Pinata

The idea behind this Mexican themed drink is to get a yellow and festive color from the tequila and banana flavor from creme de bananes. But creme de bananes is a really sugary and fake tasting liqueur when you buy the cheap stuff. I have so many of these banana drinks to do, though, so I didn't want to drink a lot of cheap sugary fake liqueur.

I got Cruzan banana rum because I like the freshness of the flavors. They say it is natural banana flavor, and there's a little sweetness in the rum. It's only 21 percent alcohol, so there's that, but I think that a tropical cocktail needs other tropical spirits like rum. That said, you will need to add a tsp. of sugar or simple syrup to calm down all the lime juice in this drink. Even with creme de bananes, you might need more sugar.

This is a nice drink, despite its simplicity when you make it with fresh lime juice. Its like a banana Margarita, which is a nice change of pace.

• 2 oz. gold tequil (Sauza Anejo used)
• 1 oz. creme de bananes (Cruzan banana rum used)
• 1 tsp. sugar (recommended but optional)
• 1 1/2 oz. lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.