Pisang Ambon
A bright green Dutch banana liqueur with tropical spice notes.
Origin
The Netherlands, introduced in 1948 by Lucas Bols, based on a recipe brought back from the Indonesian island of Ambon.
History
Pisang Ambon (Malay/Indonesian for "Ambon banana," named for the Indonesian island where much of the banana used in it was grown) was introduced by the historic Dutch distillery Lucas Bols in 1948, based on a recipe carried back to the Netherlands, reportedly by a soldier, amid the final years of Dutch colonial presence in Indonesia before its 1949 independence. Its distinctive bright green color, unusual for a banana-flavored product, has made it visually recognizable on back bars for decades, remaining a modest but enduring niche liqueur especially known within Dutch and broader European drinking culture.
Flavor profile
Sweet banana flavor with additional tropical fruit nuances, in a vivid green color.
Tasting notes
A rich, ripe banana sweetness with some added tropical complexity beyond a standard banana liqueur, distinguished visually by its bright green rather than yellow or clear color.
Substitutes
- Creme de banane or another banana liqueur, understanding the color and slight flavor nuance will differ.
- A different Pisang Ambon-style product, if available, for the closest match.
- Banana liqueur with a drop of green food coloring, for a similar visual effect.
Common cocktails