Fireball Whisky isn’t a pricey single malt or even a malt blend. No, it’s an entirely different animal, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. With a unique mixture of whisky, cinnamon and sweeteners, the Sazerac Company who produce it, have made Fireball Whisky one of the most popular liqueurs in the US.
In this article, we’re taking a look at this unique drink with a price guide, alternatives, and some tips on how best to use Fireball Whisky as a mixer or cocktail ingredient.
What is Fireball Whisky?
The name is a misnomer. This isn’t a straight up whisky. Even though the bottle and label design harken back to Southern bourbons. It’s actually a liqueur. That means it’s a spirit mixed with either one or more flavourings.
It was first made in Canada. During the 1980s it became popular in its country of origin, but few outside of Canada new of its existence after it was brought to market in 1984. Since then, Fireball Whisky has expanded its distribution to include all of Canada and the United States. It’s become a very popular drink, ranking as the best-selling liqueur in the US in 2015. Fireball Whisky’s producer, the Sazerac Company, has also launched the drink in a variety of other countries including the EU and beyond.
As we mentioned, it’s a liqueur. So, there’s no straight up, pure spirit here. To be considered a spirit, a drink should be around 80 proof (40%), but Fireball Whisky sits at a lower 33% (66 proof).
The ingredients are:
It’s important to state that Fireball no longer contains propylene glycol (a viscous, colorless, odorless, synthetic food additive in the same chemical category as alcohol that has been approved by the FDA as it is GRAS or generally recognized as safe. Common uses include food preservation and cosmetics.) Up until 2014, Fireball was made with this chemical ingredient and it caused controversy in Europe as this substance is banned for use in drinks and foods there. In response, the Sazerac Company removed this preservative from the drink to quell public health fears. In actual fact, many foods and drinks still contain propylene glycol, and whether it was ever dangerous in the first place is still being debated.
How Does Fireball Whisky Taste?
Drinking Fireball Whisky is much like eating “red hot” forms of candy.
It’s clear then that if you love cinnamon, you’ll love the taste of Fireball Whisky. If you’re looking for something which is more subtle or a straight up spirit, then you should look elsewhere.
Fireball Whisky Price Guide
Let’s cut to the chase. Fireball Whisky is a mid-range drink skewing towards the budget conscious.
Prices are in the range of:
Type | Size | Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky | 750ml | $15.99 | 66 |
1L | $20.79 | 66 | |
1.75L | $27.49 | 66 |
Prices will vary depending on region, however, with a slightly higher cost in the EU and beyond due to import taxation and other tariffs. The price increase takes Fireball Whisky into more of a standard midrange spirit or liqueur territory.
Prices of Alternatives to Fireball Whisky
It’s always a good idea to check out a variety of drinks in the same price range. Fireball whisky has a number of competitors which are worth taking a look at. We’re talking flavored whiskys here, so nothing straight up, although there are some perfectly serviceable malts and blends at this price range too!
Flavored alternatives include:
Fireball whisky Recipes
With such a strong cinnamon taste, Fireball Whisky is an exotic, unusual mixer, and in cocktails, too. Some suggestions include:
Fiery Russian
A white Russian usually consists of Milk, a Chocolate liqueur and vodka. Replace the vodka with Fireball Whisky for a creamy cinnamon taste.
Fiery Black Russian
Likewise, a Black Russian, which usually consists of Cola, vodka and a spiced rum, is great either with a dash of Fireball whisky or substituting the spiced rum completely with it.
Dragon’s Blood
Half and half Cranberry and Fireball whisky. Simple, to the point, and it’ll knock your socks off.
Fire & Ice Shot
One part Fireball whisky, one part Mint liqueur such as De Kuyper or Dr McGillicuddy’s Mentholmint. Alternatively, a mint flavored soda works great if you can get your hands on it, and turns this shot into a long cocktail. Soda water can be added alongside a mint liqueur shot if tracking down a mint flavored soda proves too difficult. Garnish with lemon and mint.
Fireball Mule
Cinnamon and ginger go great together. This take on a Moscow Mule has a real bite. One part Fireball Whisky, two parts ginger beer, some pineapple juice and then some fresh lime.
Conclusion
Fireball Whisky is affordable and works both as an exotic mixer and sipping whisky for those who enjoy a strong flavor. But that’s enough from us. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
What do you think of Fireball Cinnamon whisky?
And what’s your favorite flavored whisky currently on the market?
Sound off in the comments below.
best mixed drinks with fireball 2019
I love sipping fireball.
Fireball makes a fun drink. Sweet and hot together, goes down easy.