16 Absolute Best Cinnamon-Flavored Liquors, Ranked
When taking a shot or making a mixed drink, flavored liquor is always a better option for taste. Straight shots of unflavored liquor are often rough on the palate, and though you can hide that harsh taste with mixers, it still does not always work out.
Every kind of liquor, both light and dark, has flavored options. There are fruity versions, holiday-themed flavors, and, maybe most well known, the cinnamon and spiced varieties. Cinnamon and spiced liquors often have that pleasant taste that fans of sweet alcoholic drinks will love. Not only do these spiced and cinnamon liquors make for better shots, but they also are so versatile in different mixed drinks. The alcohol can become camouflaged in the mixers, but the spiced, cinnamon taste typically also brings out better flavor combinations with the mixers used. For example, an easy holiday drink could be made with a cinnamon-flavored liquor and cranberry juice. What would be a normal vodka cranberry or whiskey cranberry becomes a spiced treat.
But now that you have decided to use cinnamon liquor, the question is, which one? Ranked from worst to best, here are your cinnamon spiced liquor choices.
16. Jägermeister Spiced Liqueur
The Jägermeister Spice Liqueur is an herbal and spice blend of anise, cinnamon, and vanilla. As far as prices go, this is a cheaper, more affordable bottle. This liqueur hails from Germany and contains 25% alcohol. The hallmark Jägermeister flavor is still clearly present, but the addition of the spices, including cloves and saffron, adds an extra burst of flavor that creates a more complex tasting experience.
Jägermeister suggests combining this with Coca Cola. That certainly makes it seem like it would be a good combination, and though the Coke can hide the Jägermeister's overwhelming taste and musk, it still may not be the best option for you. The taste is too thick, and the strong black licorice notes make it really difficult to drink and enjoy. This spiced liqueur is not a terrible choice, but of the great brands of spiced spirits, it is certainly the worst. This liqueur is a better choice for when you are already drunk, so that way you can taste it less.
15. Cannella Spirits
For yet another cinnamon liquor choice, Cannella Spirits has the Cinnamon Cordial classic that is a reliable choice for any sweet liquor lover. Hailing from the Ferino Distillery, Cannella Spirits gained its name from the distillery owner's family name. Cannella also happens to be the Italian word for cinnamon. For over five years, Founder Joe Cannella and the rest of the staff and family have been working together to produce tasty liquor. With an alcohol content of 34%, a grape brandy and neutral spirits base, and less than 6% sugar, the Cinnamon Cordial is best used as an after-dinner digestivo or mixed in with a cocktail.
This brand is clean and uses a variety of cinnamon styles from places like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. However, this spirit does not hold up on its own. Even the website suggests to mix it in with a cocktail or serve it on the rocks with an added orange twist instead of drinking it neat or in a shot form. It is not a thick spirit, which is why it mixes so well, but the standalone experience leaves something to be desired.
14. Tickle's Dynamite Cinnamon Moonshine
The Tickle's Dynamite Cinnamon Moonshine is a sweeter spirit with an after kick. Instead of a spicy cinnamon flavor, this has a candied cinnamon flavor. Hailing from Virginia, Steven Tickle used his distilling knowledge to create this brand. With 35% alcohol content, Tickle's Dynamite Cinnamon Moonshine will give you a less oaky tone and a more sweet moment. The brand suggests you pair it with vanilla, gala apples, chocolate, ginger, and peach. It also pairs well with meat like deer or pork.
The website also pairs this in a cocktail with apple cider, creating a fall drink that everyone will love. However, moonshine in general has an intense alcoholic taste like no other liquor, so it can be really difficult to drink this alone or in a cocktail. Though some people who are looking for that intense taste might find this to be the prime choice, it is not the best option in general for the criteria of cinnamon liquor able to stand alone and also mix well.
13. Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps
If you are looking to get really fancy with your spiced liquor choice, the Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps will do the job. The 40% alcohol content does not burn as much as the hot cinnamon flavor in your throat. This brand is meant for shots in particular rather than mixed drinks, and the bold taste is complemented by the boujie gold flakes floating throughout the spirit.
Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps is a great in a martini, neat, served on the rocks, or a plain shot. It is warm and very pleasant, with an intensely sweet fragrance and a syrup-like taste. It is difficult to finish because it has such a hot bite, but that is only partially why this did not break the top 10. It is more aesthetically pleasing and tasty than some of the others on the list, but does not have the criteria met to beat most of the other cinnamon liquors.
12. 8 Seconds Honey-Cinnamon Whisky
The 8 Seconds Honey-Cinnamon Whisky is a signature staple of the brand. The 8 Seconds part of the name references bull riding — bull riders only score if they last 8 seconds on the bull — and that history was meant to translate into the whisky brand. The 35% alcohol content is made up of Canadian Whisky blended with a natural honey-cinnamon that makes a smooth taste. There are notes of tapioca, nutmeg, and graham crackers. It is a bit more expensive because of the high quality, and has a thicker finish.
