You might be thinking that “the new BBC” is referencing the British Broadcasting Corporation, but really BBC is another BBC altogether. In this case, it’s a well-loved cocktail. My version of the BBC is actually a Bourbon Banana Colada.
Bourbon Banana Colada
I don’t know about you, but I’m dreaming of warm weather and tropical vacations right now and one can do that a whole lot easier with a tropical drink in hand.
The Back Story on the Original BBC
I first sampled a BBC in the British Virgin Islands (BVIs). Virgin Gorda, to be exact. We had just experienced the magic that is The Baths (a labryrinth of massive granite boulders at the water’s edge–see more photos of The Baths). Ready for a cold drink, we all trekked up the hill to the Top of the Baths.
The Top of the Baths features a restaurant, lounge, pool, and shops—with stunning views of the BVIs. When we reached the top, Son and our nephew immediately hit the pool. Mr. GFE ordered his standard beer and I tried to decide between some Bailey’s Irish Cream or a tropical classic, a Pina Colada. The bartender, hearing my dilemma, kindly suggested a BBC—a Bailey’s Banana Colada.
I had never even heard of a BBC, but I sure liked the sound of it. One sip and I was a fan! Yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds. A sort of milkshake made from some of my very favorite ingredients. I had one, then another.
Don’t worry though. We weren’t driving. We had chartered a private yacht for the week … with crew. If you’re looking for a special vacation, that’s one we highly recommend. And, surprisingly, it’s no more expensive than a week at a very nice resort with meals and drinks. But, back to this BBC …
BBCs have been on my mind of late. Our cousins, frequent visitors to the Virgin Islands, had emailed me a video of one of the friendly bartenders at their favorite bars blending up a BBC on their most recent trip. That email has remained in my In Box. I kept thinking that I really needed to make a BBC. But shortly thereafter I decided I should go dairy free (at least for a while), so Bailey’s was off limits.
(Note that Bailey’s shows allergen info at the bottom of each product page. You can see the information on the original Bailey’s at the bottom of this page.)
But, I was still thinking of BBCs when I read that my friend, Diva, over at Beach Eats, was hosting her own contest, a beverage contest. Her Thirsty Thursdays May Challenge featured bourbon as one of the challenge ingredients. Clearly, I had to make a bourbon version of the BBC. So I did. I made a half gallon of the new BBC and took it to a family crab feast on Saturday.
Those who sampled it really enjoyed it, but let’s face it, beer is often the drink of choice when eating steamed crabs. So I wasn’t surprised or the least bit disappointed to take about half of the BBC batch home with me. In fact, the leftover libation went into the cooler when it got packed for an overnight trip to our mountain property the next day.
As Mr. GFE mowed the grass that afternoon, I confess that I sat by the fire and sipped on my Bourbon Banana Colada as I also read the paper and watched hundreds of folks float by in canoes, kayaks, and tubes. I had already done my camping set-up chores, so I didn’t feel at all guilty. I was quite content actually. Oh, and if you are wondering, yes, the BBCs did taste even better the second day!
While this new BBC doesn’t quite make the grade of the original Bailey Banana Colada in my opinion, it’s still very good. If the weather is just right, sip this out on your veranda, but if it’s sultry, then by all means retreat to the cooler indoors.
Finally, be sure to check back over at Diva’s on Thursday for the roundup and the announcement of the winner. Diva’s Thirsty Thursday events are always fun and refreshing; be sure to check them out. Just the other day she headed off to the New York City Library for a mixology function.
Does your local library have cool events like that? No, mine either. It’s okay though, just make your own Bourbon Banana Colada (or an original BBC) to sip at home. I don’t think you’ll miss the library if you’re sipping one of these.
Enjoy!
Some More Cocktail Options
![Crab Claws, the Ultimate Summer Cocktail [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Crab-Claws-033.jpg)
~ Frozen Watermelon Margaritas
~ Mudslide Cocktail (and 23 more cocktails in the Boozy Advent series at In Johnna’s Kitchen)
~ Pom-Bom-Spice-Tini Cocktails
![Pom-Bom-Spice-Tinis! Ideal for any celebration. Warning: If these cocktails were a Jeopardy answer they'd be in the Potent Potable category. [featured on GluteFreeEasily.com] (photo)](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/POM-Bom-Spice-Tinis-005-1.jpg)
Bourbon Banana Colada Recipe
Makes about one quart. Adapted from several BBC recipes and my pina colada recipe I doubled the batch to make my half gallon that I took to the party. However, I had to mix it in a large bowl and then blend only a portion at a time as my blender does not hold two quarts. This drink does not have a strong alcoholic taste. You can adjust bourbon and rum amounts if you'd like a more "potent potable." I used Demerera sugar to dip my glass in. Many BBC and colada recipes, in general, call for mixes. I'm not a fan due to the other ingredients in such mixes. It's quite easy to make these types of drinks "from scratch." This recipes is gluten free, dairy free, and sugar free, excluding the sugar on the rim of the glass and the fact that alcohol itself converts to sugar.Bourbon Banana Colada
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Not just gf, but gfe!
