Le Grenadier’s Banana Wars Cocktail Recipe
A new speakeasy in downtown Lafayette offers a fiery craft cocktail named for the tumultuous era of banana republics
When considering a memorable cocktail to enliven chilly winter gatherings, the cozy warmth of holiday spices and indulgent desserts often come to mind. Le Grenadier’s Banana Wars cocktail adds a festive, sweet element that will spark conversations during any celebration.
“It’s supposed to be fun, not overcomplicated,” says Mia Stanford. She’s the proprietor of Lafayette’s hot new speakeasy-themed craft cocktail bar with weekly burlesque shows, tarot card readings, celebrity DJs and pizza vending machines stocked by Sarrica’s Little Italy across the street.
“People really love fire,” Stanford says. “We add Angostura bitters and caramelize the brown sugar by lighting the Banana Wars cocktail on fire with a neutral base like Everclear. The festive flames last around 1 ½ minutes.”
With 15 years of experience in the beverage industry, most recently as director of sales for the Sazerac division in Houston, Stanford created Le Grenadier’s enticing craft cocktails, naming them after history and literature. A native of Lawtell, she returned to Acadiana during COVID lockdown and began scouting properties for her elegant downtown speakeasy.
While the Banana Wars libation is named after a tumultuous political era in Central America that spawned banana republics, the cocktail’s essential flavors and presentation are reminiscent of Bananas Foster. The iconic dessert was created in 1951 at Owen Brennan’s Vieux Carré Restaurant, when his brother, John, ran a produce business that had a surplus of bananas. Five years later, the restaurant was relocated to Royal Street and renamed Brennan’s.
Just as Bananas Foster, flamed tableside, is a symbol of celebration, the Banana Wars cocktail also makes its presence known with a dramatic fiery finish. Banana liqueur and brown sugar are used for both the dessert and the cocktail, while the rum is replaced by overproof rye that packs a punch.
The festive, easy-to-make Banana Wars cocktail reminds us that even in the midst of history’s storms, there’s always room for a little sweetness and celebration.
Home Bar | Banana Wars Cocktail
Fill a glass with crushed ice (for dilution). Pour the 2 oz. overproof rye, 1.5 oz. banana liqueur and 4 heavy dashes Angostura bitters over the ice. Garnish with dried banana chips and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Finishing touch: Add 4 heavy dashes of Everclear (or additional Angostura bitters). Carefully light the top with a torch for a dramatic flair.
Le Grenadier
522 Jefferson St.,
Lafayette