The whisky is a great option for mixed drinks, and is a decent option for a standalone cinnamon liquor. It is better neat than on the rocks, and has a huge kick. The 8 Seconds Honey-Cinnamon Whisky has a natural scent and taste, and the honey gives it the edge over some of the other cinnamon-flavored liquor. However, it still does not crack the top 10 because of its lack of smooth nature when going down. There are fragrance and taste elements missing from this whisky that some of the other spiced liquors bring to the table.
11. Sinfire Cinnamon Whisky
The Sinfire Cinnamon Whisky has an initially smooth, cinnamon taste with a rich finish. With a 35% alcohol content, it has the spicy kick instead of a sweet finish like some of the others on this list. There are chocolate notes in this one, making the aftertaste of the liquor sweet in addition to the kick of the spice. The website suggests pairing this liquor with apple cider for a spiced holiday drink, or making a "Sin Chata" with the Sinfire whisky, Monarch Amaretto, and milk.
The all-natural flavors of this whisky almost put it into the top 10, but Sinfire Cinnamon Whisky just barely missed it because of how hot the kick is. When drinking a cinnamon liquor, you expect it to be a bit spicy, of course. However, this liquor is, per its name, a sin. It is very aggressive to the palate, despite having great notes of chocolate and a smoother taste. This liquor will certainly keep you warm, but might be a bit tough going down on its own — or even in a mixed cocktail.
10. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
To kick off the top 10, we have to go with a classic: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. Fireball is a well-known cinnamon whisky brand and has gained popularity with college students — though it's earned some poor press with the lawsuit regarding the lack of whiskey in the Fireball shooter bottles. This 33% alcohol content drink is warm, natural, and contains a great amount of versatility. You can either drink it solo, or mix it into a cocktail.
Though Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has made a huge name for itself among younger generations and within the whiskey world in general, it still does not rank in the top five of the cinnamon liquor brands. It has a great kick that is not too overwhelming or tough to drink. The reason it ranks higher than some of the others is because of its well-known nature, and the versatility of this brand. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky can be served warm, cool, neat, with ice, mixed in a drink, or served as a quick shot, and it does not disappoint. It is less expensive and a great option for a big, out-of-control party, but likely would not be the first choice for a fancier gathering.
9. Jeremiah Weed Cinnamon Whiskey
Continuing with the cinnamon flavored liquor is the Jeremiah Weed Cinnamon Whiskey. The 35% alcohol content is met with an aged whiskey that has a vanilla bean and toasted oak taste. It is spiced a bit to offset the sweetness, but is a great combination of the two tastes. Straight and neat or on the rocks both suit this whiskey, but mixing it in other drinks for a spiced twist on a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Whiskey Sour would work well, too.
This whiskey is when you start to get into the brands that can do no wrong. There are hardly any downsides to drinking this whiskey in any form you take it, but it just is missing some of the complexity in its flavor that some of the other cinnamon spiced liquor brands contain. Though the vanilla and oak notes go well with that cinnamon aged taste, it is not quite as exciting as the brands that ranked better on this list.
8. Bird Dog Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey
The Bird Dog Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey is known for its hot finish. There is an initial burst of cinnamon when you take a sip of this 40% alcohol concoction, with spicy and sweet undertones. There are then hints of vanilla, oak, and bourbon, with a spicy cinnamon that mellows out into a caramel after the tasting is done. There are recipes for cinnamon-peach whiskey cocktails or cinnamon cranberry whiskey shots on the website, but Bird Dog makes the suggestion to shoot it straight.
This cinnamon liquor has an excellent array of flavor. At the same time, it has the needed versatility of standing up on its own or pairing well with mixers to create a nice cocktail. It is true, though, that the spice this cinnamon whiskey brings is not for the weak. That is why the key for this whiskey is to find more mild or fresh mixers if you are not a fan of the spice. Because this is on the spicier end, it ranks below a few of the more palatable cinnamon liquor choices for those who cannot handle the heat.
7. Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire
Jack Daniel's has made a huge name for itself within the liquor industry. Known for its whiskey, Jack Daniel's has gained so much notoriety that it only makes sense the brand would experiment with different flavored liquors. One flavored liquor that deserves to be in the top 10 list is the Tennessee Fire, which has a 35% alcohol content and features a smooth start with a cinnamon-y kick for the finish. To keep that Jack Daniel's taste, there is a good ratio of corn, barley, and rye for the base, and this is made unique by mixing it with sugar maple charcoal pellets and cinnamon with a straight, sweet fire.
Similar to the Bird Dog Cinnamon Whiskey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire may be difficult for non-spice lovers to drink. Realistically, if it were slightly less intense on the spice, this would rank higher. However, the intensity of the kick is not for everyone, and the sweet spice is lost in translation with the aftertaste that burns. However, the combination of flavors is cleaner than the Bird Dog Cinnamon Whiskey, giving it a slight edge.
