Drink of the Week: Tempus Fugit Crème de Banane

Banana liqueurs have been produced since the early 20th century, when the exotic fruit had become one of the most popular in the world. But overly sweet and artificially flavored versions, like many liqueurs that hit the market by the ’70s and ’80s, left a bad taste for the category as whole. Fortunately, more traditional methods have been adopted by many spirits producers, such as Switzerland’s Tempus Fugit, whose Crème de Banane is crafted by distilling small batches of ripe bananas. Launched in US markets this summer, the dark amber spirit is rich and sweet like banana bread, with flavors of vanilla and caramelized sugar complementing a true banana taste. It would be a natural match in cocktails with rum, brandy or aged tequila, and the brown sugar notes are perfect for dessert cocktails, like this Banana Alexander. $39.99, www.klwines.com