99 Bananas Schnapps 750ML

99 Bananas Schnapps 750ML is a 99-proof (49.5% ABV) banana-flavored liqueur produced by Barton 1792 Distillery in Kentucky. Its signature distinction is its unusually high proof — more than double the strength of most banana liqueurs, which typically land between 20–30% ABV — delivering concentrated banana flavor with serious backbone.

Quick Facts: ABV: 49.5% (99 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, United States  |  Style: High-Proof Banana Liqueur  |  Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery

Production & Heritage

99 Bananas is produced by Barton 1792 Distillery, a Kentucky-based operation with roots dating to 1879, now owned by Sazerac Company. The liqueur starts with a neutral grain spirit base, into which banana flavoring is infused along with sugar and coloring to create the final product. Within the broader 99 Schnapps brand lineup — which spans dozens of fruit and candy flavors — Bananas remains one of the most recognized expressions, largely because the 99-proof strength allows the intense banana character to punch through ice, mixers, and layered shots without getting lost.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose is unmistakably banana — ripe, candy-forward, and reminiscent of banana taffy or banana extract. Underneath that dominant fruit note sits a faint grainy alcohol presence that signals the spirit's serious proof.

Taste: Entry is sweet and almost creamy, with an immediate burst of concentrated ripe banana. The mid-palate introduces a noticeable alcoholic warmth that builds steadily, reminding you this is nearly 50% ABV. By the peak, sweetness intensifies and the banana flavor transitions toward a more confectionery, dessert-like quality.

Finish: The finish is surprisingly long for a flavored liqueur, carrying lingering banana sweetness and a slight burn. The texture is somewhat thick and syrupy, coating the palate before slowly fading.

How to Drink 99 Bananas

99 Bananas is primarily designed for shots and mixed drinks rather than neat sipping, given its high proof and concentrated sweetness. Chilling the bottle before serving makes for a smoother shot experience. Banana Split Martini: Combine with chocolate liqueur and cream for a dessert cocktail that leans into the candy-banana profile. Jungle Juice Punch: The high ABV ensures banana flavor holds its own in large-batch, fruit-heavy punches where lower-proof liqueurs would disappear. Bananas Foster: Mix with dark rum and butterscotch schnapps to replicate the classic New Orleans dessert in cocktail form.

Best For

• High-energy gatherings where bold, fun shots set the tone
• Batch cocktails and party punches that need strong fruit flavor at volume
• Dessert cocktail experimentation at home
• Bartenders building layered shooters that require a potent banana component

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 99 Bananas taste like? 99 Bananas delivers an intense, candy-like ripe banana flavor with noticeable sweetness, a slightly creamy texture, and a warm alcoholic finish driven by its 99-proof strength.

How does 99 Bananas compare to Bols Creme de Banana? Bols Creme de Banana typically sits around 24% ABV and carries a softer, more delicate banana flavor suited for classic tiki and cocktail applications. 99 Bananas is roughly twice the proof, making it far more intense and spirit-forward, with a candy-banana character rather than the more naturalistic tropical tone of Bols.

Is 99 Bananas good for cocktails? Yes — its 99-proof strength means the banana flavor cuts through mixers, ice, and other ingredients without diluting, making it especially effective in punches, layered shots, and dessert-style cocktails.

Where is 99 Bananas made? 99 Bananas is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, a facility owned by the Sazerac Company that has been in operation since 1879.

What foods pair well with 99 Bananas? Chocolate fondue or brownies complement the candy-banana sweetness. Vanilla ice cream served alongside a small pour creates an easy dessert pairing. Peanut butter desserts mirror the classic peanut butter–banana combination. Grilled pineapple or tropical fruit salad echoes the fruity profile without overwhelming it.

What sizes does 99 Bananas come in? 99 Bananas is commonly available in 750ml, 375ml, 200ml, and 50ml mini bottles, making it accessible for everything from full-size bar stocking to single-serve shots.

Is 99 Bananas worth the price? 99 Bananas positions as a budget-friendly, high-proof flavored liqueur — it competes at the value end of the banana liqueur category while delivering significantly more alcohol content per bottle than most competitors in its price tier.

Why 99 Bananas?

The core argument for 99 Bananas is simple: no other widely available banana liqueur matches its proof. At 49.5% ABV, it occupies a unique niche — strong enough to function almost like a flavored vodka, yet sweet and aromatic enough to serve the role of a liqueur. That dual identity makes it unusually versatile behind a bar, whether the task is a quick chilled shot or a complex layered drink. For anyone building cocktails or party drinks where banana flavor needs to survive dilution and competition from other ingredients, the 99-proof backbone gives it a functional advantage that lower-proof banana liqueurs simply cannot replicate.