Fireball is a fiery and delicious liqueur made with Canadian whisky and cinnamon. Loads of complexity, and it was awarded 87 points by the Beverage Testing Institute of Chicago.
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is a popular liqueur made by blending Canadian whisky with natural cinnamon flavors and sweeteners, known for its sweet, spicy taste, and fiery kick. It is a top-selling brand in the U.S., commonly consumed as a shot.
Overview
- Producer: Sazerac Company.
- Type: A whisky liqueur, not a straight whisky.
- Alcohol Content: Typically 33% ABV (alcohol by volume), or 66 proof. Note that some malt- or wine-based versions (often sold in convenience stores) have a lower ABV.
- Flavor Profile: Described as tasting like a mix of sweet and spicy, often compared to red-hot cinnamon candies, with a smooth finish.
- Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed chilled as a shot, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails, hard ciders, and other alcoholic beverages.
Key Facts
- Origin: Developed in Canada in the mid-1980s by Seagram. The legend is that a “mad scientist” mixologist created it as a remedy for frostbite during a particularly cold winter.
- Popularity: Fireball is among the top-selling whisky-related brands and the #1 shot brand in the U.S..
- Branding: The iconic red dragon logo was introduced in a major rebranding effort in 2007.
- Ingredients: The exact formula is a closely guarded secret, but it uses real, natural cinnamon for its flavor. It does contain significant amounts of sugar and caramel coloring.
Noteworthy
Due to its sweet and smooth flavor, it’s easy to underestimate its alcohol content, so moderation is advised. There have been lawsuits regarding the labeling of the lower-ABV products as “whisky” when they are actually malt- or wine-based, a point of controversy for some consumers.



