99 Coconuts – Island Flavor with a 99 Proof Kick

Updated → September 2025

99 Coconuts is a coconut-flavored schnapps famous for its bold 99 proof strength and sweet tropical taste. This affordable liqueur from the 99 Brand delivers an island-inspired coconut kick in each sip. Discover its flavor, how to enjoy it in cocktails or shots, and where to find it locally.

• What is 99 Coconuts?
• The Story of 99 Brand
• Flavor Profile of 99 Coconuts
• How 99 Coconuts Is Made
• The 99 Proof Difference
• Serving 99 Coconuts: Shots and Mixers
• 99 Coconuts vs. Coconut Rum
• 99 Coconuts vs. Other 99 Flavors
• Packaging and Value
• Where to Buy 99 Coconuts
• How strong is 99 Coconuts liqueur?
• What does 99 Coconuts taste like?
• Can you drink 99 Coconuts straight or mix it?
• Is 99 Coconuts the same as coconut rum?
• What sizes does 99 Coconuts come in?

What is 99 Coconuts?

99 Coconuts is a high-proof coconut-flavored schnapps liqueur that packs a serious punch of tropical taste. As part of the popular 99 Brand line of liqueurs, it boasts a potent 99 proof (49.5% ABV) strength. This means each sip delivers intense sweet coconut flavor alongside a warm alcohol kick. 99 Coconuts is known as a fun, indulgent spirit often enjoyed as a quick shooter or used to give cocktails a burst of coconut sweetness. If you love the taste of creamy coconut and don’t mind a bit of heat, this liqueur offers both in one vibrant package.

Despite its strength, 99 Coconuts remains very approachable thanks to its candy-like flavor. Many people first encounter it in tiny 50 mL bottles (priced around $1) at liquor store counters – a nod to the “99” name and its affordable, try-me size. Don’t be fooled by the small bottle, though; inside is a bold and flavorful experience. In short, 99 Coconuts is a uniquely strong yet sweet coconut libation that has become a go-to for tropical-themed shots and mixers.

The Story of 99 Brand

The 99 Brand has an interesting history and place in the spirits market. It all began back in 1997 with the launch of 99 Bananas, the first of these high-proof flavored liqueurs. The concept caught on quickly – offering a playful flavor (banana, in that case) with a head-turning 99 proof strength. Since then, the brand has expanded to include dozens of flavors, from fruits to sweet treats. Today, with over 27 different cordials and growing, 99 has become one of America’s most popular cordial (liqueur) brands for party shots and mixers.

Every 99 Brand flavor is bottled at 99 proof, creating a consistent reputation for delivering “big flavor, big kick.” The brand is produced by a major U.S. spirits company and bottled in Louisville, Kentucky, reflecting a blend of classic American schnapps-making and fun, modern flavors. The lineup now ranges from 99 Apples and 99 Watermelons to 99 Whipped (a whipped cream flavor) and seasonal picks like 99 Peppermint. The enduring appeal of the 99 Brand comes from its combination of nostalgic, candy-like tastes with a strong alcoholic punch – a formula that has made it a staple for celebratory shots and inventive cocktails across the country.

Flavor Profile of 99 Coconuts

Open a bottle of 99 Coconuts and you’re immediately greeted by the aroma of sweet, creamy coconut. As the brand’s tagline suggests, “the beach is within reach” when this aromatic tropical sensation hits your nose. It’s as if you’ve uncapped a bottle of pure coconut extract with a hint of vanilla – inviting and lush. But how does it taste in the glass? 99 Coconuts offers a flavor experience akin to biting into a piece of coconut candy with a fiery finish.

The taste is rich and unabashedly sweet. That deep coconut flavor carries through from start to finish, joined by a subtle creamy note that softens the edges. There’s a whisper of something akin to vanilla or toasted coconut in the mix, enhancing the dessert-like profile. Of course, underlying it all is the heat from the 99 proof alcohol, which reminds you this is no ordinary liqueur. Sip it neat and you’ll feel a gentle burn warming your palate, balanced by the syrupy sweetness of tropical coconut.

