How to Make a Funky Monkey Latte

What you need

• espresso machine with integrated milk steaming
• serving glass
• stirring spoon or swizzle stick

Method

1. Measure and pour 1 oz chocolate syrup, 1 oz going bananas syrup, and 1 oz rum into your serving glass

   Adding all liquid flavoring components to the glass first allows them to be ready for incorporation the moment espresso and milk are dispensed

2. If your machine allows pre-programming, configure it to dispense the desired amount of milk and one shot of espresso before you begin

   Pre-programming is especially useful when serving multiple guests, letting each person assemble the drink themselves at the press of a button

3. Position the glass securely under the machine's dispensing spout, confirming it is aligned before starting the program

4. Start the latte or cappuccino program to dispense one shot of espresso and steamed milk directly over the syrups and rum in the glass

   The hot liquid pours onto the flavoring layer below, beginning natural infusion as it fills the glass

5. Stir the drink gently once dispensing is complete, as the syrups will have settled toward the bottom

   Some visual layering may remain after stirring, which is part of the drink's appeal

6. Optionally top with whipped cream and a drizzle of syrup before serving

   This finishing step is optional; the drink is complete without it

Why this works

Pouring espresso and steamed milk directly onto the syrups and rum encourages immediate mixing through heat and liquid momentum, while still allowing some dramatic layering in the glass. Stirring afterward ensures the dense syrups are fully incorporated rather than concentrated at the base. Chocolate and banana are a complementary pairing that softens espresso bitterness rather than competing with it, and rum adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the coffee notes.

Where beginners go wrong

1. 1

   Syrups remain pooled at the bottom

   Always stir after the espresso and milk have been dispensed; the syrups are heavy and will not self-incorporate without agitation

2. 2

   Drink tastes unbalanced or cloyingly sweet

   The recipe calls for equal 1 oz pours of each syrup and the rum; confirm your measures are accurate and that the espresso shot is fully and properly extracted to provide enough bitterness to counterbalance the sweetness

3. 3

   Espresso shot produces little or no crema

   Use fresh beans and keep the machine clean; according to the creators, a slightly oily bean performs reliably in automatic machines and tends to produce consistent crema

4. 4

   Drink cools too quickly before serving

   Pre-warming the glass with a small pour of hot water, then emptying it before adding the syrups, helps retain heat once the espresso and steamed milk are added

What you should taste

Chocolate and banana flavors dominate the sip, underpinned by a warm espresso character and the subtle depth of rum. The overall profile is sweet and dessert-like, with enough coffee bitterness to keep it balanced.

FAQ