Spicy and whiskey – two words that are enough to make any cocktail lover's heart skip a beat.
There's something about the combination of the smooth, smoky whiskey and the fiery kick of spices that just works. It's a match made in cocktail heaven.
Whether you're a seasoned whiskey drinker or just starting out, spicy whiskey cocktails are a must-try. They offer a unique and complex flavor profile that can satisfy any palate.
From the classic whiskey sour with a spicy twist to the more adventurous jalapeno-infused concoctions, there's a spicy whiskey cocktail out there for everyone.
But what makes a good spicy whiskey cocktail? It's all about balance. The heat from the spices should complement the whiskey, not overpower it.
A good spicy whiskey cocktail should also have a nice balance of sweet and sour flavors to round out the drink.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the best spicy whiskey cocktail recipes out there.
We'll take a closer look at what makes each recipe work and offer tips on how to make the perfect spicy whiskey cocktail at home. So, grab your favorite whiskey and get ready to spice things up.
1. Spicy Whiskey Lynchburg Limeade
If you're looking for a spicy twist on a classic whiskey cocktail, the Spicy Whiskey Lynchburg Limeade is a must-try. This cocktail mixes whiskey, triple sec, lime juice, and jalapeno slices with Powell & Mahoney Jalapeno Margarita Mix for an added kick.
Topped with tonic water and garnished with a lime wedge and jalapeno slices, this cocktail is both refreshing and spicy. While the recipe hasn't been tested with purely lime juice, the Jalapeno Margarita Mix adds a unique flavor that is sure to impress. If you're a fan of spicy cocktails, this one is definitely worth a try.
2. Harvest Cider Spritz
The Harvest Cider Spritz is a warming cocktail made with rye whiskey, hard apple cider, sweet apple juice, and ginger beer. It's not too spicy and has a fruity and spicy flavor that's perfect for fall.
Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is the recommended whiskey for this cocktail. It's easy to mix and perfect for any fall celebration or a crisp evening.
3. Spicy Raspberry Whiskey Sour
The Spicy Raspberry Whiskey Sour is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. This cocktail is made with fresh raspberries, whiskey, jalapeño, and lime juice. The raspberry simple syrup adds a fruity sweetness to the drink, while the jalapeño gives it a little kick.
The egg white in the cocktail adds a creamy and frothy texture to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for Valentine's Day or any day you want to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful drink. The Spicy Raspberry Whiskey Sour is a must-try for anyone who loves whiskey and wants to try something new and exciting.
4. Ginger Whiskey Mojito
The Ginger Whiskey Mojito is a refreshing and spicy twist on the classic mojito cocktail. Made with Irish whiskey, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer, this cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting. The addition of mint leaves adds a refreshing touch to the drink, making it perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or just looking for a new cocktail to try, the Ginger Whiskey Mojito is a must-try. So, grab your favorite whiskey, some fresh mint, and ginger beer, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and spicy cocktail that will leave you wanting more!
5. Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash
The Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash is a perfect cocktail for chilly fall evenings. It combines the warmth of spicy cinnamon with the crispness of fresh apple and the richness of WhistlePig 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey. The cocktail is garnished with a cinnamon stick and served over crushed ice, making it a visually appealing and refreshing drink.
Even those who are not fans of straight liquor on the rocks will enjoy this smooth and easy-to-drink cocktail. The Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash is a must-try for anyone looking for a spicy and fruity cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
6. Whiskey Me Away
"Whiskey Me Away" is a spicy whiskey cocktail that is perfect for Halloween or any other occasion where you want to add a little bit of heat to your drink. The cocktail combines the flavors of pomegranate, Campari, and honey syrup with a spicy straight rye whiskey to create a drink that is both sweet and spicy.
The choice of whiskey is important, and the author recommends using Michter's or a local distillery's straight rye whiskey for the best results. Overall, "Whiskey Me Away" is a unique and flavorful cocktail that is sure to impress anyone who enjoys a good whiskey drink with a little bit of a kick.
7. Honey Jalapeño Whiskey Lemonade
The Honey Jalapeño Whiskey Lemonade is a refreshing and spicy cocktail that is perfect for summertime sipping. Made with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Whiskey, lemonade, and a little jalapeño kick, this cocktail is sure to please those who enjoy a little heat in their drinks.
The honey flavor of the whiskey adds a touch of sweetness while the lemonade provides a nice balance of sourness. The jalapeño can be adjusted for those who prefer a milder or spicier drink. This cocktail is perfect for poolside lounging or any summer gathering. Give it a try and experience the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
8. Peanut Butter Chocolate Manhattan
The Peanut Butter Chocolate Manhattan is a unique and delicious cocktail that combines the flavors of spicy rye whiskey with the sweet and nutty taste of Ballotin's Peanut Butter Chocolate Whiskey. This high-proof cocktail also features bitter amaro and bitters, making it a complex and adult drink.
The garnish of dark chocolate-covered peanut butter cups adds a fun and playful touch to this classy cocktail. While it may not be for the faint of heart, the Peanut Butter Chocolate Manhattan is a must-try for anyone looking for a bold and flavorful whiskey cocktail.
9. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a spicy whiskey cocktail that is not for the faint of heart. Made with rye or cognac, this boozy drink packs a punch with its combination of Peychaud's bitters and absinthe rinse. The rye adds a spicy bite while the cognac brings a touch of sweetness to the mix.
Served straight up, this drink is not for everyone, but once you acquire a taste for it, the balance and aroma are hard to resist. If you're looking for a bold and flavorful cocktail, the Sazerac is definitely worth a try.
10. Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a classic whiskey cocktail that is perfect for a chilly day. This warm and comforting drink is made with simple ingredients like lemon juice, honey, and whiskey, and is finished off with a spicy cinnamon stick. It's a cure-all cocktail that is sure to warm you from the inside out.
The secret to making the perfect Hot Toddy is to play with the amounts of honey and lemon juice to suit your taste. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a warm and spicy whiskey drink. So, cozy up by the fire and indulge in this delicious and comforting cocktail.
11. Garden Cherry Bourbon Smash
The Garden Cherry Bourbon Smash is a refreshing and spicy whiskey cocktail that is perfect for summer. This cocktail is made with fresh cherries, garden herbs, lemon juice, bourbon, Cointreau, white wine vinegar, and spicy ginger beer. The combination of sweet cherries and tangy vinegar, along with the spicy ginger beer, makes for a unique and flavorful drink.
The cocktail is garnished with a sugar-rimmed glass, which adds a touch of sweetness to the drink. If you're looking for a spicy whiskey cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for summer, then the Garden Cherry Bourbon Smash is a must-try.
12. Blueberry Whiskey Buck
The Blueberry Whiskey Buck is a vintage cocktail with a modern twist. Made with Tennessee whiskey, blueberries, lemon, and ginger beer, it's sweet, spicy, and refreshing.
The whiskey used is George Dickel Classic No. 8 Whisky, which has notes of caramel and tobacco. The ginger beer used is Maine Root Ginger Brew, which is sweet and spicy and fair trade. The cocktail is easy to make and perfect for impromptu parties.
13. Lion's Tail Cocktail
The Lion's Tail Cocktail is a spicy and bold whiskey cocktail that's perfect any time of the year. It's made with only five ingredients, including angostura bitters and allspice dram, which add a combination of clove, baking spices, and bitterness to the drink.
The tart taste of lime and a bold stroke of bourbon connect the flavors, creating a fabulous combination that's both complex and refreshing.
14. Apple Cider Hot Toddy With Maple Syrup
The Apple Cider Hot Toddy with Maple Syrup is a cozy and comforting cocktail made with fresh apple cider, pure maple syrup, and good(ish) bourbon.
The tart cider and sweet maple syrup create a perfect balance of flavors, while the bourbon adds a nice kick. It's a perfect drink to warm you up during the chilly months, and the zinc content in the maple syrup may boost your immune system.
15. The Black Manhattan Cocktail
The Black Manhattan Cocktail is a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. Created by Todd Smith, a bartender at Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco, this cocktail features bittersweet Averna amaro and a second type of bitters, replacing the traditional sweet vermouth.
The use of rye whiskey adds a spicy kick to the drink, making it perfect for fall. This cocktail is a great option for those looking to branch out from their usual whiskey drinks and try something new. The Black Manhattan Cocktail is easy to make and is perfect for a night in with friends or for savoring at a cozy bar.
16. Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned is a perfect winter cocktail that's sure to warm you up on a chilly evening. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, with added vanilla extract and cinnamon that gives it a sweet and spicy kick. The use of Bourbon whiskey adds a lovely smoky and caramel flavor to the drink.
The cocktail is simple to make and is perfect for whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. The combination of vanilla and cinnamon is a match made in heaven, and it's easy to fall in love with this drink after the first sip. The Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned is a must-try for anyone looking for a spicy whiskey cocktail that's both elegant and complex.
17. Bourbon Sidecar
The Bourbon Sidecar is a spicy and refreshing twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail. Made with bourbon instead of brandy, this cocktail features a spicy sweet finish that is perfect for those who love sour cocktails.
The addition of Cointreau, a well-balanced orange liqueur, adds a perfume flavor that perfectly complements the bourbon. This cocktail is easy to make and perfect for sipping anytime and any season. If you're a fan of sour cocktails, the Bourbon Sidecar is a must-try.
18. Aperol Sour
The Aperol Sour is a unique and refreshing twist on the classic sour cocktail. Combining the bitter and aromatic Aperol with spicy whiskey, tart lemon, and a touch of sugar creates a deliciously complex flavor profile. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy bold and flavorful drinks.
The vibrant orange color of the Aperol adds a fun pop of color to any bar setup. This cocktail is an excellent choice for sipping before or after a meal, as it pairs well with rich and savory dishes, as well as sweet desserts. If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, the Aperol Sour is definitely worth a taste!
19. Spiced Maple Manhattan
The Spiced Maple Manhattan is a perfect example of how a little change can make a classic cocktail even better. This cocktail is made with rye whiskey and infused with PURE Infused Maple Syrup, which adds a subtle sweetness and warm spice to the drink.
The vanilla, cinnamon, and star anise in the syrup complement the natural sweetness of the maple, creating a smooth and sippable cocktail that still has enough bite to keep it grownup and complex. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a traditional Manhattan but want to try something new and exciting. The Spiced Maple Manhattan is a must-try for anyone looking for a spicy whiskey cocktail that is both approachable and downright drinkable.
20. King Cole
The King Cole cocktail is a spicy whiskey cocktail that has been around for over a century. It is a unique blend of Fernet-Branca, bourbon, and simple syrup that creates a boozy, strong-tasting drink with a smoky initial taste and a slight bitter finish. Despite the small amount of Fernet-Branca used, its flavor and bitterness come through, but the bourbon helps to balance it out.
This cocktail is not for the faint of heart, but if you like your drinks strong, then the King Cole is a must-try. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but its taste is undeniable. So, if you're looking for a spicy whiskey cocktail that will warm you up and leave a lasting impression, give the King Cole a shot.
