Ultimate Chocolate Banana Colada

1 1/2oz premium spiced rum

1/2oz banana liqueur

1/2oz dark crème de cacao

2oz pina colada mix

1/2oz chocolate syrup

1/2 ripe banana

2 cups crushed ice.

A part of living in the tropics is the heat we have to endure throughout the year, especially during the summer months.

However, the plus is that, with the abundance of fruits and vegetables we have, they can be utilised in many ways to help cool us down.

Fruits are perfect for coolers whether they are alcoholic or not. One of the most common fruits, readily available in abundance, is ripe bananas.

Very nutritious, they are high in potassium and an abundance of vitamins and minerals. They are also very versatile and can be used to make many drinks considered 'outside the box'.

Recently, restaurant supervisor at T.G.I. Friday's Stacie Little demonstrated the versatility of the fruit and whipped up four summer coolers for us to help cool you down.

You can try them at home or sit back, relax and sip away at T.G.I Friday's at 51 Hope Road, Kingston 6.

All you need is a blender!

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com

Banana Split

Pretty in pink: Though it's a banana split, it has both puréed strawberry and strawberry liqueur, which gives it its colour.

1/4 ripe banana

1oz pureed strawberries

3/4oz banana liqueur

3/4oz strawberry liqueur

3/4oz dark crème de cacao

1 scoop vanilla ice cream

1 cup crushed ice

Gold Medallist

Reach for the ultimate cool experience with a gold medallist.

2oz puréed strawberries

1/2 ripe banana

1/2oz grenadine

3oz pina colada mix

1 cup crushed ice

For persons who love chocolate, this ultimate chocolate banana colada would be a nice option for cooling down.

Tropical Runner

1/2 ripe banana

1 pineapple ring

3oz pina colada mix

1 cup crushed ice.

Another non-alcoholic drink, the tropical runner is perfect on a very hot day. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/ Staff Photographer