready could hardly be quicker or simpler. Begin by peeling the bananas and cutting them into small pieces so they blend smoothly later on. Make sure you have all the ingredients measured out and to hand before you start blending. If you would like to use cinnamon, keep it nearby so you can add a final flourish right at the end.
Step-by-step instructions
- Drop the sliced bananas into the blender.
- Pour in the milk and the Amarula liqueur.
- Add the vanilla ice cream.
- Blend everything thoroughly until you reach a creamy consistency.
- Taste the milkshake and add a little cinnamon if you like.
- Pour the shake into a tall glass and enjoy!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
The Banana Amarula Milkshake is easily made gluten- and lactose-free. Simply use lactose-free milk along with lactose-free vanilla ice cream to create a version everyone can enjoy. As the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, there are no obstacles for anyone with a gluten intolerance. You can savour this drink without giving your diet a second thought.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan food lovers can enjoy the Banana Amarula Milkshake too, simply by reaching for plant-based alternatives. A great combination is almond milk or oat milk together with vegan vanilla ice cream. Do check the liqueur, as traditional Amarula contains dairy cream — happily, plant-based cream liqueurs are increasingly available if you want a fully vegan shake. That way the drink stays every bit as delicious while fitting a conscious way of eating.
More tips and tricks
For the perfect Banana Amarula Milkshake, a few extra touches can make the flavour even more memorable. Try adding a splash of your favourite fruit syrup for a little more fruitiness. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg rounds everything off and creates an intriguing flavour profile. Experiment with other additions to develop your own signature recipe.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Keep your own preferences in mind and make this recipe your own! If you like things lighter, you can reduce the amount of Amarula or leave it out altogether. For an extra creamy texture, add a little more vanilla ice cream. Let your imagination run free and discover how to tailor this shake exactly to your taste — much as you might personalise an Amarula Dom Pedro to suit the moment.
Ingredient substitutions
There are plenty of ways to swap out the ingredients in a Banana Amarula Milkshake. If you have no bananas, you could use other fruit such as mango or pineapple to bring a fresh, fruity note. Instead of Amarula you might try another creamy liqueur, as long as it creates the right flavour combination — the same indulgent spirit that shines in an Amarula Hot Chocolate. With a little willingness to experiment, entirely new drink creations can emerge.
Drink pairing ideas
The Banana Amarula Milkshake is a wonderful companion in its own right, but that does not mean there is no room for complementary drinks! Serve it alongside a fruity cocktail or a refreshing mint lemonade during the warmer months. A light red wine can also work in a sociable setting without overwhelming the flavours of the shake. In cooler weather, a glass of Rooibos Iced Tea makes for a lovely, caffeine-free match. Discover what suits your palate best!
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your Banana Amarula Milkshake can be lifted considerably with a few simple tricks. Use beautiful glasses and garnish the drink with a slice of banana or a dusting of cinnamon on top. A colourful straw can add a cheerful accent too. Remember that an appealing presentation heightens the enjoyment of every sip.
A bit of history
Amarula has a long and rich history that runs deep in the culture of South Africa. The marula fruit has been gathered and prized across the region for centuries, and turning it into liqueur is a piece of traditional craftsmanship. In fact, Amarula is used not only in cocktails but also as an ingredient in many sweet dishes, from an Amarula Cheesecake to a silky Amarula Panna Cotta. With a Banana Amarula Milkshake you bring this rich tradition straight into your own glass, and a genuine taste of South African cuisine into your home.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Banana Amarula Milkshake
The Banana Amarula Milkshake is a delicious, refreshing and versatile choice for any gathering or simply for a spot of personal indulgence. With its simple ingredients and fuss-free preparation, you can quickly bring a slice of South African culture into your kitchen. Let the many ways of varying and adapting this drink inspire you, and put your own personal stamp on it. Enjoy this luxurious shake and bring the flavours of South Africa home.