Tasting Highlights:

• Appearance: Clear and colorless, looking like water in the glass despite its intense flavor.
• Aroma: Bursting with sweet coconut fragrance, reminiscent of coconut cream or fresh coconut milk on a tropical beach.
• Taste: Full-bodied coconut flavor – creamy, sweet, and candy-like – with hints of vanilla and sugar. It’s smooth at first sip, then the sweetness builds alongside the alcohol warmth.
• Finish: Long, warm, and coconut-forward. A lingering tropical sweetness stays on the tongue, accompanied by a 99-proof glow that slowly fades. The finish is both sweet and pleasantly boozy, like a reminder of its strength.

Overall, 99 Coconuts’ flavor profile is all about delivering a tropical dessert experience with an extra kick. It’s decadent and strong at the same time. Fans of coconut will find it hits the spot, especially if they enjoy their drinks on the sweeter side. Just remember that beneath the candy sweetness lies a robust spirit – one that can sneak up on you if you’re not sipping wisely!

How 99 Coconuts Is Made

While 99 Coconuts doesn’t advertise a detailed production process, we can understand the basics of how this potent coconut liqueur comes to life. Like its sister flavors in the 99 Brand, 99 Coconuts starts with a neutral grain spirit base. In essence, the producers take high-proof alcohol (similar to vodka or grain alcohol) and infuse it with natural flavorings to achieve that signature coconut taste. The “schnapps” label traditionally refers to a spirit that has been flavored and often sweetened, and that holds true here.

The creation likely involves carefully blending extracts or essences of coconut with the distilled spirit until it’s bursting with flavor. Because the final product is bottled at 99 proof, the spirit is only moderately diluted after flavor infusion – this helps retain both the intense flavor and the high alcohol content. The end result is a crystal-clear liqueur that carries the soul of coconut in a very strong spirit. The bottling is done by Polynesian Products Co. in Louisville, KY (part of the Sazerac company), reflecting a combination of time-honored liquor production and modern flavor science.

Quality control is important, even for a fun product like 99 Coconuts. The producers aim to ensure each batch has that same sweet coconut profile and reliable 99 proof strength. The consistency across bottles means that whether you buy a mini 50 mL shooter or a full-size bottle, you’re getting the same flavor experience. In summary, making 99 Coconuts involves infusing a high-proof neutral spirit with lush coconut flavor and sugar, creating a smooth yet powerful liqueur that carries the tropical essence in every drop.

The 99 Proof Difference

One of the defining characteristics of 99 Coconuts (and all 99 Brand liqueurs) is its 99 proof strength. At 49.5% alcohol by volume, it’s significantly stronger than typical flavored liqueurs. For context, many well-known coconut rums or liqueurs (like Malibu) are around 42 proof (21% ABV), and even straight vodkas and rums generally hit 80 proof (40% ABV). 99 Coconuts soars past those, making it a bit of an outlier: a sweet coconut spirit that’s nearly as strong as cask-strength whiskey.

What does this mean for the drinker? Firstly, 99 Coconuts packs a punch. The high alcohol content provides a noticeable warmth and kick even when mixed into cocktails. If you take it as a shot, expect a fiery finish that might surprise those used to milder liqueurs. Essentially, you’re getting both intense flavor and a robust alcohol hit in one small serving. This is why many treat 99 Coconuts as a “party shot” – it’s meant to be savored in small doses, often with a toast among friends, rather than gulped casually.

The 99 proof difference also means 99 Coconuts can hold its own in cocktails. A smaller amount can deliver the same alcoholic strength to a drink compared to using a larger pour of a lower-proof spirit. This high proof also helps preserve the coconut flavor intensity when you mix it with other ingredients; the flavor doesn’t get easily drowned out. However, with great power comes great responsibility: one must be mindful of how much they consume. It’s easy to underestimate a liqueur that tastes like candy, but 99 Coconuts’ strength demands respectful enjoyment. Always pace yourself – you can have fun with its tropical sweetness, but know that it’s as potent as it is delicious.

Serving 99 Coconuts: Shots and Mixers

99 Coconuts is a versatile spirit when it comes to serving options. Thanks to its sweet and tropical profile, it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some popular ways to drink 99 Coconuts:

