There are jams… and then there are jams with attitude.
Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam belongs proudly in the second category.

This isn’t the polite, breakfast-only kind of spread you casually spoon onto toast and forget five minutes later. This is a bold, boozy, caramelized banana jam that demands attention. It’s sweet, slightly naughty, deeply aromatic, and laced with just enough rum to make things interesting without tipping into chaos.

If banana bread and a dark rum cocktail had a mischievous love child, this would be it.

Why Banana Jam Deserves More Love

Bananas are often overlooked in the world of preserves. Strawberries, raspberries, peaches—sure, they get all the glory. But bananas bring something unique to the table: natural creaminess, deep sweetness, and a caramel-friendly structure that transforms beautifully when cooked slowly.

When paired with dark rum, the flavor goes next-level. The alcohol cooks down, leaving behind warm notes of vanilla, molasses, oak, and spice. The result? A jam that feels luxurious, indulgent, and just a little rebellious.

This is the kind of recipe that makes people ask,
“Wait… what is this?”
…and then immediately ask for the recipe.

What Makes Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam So Special?

Deep, caramelized banana flavor instead of artificial sweetness
Dark rum warmth without overpowering alcohol burn
Silky, spoonable texture with real fruit body
Versatile use — breakfast, dessert, cheese boards, baking, gifting
No pectin required, thanks to bananas’ natural thickness

It’s also incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginner jam-makers who want something impressive without complicated techniques.

Ingredients

(use dashes as requested)

Ripe bananas (very ripe, heavily speckled for maximum sweetness)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Dark rum
Fresh lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon stick
Fine sea salt

That’s it. Simple ingredients, big personality.

Instructions

Peel and slice the bananas into coins. Add them to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and salt. Stir gently to coat the bananas.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring often, until the bananas soften and release liquid.
Once bubbling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the bananas to your desired texture—smooth or slightly chunky.
Stir in the dark rum and vanilla extract. Simmer an additional 5–10 minutes until thick and glossy.
Remove the cinnamon stick and taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
Let cool slightly before transferring to clean jars. Jam will thicken further as it cools.

Texture & Consistency Tips

Banana jam thickens differently than berry jams. Instead of a gel-like set, you’re looking for a luxurious, spoon-coating consistency. If it looks loose in the pot, don’t panic—it firms up beautifully once cooled.

Want it thicker? Cook a few minutes longer.
Want it looser? Add a splash of rum or water at the end.

Flavor Variations (Because Chaos Is Fun)

Spiced Monkey Jam: Add nutmeg and cloves
Tropical Monkey Jam: Stir in crushed pineapple at the end
Chocolate Monkey Jam: Add cocoa nibs or dark chocolate chunks
Vegan Dessert Sauce: Warm and drizzle over dairy-free ice cream

Serving Ideas You’ll Become Addicted To

Spread on toast, croissants, or brioche
Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt
Spooned over pancakes or waffles
Paired with sharp cheese (brie or aged cheddar is unreal)
Used as a filling for thumbprint cookies
Gifted in jars with a handwritten label (dangerously charming)

A Little Cultural Fun

Bananas and rum share deep roots in tropical and Caribbean cultures, where overripe fruit is never wasted—only transformed. This jam nods to that philosophy: bold flavors, zero waste, maximum pleasure.

Storage & Shelf Life

Refrigerator: up to 3 weeks
Freezer: up to 6 months
Always use clean utensils to extend freshness

Final Thoughts

Drunken Monkey Banana Rum Jam isn’t just a recipe—it’s a mood.
Sweet. Warm. A little wild. Completely unforgettable.

Make one batch and you’ll start inventing excuses to use it. Make two, and you’ll never give store-bought jam a second glance again.