The Bazooka Joe Shot

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 04/15/21
The Bazooka Joe Shot

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 shot
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
188 Calories
0g Fat
19g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 188
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 11mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Bazooka Joe bubble gum is part of many Americans' memories of growing up chewing this low-cost piece of gum while reading the little comic strip that came inside of the wrapper. Its flavor lasted forever and contests of who could get the biggest bubble were also part of the thrill of spending a nickel in this treat. So if this description just jogged your memory, we bring you the adult version of the same unforgettable flavor. This shot is designed to taste just like that childhood favorite candy. Of a bright color and with a taste like the original Bazooka Joe gum, this shot is a fun beverage to mix up.

A combination of Irish cream, banana, and blue curaçao liqueurs creates a rather delicious shot, smooth and flavorful. Made with equal parts, it's easy to mix up and remember. Although you could mix each shot separately or to order, simply double the amounts and pour one ounce of each ingredient to make two at a time.

It's a great choice for a party, especially if you're looking for a distinctive blue drink that can match a party decoration theme.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ounce Irish cream liqueur

  • 1/2 ounce banana liqueur

  • 1/2 ounce blue curaçao liqueur

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    The Bazooka Joe Shot ingredients

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  2. In a cocktail shaker, pour the liqueurs, then fill with ice.

    ice in a shaker, bazooka joe shot ingredients

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Shake well.

    metal shaker

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Strain into a shot glass. Serve and enjoy.

    The Bazooka Joe Shot

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Where Can I Find Banana Liqueur?

Crème de banane, as it's known in France, where many of the best banana liqueurs are produced, offers a range of flavors depending on the brand, from sweet and overripe to roasted and fresher in taste. Most liqueurs are of a yellow hue, but some others come in green. If you can get your hands on a green banana liqueur, go for it, as your shot will be very brightly colored. Irish cream and blue curaçao are very common liqueurs and regularly stocked in bars, but banana liqueur is a little more obscure. Most liquor stores should have at least one option. One of the most popular brands is 99 Bananas, but you'll find this liqueur from other well-known producers like Bols, Hiram Walker, and Dekuyper.

No Shaker? No Problem!

If you're mixing many of these shots and don't have a cocktail shaker, simply stir the liqueurs with ice in a tall glass and strain it into a shot glass. You could also just pour them straight into the glass, but to get the real Bazooka Joe taste, they need to be mixed.

Substitutions

Although there aren't many good substitutes for these three liqueurs, here are some expert suggestions for the Bazzoka shot:

  • RumChata would be a nice alternative to Irish cream and will not alter the shot's flavor too much.
  • If you can't find banana liqueur, skip it and use another fruity liqueur instead. Strawberry, raspberry, and grape would all be fun alternatives to customize your bubblegum experience.
  • Any other orange-flavored liqueur (e.g., triple sec, Grand Marnier) will make a good substitute if you don't have blue curaçao. The shot will still be delicious but you will lose the fun blue color.

How Strong Is a Bazooka Joe?

The banana liqueur you choose to use in the Bazooka Joe is going to play a big part in the shot's alcohol content. While the other two liqueurs are nearly the same proof regardless of the brand, banana's a different story. Most banana liqueurs, including Bols, weigh in around 17 percent ABV (34 proof). However, 99 Bananas is a whopping 99 proof (49.5 percent ABV). That means your Bazooka Joe made with Bols will be about 11 percent ABV (22 proof), and one with 99 Bananas will shake up to 19 percent ABV (38 proof). Although this shot is not the strongest there is, its sweet taste can trick you into drinking one too many—so take it easy.

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