6. Jose Cuervo Cinge Cinnamon Flavored Tequila
In sixth place is the Jose Cuervo Cinge Cinnamon Flavored Tequila. Jose Cuervo is another popular brand in the liquor industry. Tequila shots and margaritas everywhere can be found prepared with Jose Cuervo. However, in order to keep the brand fresh, Jose Cuervo created the Cinge Tequila with cinnamon. This clear, 35% alcohol content drink is riddled with the cinnamon taste, combined with citrusy lime notes and the agave mix. There are other fruity elements to this tequila, but the biggest aspects of this come in the lime flavor.
This tequila takes the bite that you want from cinnamon, but combines it with a fruity, mellowed-out taste that does not overwhelm the palate. Instead, all of these different flavors complement each other and make for a pleasant experience in both mixed drinks and straight-up shots, both of which are delicious with this versatile liquor. The flavoring is clearly present but does not detract from the base of Jose Cuervo's tequila, making it a great option for any occasion. The fruit notes can slightly detract from a good, old-fashioned spiced liquor, though, so this does not quite crack the top five.
5. Peligroso Cinnamon Tequila
To start off the top five, the undeniable choice is the Peligroso Cinnamon Tequila. This tequila is warm, savory, and has a light finish even with the bit of heat it packs. This 42% alcohol content liquor has that herbal taste you look for in a cinnamon-flavored spirit. It is one of the first examples of liquor on this list that actually has an even amount of spice and heat without truly being too much for the palate.
This tequila has an undeniable taste and appeal, even with less versatility than some of the liquors it beat. The website encourages you to drink it in shot form while out with friends, or drink it chilled with an orange slice. This drink is also delicious when served neat, and can definitely satisfy the palate in a mixed drink. The flavors meet the traditional spiced liquor taste to a tee without boring the drinker or being too simplistic. It will easily become a favorite to those who try it, and you won't break the bank when purchasing it.
4. deZir Premium Cinnamon Liqueur
In fourth place is the deZir Premium Cinnamon Liqueur, which automatically is a bit sweeter than the rest. This has more of a chai-like spice instead of a kick to it, which is still really delicious and more accessible to drinkers who are not fans of intense heat. The deZir Premium Cinnamon Liqueur would pair well with a spiced dessert like snickerdoodle cookies or apple pie.
Though this sounds like the ideal cinnamon liquor, this drink ranks in fourth because of just how sweet it really is. Some people seek out the overly sugary liquor or liqueur for their sweet tooth, but others might be overwhelmed by too much sweetness in one drink. You can still certainly taste the bitter alcohol, but much less so than with some of the other liquors on this list. Additionally, it is impossible to give this a better rating than some of the liquor options with more of a balanced taste. deZir Premium Cinnamon Liqueur definitely deserves fourth place, though, for the feat of deliciousness it reaches.
3. Carlos Murphy Cinnamon-Spiced Tequila
Third place goes to the Carlos Murphy Cinnamon-Spiced Tequila. This Mexican tequila with 35% alcohol content is made from 100% Blue Agave Reposado with natural cinnamon flavors that connect the drinker with an authenticity that is so evident in each sip. This drink has a lighter finish and makes the combination of the cinnamon spice's sweetness and heat kick look like a breeze.
The Carlos Murphy Cinnamon-Spiced Tequila really benefits from the use of the 100% Blue Agave Reposado. As the drinker, your palate will feel a combination of authentic flavoring that most cinnamon-spiced liquors fight to reach, and almost always fall short. This tequila is great served on its own in shot form or as a drink to sip on, and it possesses the versatility to mix in with other drinks to make a nice cocktail. In particular, the Carlos Murphy Cinnamon-Spiced Tequila makes for a great margarita base that can be sweet, or pair it with jalapeño and other spicy ingredients for a drink with a kick.
2. Pinnacle Cinnamon Vodka
In second place, nearly clinching the top spot but just barely missing out, is the Pinnacle Cinnamon Vodka. This drink has 35% alcohol content and is one of many great flavors to choose from in the Pinnacle brand. This vodka has less of the kick and more of the sweetness, but there is still a bite from the cinnamon spice. There are notes of caramel and vanilla, too, adding to the cinnamon sweetness, but not detracting from the cinnamon's sizzle.
What really gives this vodka the edge is its versatility. The Pinnacle Cinnamon Vodka is great on its own because of the rich, delicious flavor, but it pairs in an excellent fashion with many different drinks. Just as it would pair well in a milky drink like a White Russian, you could mix it with Dr. Pepper or Coca Cola and still make a delicious concoction. The Pinnacle Cinnamon Vodka has an incredibly light and delicious flavor that is sure to satisfy any drinker in any scenario.
1. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Finally, in first place and without a doubt the best cinnamon-spiced liquor is the Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. This 46% alcohol content liquor provides a great kick, but pairs with notes of vanilla and caramel to make it a sweet treat to the palate as well. The Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is a versatile dream, going well in both spiced and sweet cocktails, but also standing on its own when served chilled, warm, or in shot form.
The syrupy, rich taste and the slight spicy kick makes the Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum a dream to any cinnamon liquor lover. It has a complexity to it that blends the flavors together so effortlessly. The extremely sweet taste combined with the smooth finish and dark fruity notes makes for a liquor that is perfectly balanced, textured, and flavored. Once you taste this affordable rum, you will never turn back.