• Chilled Shots: Perhaps the most popular way to enjoy 99 Coconuts is as an ice-cold shot. Because it’s sweet, many people find it goes down smoothly when chilled. You can keep the bottle in the freezer (the high alcohol content will prevent it from freezing solid) or shake it with ice and strain into shot glasses. The result is a quick burst of coconut flavor followed by that warming 99 proof kick – a favorite at tropical-themed parties.
• Straight or On the Rocks: If you truly love coconut and don’t mind a strong drink, sipping 99 Coconuts neat or over a couple of ice cubes is an option. Pour a small measure and treat it like a dessert cordial. The ice can help mellow the sweetness slightly as it melts. Sipping allows you to savor the creamy coconut flavor slowly. Just remember it’s quite potent, so a little goes a long way.
• Mixed in Cocktails: 99 Coconuts shines in simple, fun cocktails. Its intense flavor means you can mix it with just a few ingredients to create something delicious. For example, blend 99 Coconuts with pineapple juice and a splash of cream or coconut milk to make a quick pina colada-style shooter. Or try the popular “toasted coconut” highball: mix 99 Coconuts with a splash of spiced rum and cola – the combo creates a cola with a nutty, tropical twist. Another easy mix is 99 Coconuts with vanilla cream soda, creating a fizzy coconut cream soda that’s delightful.
• Pairing with Other 99 Flavors: If you have an assortment of 99 Brand minis, you can get creative by combining them. One beloved combo is 99 Coconuts + 99 Whipped (whipped cream flavor) – together they taste like a coconut cream pie in a shot glass. Similarly, mixing 99 Coconuts with 99 Pineapples gives a super-charged pineapple-coconut cocktail (think high-proof pina colada without the blender). Because each 99 flavor shares the same proof, they mix evenly while doubling down on fun flavors.

When using 99 Coconuts in any mixed drink, keep in mind its sweetness. You often won’t need to add sugar or sweet syrups, as the liqueur brings plenty of sweetness on its own. A squeeze of lime can add a nice contrast if a cocktail feels too sweet. And due to its strength, consider using smaller measures – for instance, 1/2 ounce of 99 Coconuts in a cocktail might be enough to deliver flavor and kick, where you’d use a full ounce of a milder liqueur. Enjoy experimenting with 99 Coconuts, and you’ll find it can add a tropical twist to all kinds of drinks!

99 Coconuts vs. Coconut Rum

It’s natural to compare 99 Coconuts with coconut rum, since both bring coconut flavor to your glass. However, there are some key differences. The most obvious is strength: 99 Coconuts is 99 proof (49.5% ABV), whereas a popular coconut rum like Malibu is only 42 proof (21% ABV). That means 99 Coconuts is more than twice as strong as Malibu. In practical terms, Malibu offers a gentle coconut taste with mild alcohol – it’s often sipped casually or used to lightly flavor a cocktail. 99 Coconuts, on the other hand, delivers a much bolder experience on both the flavor and alcohol fronts.

Another difference is the base spirit. Coconut rums are, as the name implies, rum-based (typically made from sugarcane/molasses distillate) with coconut flavor added. They tend to have a soft, sweet rum undertone. 99 Coconuts is a schnapps/liqueur, based on neutral grain spirits. It doesn’t carry any rum flavor; instead, it’s like a blank canvas of alcohol that lets the coconut truly dominate. This is why the coconut taste in 99 Coconuts can come across as “purer” or more candy-like, whereas coconut rum might have a hint of rum or vanilla in the background.

When it comes to using them, coconut rum is great for light tropical cocktails where you want a smooth, not-too-strong drink (for example, a big refreshing punch or a mild pina colada). 99 Coconuts is better suited when you want fewer drinks to get the same effect, or you want that coconut flavor to really explode without adding too much liquid. You might use Malibu to sip slowly on the beach all afternoon, but you’d use 99 Coconuts to make a round of celebratory shooters or to give a cocktail a serious boost. They each have their place: think of coconut rum as the laid-back cousin and 99 Coconuts as the wild one who brings the party. If you enjoy coconut flavor, you might even keep both on hand – Malibu for mellow sipping and 99 Coconuts for when you’re feeling adventurous and want that extra kick.

99 Coconuts vs. Other 99 Flavors

Within the 99 Brand lineup, 99 Coconuts is just one member of a big and colorful family. How does it compare to some of its siblings? In terms of strength, they are all the same – every 99 flavor is 99 proof, so the difference really lies in flavor profile and how you might use them.

Flavors like 99 Bananas, 99 Watermelons, 99 Apples, and 99 Peaches represent the fruity side of the spectrum. These tend to taste like candied versions of their fruits (imagine banana candy, watermelon Jolly Rancher, etc.) and are great for making fun, fruity shots. 99 Coconuts shares the tropical fruit vibe with these, but coconut as a flavor is a bit creamier and less tart compared to, say, 99 Apples (which is tangy) or 99 Watermelons (which is sweet and candy-like). Coconut is more mellow than some fruit flavors, which means 99 Coconuts can come across as slightly smoother despite the high proof.

