APPLEBEE’S BANANABERRY FREEZE

APPLEBEE’S BANANABERRY FREEZE
Ah, if only kitchen cloning were an exact science. While
researching this one I saw the same bartender make the
drink two different ways on two different days. Only after a
firm grilling did I get her to admit to her personal
“improvement” to the chain’s secret recipe.The official
clone includes the ingredients found below. But if you want
to add a little pineapple juice—as some independentthinking
bartenders are apt to do—you might discover you
have indeed created a tastier version of this refreshing
smoothie. On that day the cloning gods shall be looking the other way.
But, for heaven’s sake, be sure your banana is soft and
ripe. This is a detail the gods won’t ignore.

1 10-ounce box frozen sweetened
sliced strawberries, thawed
cup pina colada mix
2 cups ice
2 ripe bananas

GARNISH
whipped cream
2 fresh strawberries

1. Use a blender to puree the entire contents of
the thawed box of frozen strawberries.
2. Add cup pina colada mix and 2 cups of ice to
the blender.
3. Cut the end off each banana—set these pieces
aside to use later as a garnish—then put the bananas
into the blender.
4. Blend on high speed until the ice is crushed
and the drink is smooth. Pour into two tall stemmed
glasses, such as daiquiri glasses.
5. Slice each strawberry halfway up through the
middle and add one to the rim of each glass.
6. Cut each banana slice halfway through the
middle and add one to the rim of each glass next to the
strawberry. Top with whipped cream and serve with a
straw.
• MAKES 2 DRINKS.