There are jams that politely sit on your breakfast table… and then there are jams that swing in, steal the spotlight, and pour themselves a drink.
Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam belongs firmly in the second category.

This is not your grandma’s strawberry preserve. This is a thick, glossy, caramel-gold banana jam infused with warm spices and a generous splash of dark rum—sweet, sultry, and just a little mischievous. It’s the kind of spread that transforms humble toast into a dessert, elevates cheese boards into conversation starters, and makes ice cream blush.

Bananas are often underestimated in the preserve world, but when cooked slowly with sugar and rum, they undergo a magical transformation. Their natural starches melt into silk, their sugars caramelize, and their tropical aroma deepens into something rich and almost toffee-like. Add rum, and suddenly you’re somewhere between the Caribbean and your coziest kitchen.

This homemade banana rum jam is intentionally indulgent, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly versatile. It’s perfect for adventurous home cooks, holiday gifting, and anyone who believes breakfast should occasionally flirt with dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Rum Jam

Big Flavor, Minimal Ingredients: Ripe bananas do most of the heavy lifting.
No Pectin Required: Bananas naturally thicken beautifully.
Customizable Booze Level: From subtle warmth to bold rum punch.
Perfect for Gifting: Unique, unexpected, and luxurious.
Year-Round Comfort: Cozy in winter, tropical in summer.

Ingredients:

6 large ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
½ cup dark rum (spiced or aged)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Add sliced bananas to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan and mash lightly with a fork, leaving some texture.
Stir in brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt.
Add the cinnamon stick and place the pan over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Cook for 20–25 minutes, allowing the bananas to break down and the mixture to thicken.
Slowly pour in the rum, stirring constantly, and continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and test consistency by spooning a small amount onto a cold plate—it should set slightly as it cools.
Once thick, glossy, and fragrant, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Transfer to sterilized jars, seal, and cool completely before storing.

Flavor Profile:

Sweet banana upfront, followed by deep caramel notes from brown sugar, warm spice from cinnamon and nutmeg, and a smooth, lingering rum finish that feels indulgent without being overpowering.

Tips for Perfect Banana Jam

Use Very Ripe Bananas: Brown spots mean more flavor and better texture.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Slow cooking builds depth and prevents scorching.
Mash to Your Liking: Chunky or smooth—both work beautifully.
Rum Matters: Dark or spiced rum adds complexity; avoid light rum for this recipe.
Alcohol Cook-Off: The alcohol flavor softens during cooking, leaving warmth behind.

Variations & Creative Twists

Chocolate Banana Rum Jam:
Stir in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder during the last 5 minutes.

Coconut Banana Jam:
Replace ¼ cup rum with coconut cream for a tropical dessert spread.

Spicy Monkey Version:
Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for subtle heat.

Vanilla Bean Luxe:
Use a split vanilla bean instead of extract for bakery-level aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Spread on toast, croissants, or banana bread
Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
Paired with brie or mascarpone on cheese boards
Dolloped over pancakes or waffles
Spooned onto vanilla ice cream
Used as cake filling or pastry swirl

Cultural & Fun Context

Bananas and rum share deep Caribbean roots, making this jam a natural tribute to tropical flavor traditions. Rum has long been used in desserts to enhance sweetness and add warmth, while bananas offer natural body and richness—together, they create a preserve that feels both nostalgic and daring.

This jam’s playful name, Drunken Monkey, nods to its cheeky personality: sweet, wild, and impossible to ignore.

Storage & Shelf Life

Refrigerated: up to 3 weeks
Freezer-friendly: up to 3 months
Gift-ready jars should be refrigerated unless properly canned

Final Thought

Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam is bold, comforting, and just a little rebellious. It turns everyday moments into something special and proves that jam doesn’t have to play it safe. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why bananas and rum were always meant to dance together.