Originally published May 31, 2010; updated April 29, 2021.
Deb says
Yeah, my library has cool events for kids but no mixology classes. This drink looks AMAZING! The whole reason my house is GF is for my son w/ celiac disease; we are a family of six and have no problem with it. I do like tucking away for the WAAAAYOFFFF future GF drinks for him, but I do think I might have to test this one out!
Shirley says
Hi Deb–Yep, same here. Our library is focused on the kiddos. I guess the NYC library is about a whole lot more … more of an upscale community center, so to speak. (Because if I recall that’s where Carrie in Sex and the City was having her wedding.)
Thanks for the kudos on the drink! It is lovely. 🙂 I’m sure you could make it alcohol free for all to enjoy, but then it would be a virgin pina colada that just happened to include banana, too (which is actually how I make mine usually). Let us know if you give it a try … either way. 😉
Shirley
Tia says
Wow! That sounds so good. An absolutely wonderful way to start the summer. We have a bbq coming up, and I just might have to try this recipe then. Thanks.
-Tia
Shirley says
Hi Tia– 🙂 Yep, pretty darned good! If you do dairy, you could also try the original BBC for fun. Both are tasty and refreshing though!
Can you believe that it’s June? All things summer upon us … bbqs and summer cocktails are certainly some of the best parts. 😉
Shirley
Heidi Kelly says
Oh my Shirley! I will be on the next plane out to enjoy one of these with you while we chat about Dangerous Grains, LOL! 🙂
xoxo,
Heidi
Shirley says
Hi Heidi–Oh what fun we could have, couldn’t we, girl? 🙂 One day we’ll meet up and sample a few of our favorite drinks as we solve all the world’s gluten problems! 😉
Thanks! xoxoxo,
Shirley
The Diva on a Diet says
Wow, Shirley, this looks fantastic! I love all the tropical flavors going on and the sugared rim is so pretty! I don’t think I’ve ever combined bourbon with tropical fruits, but it sounds like such a natural and winning combination to me. Perfect for the start of summer!
Thank you SO much for playing along with the challenge this month. I am eternally grateful!!! 🙂
xoxoxoxo
Shirley says
Hi Diva–So glad you approve, dear. 🙂 I was trying to be worthy of the Thirsty Thursdays challenge and some of those exotic concoctions you share with us all. 😉
It was my pleasure to be able to join in this month. Can’t wait to see the other entries, especially the cucumber ones. Wish I could be there to sample them with you! LOL, but not kidding 😉
Hugsssss,
Shirley
Alta says
I have only recently started to warm up to mixed drinks like this one – but this does sound really good! And as for the Virgin Islands – I love them! My husband and I were married in St. Croix and it’s so gorgeous there – and not all that pricey.
Shirley says
Hi Alta–Yes, usually people follow two schools of thoughts when it comes to drinks … classic (non frou-frou) or frou frou. But sometimes the two can meet. LOL
I’ve never been to St. Croix, but I know folks who have and loved it. How exciting that you were married there—I bet that was incredibly special! 🙂 We are big fans of the BVIs, which are totally gorgeous as you say, and need a trip back soon. 😉 BTW, I would have included a few of my own photos of The Baths, but I didn’t do digital then and I don’t have a scanner. 🙁
Shirley
Maggie says
You are so smart! This looks lovely. The coconut milk is such a great idea – so many options. Dairy-free easily 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Maggie–LOL on being smart … a girl’s just gotta do what a girl’s gotta do … ya know? 😉 Coconut milk often saves the day and makes luscious treats of all kinds. 🙂
Thanks, dear!
Shirley
Linda says
That sounds delicious! Coconut milk seems like the perfect thing for it.
Shirley says
Hi Linda–Thanks! 🙂 Yes, coconut milk has once again saved the day, but you’re right, it’s just perfect in this recipe. 😉
Shirley
Starlene says
I am a teetotaler but the photo you took of this drink makes me want to make it and try it! Looks delicious! I wonder how it would taste sans liquor? I hopped over from links under my BlogHer advertisement. Nice to meet you!
Shirley says
Hi Starlene–Welcome to gfe! I’m sure you’d enjoy this drink made without alcohol … it would be a virgin pina colada then, but full of non-mix goodnesss. 😉 A little vanilla extract might make it special, too.
Thanks so much for finding me via BlogHer! I took a quick peek at your blog. Congrats on your success to date with GAPS—impressive! 🙂
Shirley
V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios says
Beautiful photos!
Shirley says
Hi V–Thanks so much! 🙂 I had fun with those photos. The new BBC—a drink that’s delicious and photogenic. 😉
Shirley
April Harris says
That looks and sounds SO delicious! What a great invention!
