Come mister tally man, tally me banana!
Banana liqueur tends to be a type of unsung cocktail elements that few give a lot critical thought to. A splash of one thing yellow to present a cocktail a imprecise tropicality, proper?
Suppose once more. Banana liqueur has entered its personal small renaissance, and mixologists are discovering myriad makes use of for the fruit-based liqueur past the Bahama Mama and different seaside cocktails. In the meantime, artisanal producers are additionally giving banana liqueur an extra leg up, producing extra pure and flavor-rich variations of what has historically been a candylike, ultra-sweet expertise that had solely a passing resemblance to actual bananas.
We rounded up 4 of the main gamers within the banana liqueur house – DeKuyper was unreachable – tasting them each alone and in cocktails to find out which it’s best to add to your property bar. One of many cocktails I used for testing, an tailored model of the Saton (through the guide Whiskey Cocktails), will be discovered beneath. I used to be initially skeptical {that a} mere quarter-ounce of banana liqueur would make any distinction in an advanced cocktail with seven complete elements, however was actually shocked that, after making 4 in any other case similar variations of the drink, various solely within the model of banana liqueur within the glass, the variability in style was instantly obvious, and I had clear favorites within the lineup. (It’s additionally an incredible drink.)
Up to date in 2026 with the addition of Clement Bana Canne.
Giffard Banane du Brasil – Giffard’s expression is actually a better of each worlds, with only a contact of the sunshine caramelization of the Tempus Fugit whereas sustaining a robust notice of contemporary, genuine banana as effectively. Its scales tip extra towards fruit — there’s no nuttiness right here — with a clear but decidedly un-candylike aroma that hints at floral parts. Touches of orange blossom and melted caramel candies inform the palate, however the liqueur is rarely overwhelmingly candy, even on the end. Giffard’s expression additionally shined probably the most clearly in cocktails, offering simply the correct amount of banana taste with out being overwhelming, although the Tempus Fugit expression stands as a really shut second. 50 proof. A / $30 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Tempus Fugit Crème de Banana – This darker brown liqueur has a substantial caramelized notice, and alongside overripe banana notes, the nostril gives advanced aromas hinting at nutty banana bread, candied orange peel, and low bean. The end emerges extra sweetly than you’d assume from the run-up, but it surely’s altogether fascinating and well-balanced, with far more occurring than simply “banana.” This follows by to cocktails, the place the banana notice is muted in change for extra of that caramel and a evenly nutty affect. Superb. 52 proof. A- / $40 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Clement Bana Canne – From an “all-natural” recipe that features regionally sourced bananas, pure cane syrup, and rhum agricole from Rhum Clement (which relies in Martinique). One of many lightest banana liqueurs in the marketplace in each coloration and total tone, the nostril of this initially mild liqueur exudes aromas of underripe, inexperienced banana and, particularly, the underlying rum, which is grassy and laced with petrol, a basic agricole presentation. This makes for a very earthy and savory banana liqueur compared to the sphere, the contemporary banana character — mildly candy and in no way caramelized — restricted in its capacity to counteract the relative energy of the rhum agricole. The end sees a touch of lime including some acidity and white pepper sprinkling in a touch of spice, however the grassiness and inexperienced banana notes are seemingly unimaginable to beat. 50 proof. B+ / $35
Bols Creme de Banana – The intense yellow glow of Bols’ ubiquitous banana liqueur doesn’t instantly connote authenticity, but it surely seems it’s a surprisingly approachable liqueur each by itself and in cocktails – and it’s very cheap, the most cost effective of the lot. It’s additionally the bottom in proof by far, although it nonetheless manages to showcase a barely tough chemical aspect on the nostril alongside the daring banana sweet character. Very candy from begin to end, with a notice of cinnamon evident on the end. All of this will get a bit misplaced in a cocktail, although pretty mild notes of banana do make it by ultimately. 34 proof. B / $15 (1 liter)
99 Bananas Liqueur – This clear, 99 proof banana liqueur is commonly discovered it low cost 99-cent minis which stand out on the shelf because of their garish label design. It’s not probably the most nuanced liqueur, a bluntly candylike expertise that tastes harsh and wholly synthetic — particularly on the bitter, chemical-laced end — although in case you’re searching for an ultra-sweet, high-proof shot, this may very well be your jam. It virtually ruined any cocktail into which I put it, even in small doses. A particular cross. 99 proof. D / $20 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Saton
1 oz Buffalo Hint bourbon
3/4 oz Carpano Antica Components candy vermouth
1/4 oz Amaro Ciociaro (I used Averna)
1/4 oz banana liqueur (Giffard is specified)
1/8 oz Inexperienced Chartreuse
1/8 oz maple syrup
3/4 oz darkish rum (to complete) (I used Previous Monk)
Mix all elements in a mixing glass with ice. Stir, and pressure into an old school glass with a single massive ice dice. Garnish with orange peel.
Giffard Banane du Brasil
USD30
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