Spicy Fireball Shooter

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/22/22
Fireball Rum and Tabasco Shot

The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 shot

There may be a line that has been crossed with this spicy shooter. Not only does this fireball recipe consist of warming cinnamon schnapps, but it also throws in a dash or two of hot sauce. It's interesting and not guaranteed to be your new favorite, but it does have its uses.

The fireball is one of those peculiar shots—remember the cement mixer?—that's not really supposed to taste good. Maybe someone at some time thought it did, but they were probably pretty drunk. The cinnamon and hot sauce are just too much to take in one gulp, but for some reason, the recipe has stood up to a few decades of circulation. A lot of people still have fun with this shot, whether it is during a "How much heat can you take?" contest or when playing a joke on a buddy. 

The other part of this equation is Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, which has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. It can be used as a substitute for cinnamon schnapps, and the brand even uses the tongue-tingling fireball shooter for marketing, it's just under a different name.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

  3. Shake well.

  4. Strain into a shot glass.

  5. Serve and get it down!

Ring of Fire Shot

Cinnamon schnapps and sweet cinnamon whiskey—not much difference, right? In fact, Fireball recommends the recipe above with their whisky. They simply call it a "ring of fire" and use Bacardi 151 Rum. That switch in rum adds to the audacious flavor, and you will definitely feel a burn getting that version down.


Bacardi has taken its high-proof rum off the market, so you'll need to use a substitute. Cruzan 151 is an excellent (if not superior) choice.

Tip

If you want a real cinnamon whiskey, infuse a bottle of whiskey with a cinnamon stick or two. It tastes amazing and lets you choose your favorite whiskey while cutting out the unnecessary sugar.

Is Fireball a whiskey or a liqueur?

Although "cinnamon whisky" is printed on the Fireball label, it is, in fact, a "cinnamon whisky liqueur." That last word is key because, just like many other flavored whiskeys, as soon as sweeteners are added they are no longer technically whiskeys, but become liqueurs.


Interestingly, Fireball does not really live up to its "tastes like heaven, burns like hell" slogan. It has neither the alcohol burn of a full-proof whiskey, nor the cinnamon burn of palate shockers like Hot Damn, and it does not have the delicious cinnamon flavor found in Goldschläger. It is a 66 proof (33 percent ABV) sweetened cinnamon-flavored whisky, with the cinnamon taking on the flavor of Atomic Fireball candy, not a cinnamon stick.


Fireball is extremely popular, though. Its trendiness as a party shot—often straight out of the bottle—is almost following that of Jägermeister not too long ago.

How Strong Is a Fireball Shooter?

This is a very potent shot that packs a big punch. It mixes up to 30 percent ABV (60 proof) when made with an 80-proof rum.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
86 Calories
0g Fat
5g Carbs
0g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 86
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 32mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 4%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 2mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)