Come mister tally man, tally me banana!
Banana liqueur tends to be a kind of unsung cocktail elements that few give a lot critical thought to. A splash of one thing yellow to present a cocktail a obscure 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 additional 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 you must add to your private home bar. One of many cocktails I used for testing, an tailored model of the Saton (by way of the e-book Whiskey Cocktails), might be discovered under. I used to be initially skeptical {that a} mere quarter-ounce of banana liqueur would make any distinction in an advanced cocktail with seven whole elements, however was actually shocked that, after making 4 in any other case equivalent 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 a fantastic 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 powerful word of recent, genuine banana as nicely. Its scales tip extra towards fruit — there’s no nuttiness right here — with a clear but decidedly un-candylike aroma that hints at floral components. 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 essentially 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 word, and alongside overripe banana notes, the nostril affords complicated aromas hinting at nutty banana bread, candied orange peel, and low bean. The end emerges extra sweetly than you’d suppose from the run-up, however it’s altogether attention-grabbing and well-balanced, with far more occurring than simply “banana.” This follows by means of to cocktails, the place the banana word is muted in trade for extra of that caramel and a flippantly 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 is predicated in Martinique). One of many lightest banana liqueurs in the marketplace in each colour and total tone, the nostril of this initially light liqueur exudes aromas of underripe, inexperienced banana and, particularly, the underlying rum, which is grassy and laced with petrol, a traditional agricole presentation. This makes for a very earthy and savory banana liqueur compared to the sector, the recent banana character — mildly candy and by no means caramelized — restricted in its potential to counteract the relative power 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 not possible to beat. 50 proof. B+ / $35
Bols Creme de Banana – The brilliant yellow glow of Bols’ ubiquitous banana liqueur doesn’t instantly connote authenticity, however it 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 component on the nostril alongside the daring banana sweet character. Very candy from begin to end, with a word of cinnamon evident on the end. All of this will get a bit misplaced in a cocktail, although pretty light notes of banana do make it by means of in the long run. 34 proof. B / $15 (1 liter)
99 Bananas Liqueur – This clear, 99 proof banana liqueur is usually discovered it low-cost 99-cent minis which stand out on the shelf due to their garish label design. It’s not essentially the most nuanced liqueur, a bluntly candylike expertise that tastes harsh and wholly synthetic — particularly on the bitter, chemical-laced end — although if you happen to’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 move. 99 proof. D / $20 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Saton
1 oz Buffalo Hint bourbon
3/4 oz Carpano Antica Formulation 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 Outdated Monk)
Mix all elements in a mixing glass with ice. Stir, and pressure into an old style glass with a single giant ice dice. Garnish with orange peel.
Giffard Banane du Brasil
USD30
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