There’s something unforgettable about the fiery kick of red hot cinnamon blended with the smooth, warm notes of whisky. That’s what makes Fireball Cinnamon Whisky such a crowd favorite. But here’s the secret: you don’t need to buy it at the store. With just two simple ingredients, you can make your own version of this bold cinnamon-flavored whiskey right at home!
First posted December 7 2027
Updates Septemver 6, 2025
Whether you’re mixing cocktails, enjoying it over ice, or bottling it up as a fun gift, homemade Fireball has all the flavor you love—plus the bonus of customizing it to your personal preferences.
What is Fireball Whisky?
Fireball is a cinnamon whiskey that originally launched in Canada, crafted by blending Canadian whisky with a sweet and spicy cinnamon infusion. Over the years, it’s become famous for its fiery flavor, often compared to a fire-breathing dragon.
What sets Fireball apart is its combination of natural cinnamon flavor and the distilled spirit of whisky, resulting in a warming drink that excites the taste buds. But instead of relying on the brand, you can create your own good whiskey version with just two ingredients: whisky and cinnamon candies.
Why Make Fireball at Home?
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Control the flavor – Store-bought versions can be overly sweet. By making it yourself, you balance the spicy cinnamon heat with the smooth notes of whisky.
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Choose your base whisky or bourbon – Love a mellow, smooth whisky like Canadian whisky, or prefer the boldness of Jack Daniel? Use whichever bottle you enjoy most.
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Fun and budget-friendly – Homemade Fireball costs less, and you can make smaller bottles for gifts or parties.
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Experiment with blends – Adjust the intensity: more candy for a fiery, Hot Tamale kick or less for a subtle natural whisky flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Whisky or Bourbon: Any good whiskey will work. A lighter style highlights the cinnamon, while a bolder, whisky barrel-aged spirit adds depth.
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Cinnamon candies: Red hot cinnamon candies provide that iconic spicy cinnamon heat.
How to Make Homemade Fireball Whisky or Bourbon
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Choose your base Whisky or Bourbon
Pour your whisky into a clean jar or pitcher. If you’re preparing gifts, divide into smaller bottles. -
Add cinnamon candies
Drop in a handful of red hot candies. They’ll begin to dissolve, tinting the whisky a fiery red and infusing it with cinnamon whiskey flavor. -
Infuse
Let the mixture sit for 1–2 days, shaking occasionally. Taste test until it hits your perfect level of spicy cinnamon heat. -
Strain (optional)
If candies leave residue, strain before bottling.
How to Serve Homemade Fireball
Once your homemade Fireball is ready, the fun begins. Here are a few tasty ways to enjoy it:
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Straight up or on the rocks: Perfect for warming up with a glass of smooth whisky firepower.
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With ginger ale or ginger beer: The spice of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the fizz of ginger.
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In cocktails: Swap into any recipe that calls for cinnamon-flavored whiskey for a homemade twist.
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Shots: Chill it in the freezer and serve for a bold, dragon-breath moment.
Tips for the First Time
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Start small: If it’s your first time making this, infuse a small batch before committing a whole bottle.
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Adjust sweetness: Use fewer candies for a drier, more natural whisky flavor.
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Bottle it up: Homemade Fireball makes a thoughtful (and fun) gift when poured into smaller bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Fireball
1. What whisky is best for homemade Fireball?
Any good whiskey works! Canadian whisky is a classic choice because of its lighter, smooth whisky flavor. If you want something bolder, try Jack Daniel or a bourbon with whisky barrel notes.
2. How long does homemade Fireball last?
Since it’s a distilled spirit of whisky, it will last for months in a sealed container. For the best flavor, enjoy within 3–6 months.
3. Can I use real cinnamon sticks instead of candy?
Yes! Real sticks add a more natural cinnamon flavor with less sweetness. Simply infuse a few sticks for 4–5 days, then strain.
4. How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the candies or try mixing candies with cinnamon sticks for a balance of natural whisky flavors and sweetness.
5. Can I bottle homemade Fireball for gifts?
Absolutely! Pour into smaller bottles for a fun, homemade limited edition gift. Tie on a label and you’ve got a perfect party favor.
6. Can I mix it with anything other than ginger ale or ginger beer?
Yes—try apple cider, cola, Dr. Pepper or even coffee for unique twists on your favorite cinnamon whiskey drinks.