Shirley says
Hi April–Welcome to gfe! Thanks! It’s definitely a winner. 🙂 Hope you’ll try it.
Off to check out your blog … intriguing title! 😉
Shirley
Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free says
Wow, Shirley. If I could drink, I’d give this a try. Your presentation is great – who wouldn’t want to relax with a BBC?
Shirley says
Oh, my goodness … thanks so much for those compliments, Amy! They are truly appreciated! I bet you could make this drink without the alcohol and add something else for additional flavoring. Alcohol-free vanilla extract perhaps?
Shirley
Aubree Cherie says
Wow, this looks more like dessert than an alcoholic beverage! I bet it’s hard not to drink too many… haha
~Aubree Cherie
Shirley says
Aubree–It is pretty luscious. Yes, you’re so right about it being easy to drink a lot of these BBCs … that’s why I had to make the batch right before a gathering. Not a good idea to be left alone with that much of a frou frou drink (still frou frou even if it contained bourbon). 😉
Shirley
Jessica @ ATX Gluten Free says
Shirley- this looks so good. I would love to be on a beach right now sipping on this beverage! or 3 🙂
Shirley says
Hey Jessica!–Thanks. 🙂 And, LOL on the one or 3 of these BBCs! Yep, that’s about right. Hard to resist them. Great to share with others for self-preservation reaasons. 😉
FYI, I mentioned your entry in the Udi’s contest on my latest post. 🙂 Good luck!
Shirley
Beth says
So, I was thinking of making a recipe using bourbon and I thought, “I wonder if bourbon is gluten-free.” I figured it was safe, but just wanted to make sure. I thought about a simple Google inquiry, but thought “I bet if I go on GFE, I can see if there is a recipe using bourbon. If so, I have my answer.” Ha — what do you know?!?! Why your site? Well, because yours is the comprehensive GF guide, of course. And, I remember you telling me you put peppermint schnapps in your mint ice cream, so I had a sneaking suspicion that you were the kind of woman who just might have an inkling to make something with bourbon as well ; )Love it!
Shirley says
Hi Beth–Awww, such a sweet comment—thank you! I don’t consider my site a comprehensive gf guide, but it’s great you can find the info you need here. 🙂 I have an inkling to make lots of alcoholic beverages … I love the shiny, festive bottles and the equally shiny, festive or thick luscious drinks that results from using them. 😉 I really don’t drink that often, but I do enjoy fun drinks and spiked ice cream. 😉 Glad you have your answer! Wondering what you are making with that bourbon …
Hugs,
Shirley
Beth says
Shirley — you may not consider your site comprehensive, but just about every time I Google a gluten-free version of a recipe, one from GFE seems to pop up! Either that, or we’re just on the same wavelength : ) Oh, and stay tuned for what I am making with the bourbon. Okay, I’ll tell you that it starts with egg and ends with nog and just might be in the form of an ice cream….
Alisa says
Wow, this looks amazing Shirley! Thanks for entering. Probably too early for the Bourbon, but this still looks SO good. It looked like you already pinned it to the contest board – sharing elsewhere now 🙂
Shirley says
Thanks, Alisa! It’s an awfully delish drink! 🙂 Did I break the rules? ;-( You had already invited me to the Pinterest board so I went ahead and pinned it …
Thanks so much for sharing! I’m looking forward to all the So Delicious Dairy-Free 2013 Recipe Contest entries. I’ve already seen some great ones! 🙂
Shirley
Alisa says
You did it right!
Shirley says
Whew! Relieved. 😉
Vicky says
This reminds me of a hot Summer’s Day – I wish!! I love the photo and the drink looks delicious! Good luck in the competition
Vicky xo
Shirley says
Vicky–The heat just arrived here! In full effect! Thanks so much! But I think I replied on FB that I’m mostly participating to support Alisa and Go Dairy Free. I’m not much of a recipe contest girl to be honest. It’s fun to see all the entries though. 🙂
xo,
Shirley
Linda says
Sounds delicious, Shirley, and I especially like that first picture. Good luck with the contest!
Diane Eblin-thewholegang says
You are becoming the queen of drinks. This look delicious and I don’t even like bourbon but I do like rum. Yum!
Shirley says
Diane–Haha! I’m happy to take that title. 😉 I was never a bourbon gal either, but it works in this recipe. Of course, rum would probably be great, too. 🙂
Shirley
Megan @ Allergy Free Alaska says
I’ve never had bourbon before, Shirley. This looks like the perfect drink to try it in! I just love the name, too… BBC! 😉
xo,
Megan
Shirley says
Megan–Bourbon is a Southern thing. Bourbon afficianados will tell you the only true bourbon is that which is made in Kentucky, in Bourbon County, I believe. Personally, I think you have to like whiskey type beverages to enjoy bourbon in a non-frou frou drink (which I consider this drink to be). 😉 Anyway, forget the details … hail the BBC! 🙂
xo,
Shirley