Explore the buzz around banana-infused drinks in Atlanta’s summer menus

Cuddlefish’s banana chocolate latte (Photo by Chingyao Wang) The summer beverage repertoire has gone bananas, quite literally. The fruit that was once relegated to beachside drinks and smoothies now has a sophisticated twist that brings a subtle sweetness to coffee and cocktails alike. Much of banana flavoring’s current buzz can be traced to the popularity of Korean company Binggrae’s banana milk, which is available at retailers, including H-Mart and Costco.  Although it sounds odd, banana’s mild flavor tames coffee’s bitterness and adds depth to spirits and liqueurs. Whether you prefer coffee or alcohol, these banana beverages around metro Atlanta will add a touch of novelty to your palate.  Finca to Filter in Old Fourth Ward and Boulevard Heights The Savannah Bananas, a cappuccino on Finca to Filter’s summer menu, gains a mild caramelized flavor through the addition of housemade banana and brown sugar syrup. The drink, which starts at $6.50 — switching to non-dairy milk adds a 75-cent surcharge — is a not-too-intense foray into the world of banana coffee and will be on the menu until the fall.  Minhwa Spirits in Doraville Minhwa’s Seoultino, made with the distillery’s Yong 40% abv soju, clarified banana, a brown rice and molasses syrup and garnished with a banana chip and cinnamon stick, is a customer favorite. Expect a soft and sweet nose, akin to banana bread and a hint of toasted rice and a smooth mouthfeel with a lingering cinnamon warmth. The Seoultino will remain on Minhwa’s menu through the summer and possibly be modified for fall if the bar program changes it at all.  Matcha Cafe Maiko in Doraville and Duluth Matcha Cafe Maiko’s banana pudding matcha latte generally resurfaces in the spring and sticks around past the end of March, thanks to overwhelming customer demand. The creamy banana pudding makes an ideal topper for earthy iced matcha, but the combo is also available in soft-serve form if you’re looking for something slightly more solid or kid-friendly.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matcha Cafe Maiko – Atlanta (@matchacafemaikoatl) Argosy in East Atlanta Village Try Argosy’s Maneki Neko for an unexpected take on banana beverages — Los Vecinos del Campo mezcal meets Clement banana and Apologue saffron liqueurs, lime juice, agave, and calabrese oil in a summertime cocktail that’s refreshing and spicy all at once. Expect to see it on Argosy’s dinner menu all summer long.  https://www.instagram.com/p/DK0JIoiu2AY Cuddlefish in Dunwoody Cuddlefish’s in-house bakery and coffee bar has also jumped on the banana bandwagon with their banana chocolate latte, which is made with in-house banana caramel and shaved dark chocolate. Pair it with one of Chingyao Wang’s pastries, perhaps a croissant, for a dose of sweetness.  Mambo Zombi in Edgewood Mambo Zombi’s Golden Kamuy nails two trends in one: the tiny cocktail packs plenty of punch with its combination of Ypioca Cachaca, Giffard banana liqueur, sweet Dolin Blanc vermouth, bittersweet Amaro Lucano, and a lemon rind garnish. Expect a blend of fruity, earthy, flavors with a touch of citrus in the sipping cocktail, and grab it before the menu changes in September. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mambo Zombi (@mambozombi) Wich Tea Banh Mi & Cafe in Duluth Wich Tea Banh Mi & Cafe’s banana coffee, complete with Vietnamese iced coffee, condensed milk, and smashed banana chunks, combines a series caffeine jolt with an irresistibly cloud-like smoothness. Top it with a choice of brown sugar boba, crystal pearl boba, salted cheese foam, custard pudding, or grass jelly to amply the textural adventure. The post Explore the buzz around banana-infused drinks in Atlanta’s summer menus appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.