Then there are dessert and spice-inspired flavors: 99 Butterscotch, 99 Whipped, 99 Root Beer, 99 Cinnamon, and so on. These are like liquid versions of candies or desserts (butterscotch candy, whipped cream, root beer float, cinnamon candy). 99 Coconuts fits in well here too, since coconut is often used in desserts. In a way, 99 Coconuts straddles the line between fruity and creamy. It can work in a tropical fruit mix, or stand in for a creamy component in a dessert shooter. For example, 99 Butterscotch is very sweet and rich; 99 Coconuts is sweet and rich as well, but with that tropical note.

Many fans of the 99 Brand enjoy collecting and trying all the flavors, and often they’ll mix and match them to invent new concoctions. 99 Coconuts has an advantage that it pairs nicely with quite a few others – pineapple and whipped cream flavors as mentioned, but also chocolate (if there’s chocolate liqueur or 99 Chocolate available, that could mimic a Mounds candy bar), or coffee (mixing a bit of 99 Coconuts with coffee liqueur for a tropical coffee shooter). The possibilities are endless. In summary, 99 Coconuts holds its own among the 99 Brand lineup by offering a creamy, tropical profile that’s distinct from the punchier fruit flavors and the candy-sweet dessert flavors, while still delivering the same 99-proof excitement that defines the brand.

Packaging and Value

One of the reasons the 99 Brand, including 99 Coconuts, became so popular is the clever packaging and pricing. The iconic 50 mL mini bottle is a signature of the brand – often sold for around $0.99, it’s an easy impulse buy or a fun addition to party favors. These small plastic bottles are brightly labeled with the flavor and the bold “99” logo, making them instantly recognizable. For 99 Coconuts, the mini bottle lets you enjoy a shot’s worth of tropical goodness without committing to a full bottle. It’s also a convenient way to sample the flavor if you’re curious.

For those who do want more, 99 Coconuts is also available in larger bottles (commonly 750 mL). The 750 mL size is roughly the same size as a standard wine bottle and contains enough liqueur to make many cocktails or shots for a crowd. Despite the high alcohol content, these full-size bottles are very affordable – usually in the ballpark of $12 to $15, which is a bargain for a spirit of this strength. The affordability of 99 Coconuts and its siblings is a major selling point. You’re getting a high-proof beverage with a lot of flavor at a fraction of the price of most whiskeys or premium liqueurs.

The trade-off, of course, is that 99 Brand liqueurs are more about fun flavor than they are about complex, aged spirit character. This isn’t a top-shelf aged rum or artisanal coconut spirit; it’s a party-friendly product meant to be enjoyed in a lighthearted way. And in that regard, it delivers fantastic value. Whether you’re stocking up for a backyard luau or assembling little shooter kits for a bachelorette party, 99 Coconuts gives you plenty of bang for your buck. Even the larger bottle, at under $15, won’t break the bank. In fact, cost-conscious cocktail enthusiasts sometimes use 99 Coconuts as a high-proof coconut ingredient in place of buying multiple lower-proof mixers.

In summary, the packaging and pricing of 99 Coconuts make it accessible and appealing. The mini bottles scream “try me – I’m fun!”, and the big bottles say “let’s get the party started without spending a fortune.” It’s a win-win for coconut lovers and bargain hunters alike.

Where to Buy 99 Coconuts

Given its popularity, you can find 99 Coconuts in many liquor stores and online retailers across the country. It’s a staple in shops that carry a wide range of cordials and party shooters. If you’re in the Western New York area, you’re in luck – we carry 99 Coconuts right here at Union Wine and Liquor in Cheektowaga, NY. Customers can purchase it directly from our store or via our website for convenient pickup.

At our store, 99 Coconuts (50 mL mini) is typically in stock and ready for those looking to add a tropical twist to their drinks. It’s perfect to pick up a handful of mini bottles for party favors or grab a full-size bottle for your home bar. Below, you’ll find our store details, including location and hours, so you can plan your visit or contact us for any inquiries. We pride ourselves on having a great selection of spirits, and the 99 Brand liqueurs are no exception. If you’re eager to try 99 Coconuts, we’ve got you covered locally!