Many whiskey enthusiasts express their concern about flavored whiskey, equating the addition of any flavoring to an excellent whiskey as blasphemy. However, the continued production of the same by notable distillers like Jack Daniel’s, is evidence of its popularity. Flavored whiskeys infused with apple, honey, or cinnamon, our focus today, provide a delightful twist from the traditional oaky content. Navigate to this page for an insightful read on flavored whiskeys.

A standout in the flavored whiskey world is undoubtedly Cinnamon whiskey. Infusion of fresh cinnamon sticks into the drink brings forth a unique mix of teasingly sweet and spicy notes, distancing it from the overly sweet options such as apple or honey-flavored whiskey. If you ever enjoyed the tingling sensation of cinnamon candies as a child, a sip of this beverage is a sure trip down nostalgia lane. The whiskey begins with a sweet undertone and then escalates into a distinctive spicy flavor, a different experience from the typical alcohol burn.

Such a rapid transition from a gentle warmth to an intense punch is why cinnamon whiskey, with Sazerac’s Fireball being especially favored, is the go-to for those seeking a thrill with their alcohol. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could intensify this experience by incorporating dried red chili peppers into the mix. The chili peppers’ heat couples surprisingly well with the cinnamon warmth in the whiskey, leading to a more exhilarating and complex flavor combination portraying the beverage’s bold character and taste.

Additional reading: The 25 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

Making your own cinnamon and chili whiskey at home is easier than you might think. Here’s what you’ll need: a standard 750-milliliter bottle of whiskey, about five to six cinnamon sticks, ¾ of an ounce of simple syrup, and four to five dried red chili peppers. Opt for a lower-shelf whiskey since the infusion will wash out all the subtle finishes. Instead, save the good stuff for sipping straight!

Start by pouring the whiskey into a mason jar, then add the cinnamon sticks and simple syrup and give it a good stir for about a minute. Seal the jar tightly, shake it well, and then place it in a cool, dark spot for five days. Give it a good shake every day during this time. After these five days, you’ll have your very own homemade cinnamon whiskey ready to enjoy! At this point, you can take a swig and see how you like it.

If it’s not spicy enough for your liking, toss in the dried red chili peppers, seal the jar again, shake it up, and let it sit for an extra two days. Give it another taste afterward. Want more heat? Seal it back up and let it infuse for a day or two more. Once you’re happy with the spice level, simply run the whiskey through a strainer to filter out the cinnamon sticks and chili peppers and your homemade chili-cinnamon whiskey is ready to go!

Read the original article on Tasting Table.