It’s got a small bottle with a fire-breathing dragon, accompanied by the tagline “Tastes like heaven, burns like hell.” Yes, it’s Fireball whiskey! Or Fireball whisky, since it’s made with Canadian whiskey. Though actually, it’s technically not whiskey at all! This popular liquor might have a low-brow reputation, but it’s a legit flavored whiskey you can mix into a mean drink. Here’s what you need to know about it!
What is Fireball whiskey?
Fireball whiskey is a flavored whiskey: it’s a mix of Canadian whisky, sweetener and cinnamon flavoring. Fireball was developed in Canada in the 1980’s. It was originally part of a flavored schnapps line of Seagram’s, and is now produced by the Sazerac Company. While it came out in 1984, Fireball didn’t become popular in America until the 2000’s. When the Sazerac Company bought it, they ditched the old name “Dr. McGillicudy’s Fireball Whisky” and gave it a bit of a makeover. In 2016, Fireball had 150 million dollars in sales and surpassed Jagermeister as America’s top selling liquor (source). Now that’s impressive.
Wait! Is Fireball actually whiskey?
Fireball whiskey is not technically whiskey. Bottling requirements stipulate that whiskey must be 40% ABV, and Fireball is only 33% ABV. It’s also sweetened, which puts into the territory of a liqueur or flavored whiskey (like peanut butter whiskey).
What does Fireball taste like?
Fireball is very sweet, with a strong finish of cinnamon candy and spicy whiskey. It tastes like liquid Fireball candies. It’s pretty strong, and tastes best when mixed into drinks (though it’s also popular as a shot). How much alcohol is in Fireball? It is 33% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is similar to other flavored whiskeys or liqueurs. Are there any substitutes? Try any other type of cinnamon whiskey, like Jack Daniels Fire American Whiskey, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire Bourbon Whiskey, or Cinerator Whiskey.
Why we like it
Fireball whiskey isn’t refined, but it actually makes a great drink! The aggressive cinnamon flavor makes a nice layered element. It’s especially nice in Fireball and Apple Cider or the Fireball Old Fashioned.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Fireball whiskey is inexpensive. A 750 ml bottle costs about $10 to $13.
Best Fireball drinks
Fireball whiskey is most often drunk as a shot or on the rocks, but it’s delicious in mixed drinks, too. Here are some of the best Fireball drinks:
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