Making your own Fireball Whisky at home is easy, fun, and customizable. With just whisky and cinnamon candies, you can capture that fiery, cinnamon-flavored whiskey kick without leaving your kitchen. Best of all, you get to decide how sweet, spicy, and smooth your creation will be.
So whether you’re chasing the thrill of a fire-breathing dragon, craving the nostalgic taste of a Hot Tamale, or just experimenting with natural whisky flavors, this 2-ingredient recipe is the perfect way to create your own limited edition cinnamon whiskey.
If you are more of an apple fan, rather than red hot fan, give our Apple Cinnamon Bourbon a try!
Why you should use 80 proof bourbon
If you use 80 proof bourbon in homemade Fireball, you do not necessarily need to refrigerate it, but it’s a good idea to store it properly to maintain its flavor and quality over time.
Fireball typically contains whiskey and cinnamon flavorings, and while the alcohol content can help preserve the mixture, there are a few factors to consider:
1. Alcohol Content: An 80 proof bourbon (40% alcohol by volume) should have enough alcohol to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, so it doesn’t require immediate refrigeration for safety reasons.
2. Flavor and Quality: Like many homemade infusions or liqueurs, the flavors in homemade Fireball can evolve and meld over time. Some people prefer to let the flavors meld together for a while, which can happen better at room temperature.
3. Shelf Life: Homemade Fireball can have a decent shelf life, but it’s essential to store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes to maintain its quality.
However, if you live in a particularly hot and humid climate, or if you plan to store your homemade Fireball for an extended period, refrigeration can help prolong its shelf life and slow down any potential changes in flavor. Just make sure to use a well-sealed container to prevent the absorption of odors from the refrigerator.
Ultimately, whether or not you refrigerate your homemade Fireball depends on your preferences and how quickly you plan to consume it. If you’re going to consume it relatively quickly, storing it in a cool, dark place should suffice. If you intend to keep it for an extended period, refrigeration can be a good precaution.
Give our Salted Caramel Fireball Espresso Martini a try!
Now it’s time to try out a few recipes made with Fireball!
25 + Fireball Whisky Recipes for Cocktails & Shots!
Here’s a recipe for a Fireball Apple Cider Sour, a delicious and slightly tart cocktail with a hint of cinnamon spice:
Fireball Apple Cider Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice
- Apple slice or lemon twist for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 2 ounces of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky to the shaker.
- Pour in 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 1 ounce (30 ml) of fresh lime juice.
- Add 1 ounce of apple cider to the mix.
- To sweeten the cocktail, add 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup to suit your taste.
- Close the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture and combine all the ingredients.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- If desired, garnish your Fireball Apple Cider Sour with a thin apple slice or a twist of lemon peel for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
This cocktail offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with a kick of cinnamon spice from the Fireball whisky. It’s a refreshing and cozy drink, perfect for fall or any time you want to enjoy a unique and flavorful sour cocktail.
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and Topo Chico
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and Topo Chico mineral water can make for a simple and refreshing cocktail. Here’s a basic recipe for a Fireball and Topo Chico drink:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- 6 oz Topo Chico mineral water (or other sparkling mineral water)
- Ice
- Lime wedge or wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour 2 ounces of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky over the ice.
- Top off the glass with 6 ounces of Topo Chico mineral water or your preferred sparkling mineral water. Adjust the amount to your taste; you can use more or less depending on how strong or light you want the drink to be.
- Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the Fireball and mineral water.
- Garnish your Fireball and Topo Chico cocktail with a lime wedge or wheel for a touch of
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml of bourbon
- 6 ounces of red hot candies 3/4 cup
Instructions
- Place the red hot candies in a large jar, and pour the bourbon over them. Seal jar, and allow to sit overnight. The candies will melt, and give the bourbon a bright red color.
- The next day, strain out any candies left. Now you can pour the red hot bourbon into small mason jars or apothecary bottles for gifts. Because bourbon is 80 or higher proof, this is now shelf stable.
Nutrition
If you love BOURBON, you may want to take a peak at these recipes….
Infused Apple Bourbon – Just 3 Ingredients!
Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Sour
75+ Tropical Mango Recipes to try this Summer Season!
Do you use the hot tamale candies or just the little red ones
Mark,
We have not tried the hot tamlale candies. The small ones that you can find in the sprinkles and frosting section of the grocery store work the best. It is because they are hard not jelly like the tamales. Let us know how it turns out!!
Dina and Bruce