Everyone knows about Fireball. The spicy, cinnamon-flavored whiskey that is beloved by frat boys and tailgaters alike. It’s pretty much the best thing since Jagermeister, right? Well, actually it isn’t. There are numerous other, much better spicy spirits available and you deserve to know about them.
The Revivalist Botanical Gin: Dragon Dance
When you think of spicy spirits, your thoughts don’t likely lead to gin. But the folks at Brandywine Branch Distillers did just that. Unlike Fireball and it’s cinnamon spice, Dragon Dance gets its heat from Jalapenos. This gin is a first on the market and is the perfect replacement for Fireball. Not only does it have a spicy kick, it also has the usual gin flavors as well as citrus, coriander and other spices. Instead of vodka, kick up your Bloody Mary with this spicy gin. Brandywine Branch Distillers | $40
Rogue Spirits Chipotle Whiskey
Craft beer fans know Rogue as the Oregon-based makers of some of the most unique beers on the market. Just like Dragon Dance, the main ingredient in this whiskey is hot peppers, grown right on the property at Rogue Farms. They are harvested, dried and smoked before being used three times in the whiskey-making process. First, Rogue makes their Chipotle ale (using the peppers), then they distill their beer down to this spicy whiskey before barrel-aging the whiskey with chipotle peppers. It’s smoky, spicy and perfect for slow-sipping. Rouge | $39
Ancho Reyes
One of the most popular liqueurs in recent years amongst the bartending crowd, Ancho Reyes is made using ancho chiles. This complex liqueur is herbal and spicy with hints of cinnamon and cocoa, plus a certain sweetness and a nice subtle amount of heat. It’s just as drinkable on its own as it is mixed into your favorite cocktail to give it a spicy, smoky kick. Ancho Reyes | $35
Wild Turkey American Honey Sting
The people at Wild Turkey know a thing or two about bourbon making. It also knows how to make a pretty darn good whiskey liqueur. First came American Honey with its subtle honey sweetness, and it made bourbon more accessible to the general population. A few years ago, the company introduced American Honey Sting, a blend of bourbon, honey and ghost peppers. Yes, you read that right, ghost peppers. A pepper so spicy death is right there in the name. But don’t worry, it’s the perfect amount of heat to go with bourbon and honey. You might cry a little, but you won’t die. Wild Turkey | $20
Hot Monkey Pepper-Flavored Vodka
Obviously this list isn’t sticking to one type of alcohol, since we’ve already had gin, whiskey, and a liqueur. It was only a matter of time before we came to vodka, and now here we are. This vodka is made using a perfectly balanced blend of Southwestern chili peppers mixed with their craft vodka. They make it a batch at a time to guarantee the perfect amount of heat in each and every bottle. If this doesn’t spice up your breakfast Bloody Mary, we don’t know what will. New Deal Distillery | $28
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire
If you’re really stuck on the cinnamon whiskey, you might as well drink a better version. Jack Daniel’s made its with a blend of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 and cinnamon liqueur. Wouldn’t you feel better passing this bottle around at your next tailgate? It’s definitely a classier way to get the spicy, cinnamon kick that you love. Jack Daniels | $20
Patron XO Café Incendio
This spicy tequila liqueur not only contains chiles, it also has chocolate. That’s right. Chocolate, chiles and tequila forever at last. Well, actually that doesn’t sound like a dream combination. But, bear with us. It really works. Incendio is a sweet and spicy blend of Patron silver, Criollo chocolate and arbol chile. It’s the perfect after dinner drink for fans of tequila and spice. Patron | $35
Bird Dog Devil Dog Cocoa Cayenne
Bird Dog is known for making interesting whiskeys like peach and blackberry. The brand makes a hot, cinnamon-flavored whiskey, but the real star of the show is Devil Dog Cocoa Cayenne. Instead of the usual chipotle peppers, this whiskey gets its kick from Cayenne peppers. It’s not overwhelming though. The sweetness of the chocolate levels it out, creating a unique flavor experience. Bird Dog Whiskey | $17
