99 Brand’s new mystery flavor wants to toast to your epic tastebuds

While a game show might have had people phone a friend for help, 99 Brand, the full flavor, energetic shot, wants to hear directly from drinkers. A new mystery flavor asks people to call in their flavor solution. Ready to call that hotline and potentially reap a big reward?

Nostalgia is having a moment in the food and beverage world. Whether it is people wanting simpler times or just recalling their youth fondly, the desire to put on some bold colors, play a NSYNC song, or even break out that high school year is strong.

99 Brand is all about having a little simple fun with a beverage. The flavored liquor shots are meant to be simple, easy, and enjoyable. With various types of fun flavors, there is an option for every mood and moment.

This month, the liquor brand is releasing a new mystery flavor. For people who are ready to sip and guess, they could reap a big reward.

As Kizito Owusu-Sarfo, Marketing Director of 99 Brand, said, "Remember the thrill of dialing into a radio contest before social media and texting took over—just pure excitement to be the lucky caller and win a prize? If you missed that era, don't worry! We're bringing back that rush of the '90s with our new mystery flavor and retro hotline, giving Gen Z a chance to dive into the playful, carefree fun of the good ol' days and experience a blast from the past. Our hope is to bring fans a touch of excitement and brain-teasing fun to everyday life, all while celebrating 99 in multiple ways."

FoodSided guesses the 99 Brand mystery flavor

For the 99 Brand mystery flavor launch, the company bringing some 90s style fun and wants you to be the lucky caller. On October 9, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. the 99th called at 1-833-GUESS99 could win $9,999.99.

While there is some luck involved, guessing the correct flavor is vital to having that celebratory moment. To increase those chances at the ultimate glory moment, it is time to open a bottle.

Luckily, 99 Brand sent some bottles for me to try. While shots might not necessarily be part of my weeknight sipping, research for a potentially big prize is always a good choice.

First, to be clear, the liquor brand gave a hint about the unknown flavor. It was “beloved treat often associated with celebrations and indulgent pleasure.” Given that confetti cake or birthday cake flavor was hugely popular in the 90s, it might have pre-disposed my perception of the flavor.

As soon as I opened the little bottle, the sweet aroma was the first fact in confirming my guess. The sweet, sugary scent instantly brought me back to birthday celebrations. It felt like vanilla cake with buttercream icing. I could almost taste that sugary sweet icing.

With the first sip, that assumption became clearer. It had the vanilla cake taste even with the alcohol undertones. Instantly, it brought me back to the moment of blowing out candles, hearing the notes of happy birthday fade, and that first bite that had me hoping the slice would last all night long.

Personally, my guess is that the 99 Brand mystery flavor is birthday cake, even more specifically confetti cake. For people who like sweeter spirits, this offering will appeal to them.

While 99 Brand is designed to be sipped on its own, this liquor can be used in other ways, too. It would be easy to add it to some coffee or even chocolate milk for a fun after dinner dessert sipper.

Another simple idea is to use it in a Dirty Shirley cocktail. The added sweetness might need to be balanced with a some walnut bitters, but the idea leans into the nostalgia vibe that is trending.

Ready to sip on a blast from the past? 99 Brand has a bottle waiting to be opened.