I love trying out drinks that blend sweet and spicy flavors. The Cinnamon Skullshot Cocktail is honestly one of my favorites—super easy to whip up and always a hit at parties or even just a chill night in.
This cocktail mixes cinnamon whiskey with a few simple mixers for a sweet, spicy, and smooth shot everyone seems to enjoy.
Whenever I want to surprise my friends with something a little unexpected, this drink is my go-to. The bold cinnamon flavor just adds this playful kick, and honestly, it only takes a few minutes to throw together.
If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s easy and quick, I think you’ll really like this one.
Cinnamon Skullshot Cocktail Recipe
I keep coming back to the Cinnamon Skullshot Cocktail because it’s fun, quick, and reminds me of the classic cinnamon toast crunch shot. It’s got rich cream liqueur, cinnamon sugar, and those cereal flavors for a smooth, spicy finish.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: Gotta have one to blend everything together.
- Jigger or shot glass: Makes measuring a breeze.
- Strainer: Helps pour the drink cleanly.
- Small plate: For the cinnamon sugar rim—don’t skip it.
- Bar spoon: Handy if you want to stir in more cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Shot glasses (skull-shaped if you have them): Adds a spooky vibe.
- Ice cubes: Always chill your drink.
- Paper towel: Good for pressing the rim into the sugar mix.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Fireball whisky (or any cinnamon whiskey)
- 1 oz RumChata (for that creamy, cinnamon toast flavor)
- ½ oz vanilla vodka (optional, but it smooths things out)
- 1 tsp cinnamon sugar (for the rim)
- 1 tbsp simple syrup (helps the rim stick, totally optional)
- Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (for garnish and extra flavor)
- Dash of ground cinnamon (I like a little sprinkle on top)
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
- Ice cubes (to chill)
- Optional: Swap in Baileys Irish Cream or another creamy liqueur if you’re in the mood for something different.
Instructions
- Spread out the cinnamon sugar and crushed cereal on a small plate.
- Wet the rim of your shot glass with simple syrup.
- Dip the rim in the sugar and cereal mix until it’s nicely coated.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Fireball whisky, RumChata, and vanilla vodka.
- Toss in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg if you want it extra spicy.
- Shake it up until the shaker feels super cold.
- Strain the mix into your rimmed shot glass.
- Sometimes I’ll sprinkle extra crushed cereal or cinnamon on top, just for fun.
Notes
Switching things up is easy. Sometimes I use Baileys Irish Cream instead of RumChata, or cinnamon schnapps if I’m out of Fireball.
If you don’t have vanilla vodka, plain vodka works—just a little less sweet, that’s all.
Crushed cereal on the rim really amps up the flavor, but I avoid big chunks since they fall off.
Cinnamon simple syrup is great if you want even more cinnamon. Making a batch for friends? Just double everything and shake it all together.
Cleanup isn’t too bad if you keep your rimming ingredients on a small plate and take your time. And if you pour this over ice in a rocks glass, it totally works as a cinnamon toast crunch cocktail.
Equipment
- Jigger or shot glass
- Small plate (for rim)
- Bar spoon (optional)
- Shot glass (skull-shaped, optional)
- Paper towel (for rimming)
Ingredients
- 1 oz Fireball whisky or any cinnamon whiskey
- 1 oz RumChata or Baileys Irish Cream as a sub
- ½ oz vanilla vodka optional, but smooths it out
- 1 tsp cinnamon sugar for the rim
- 1 tbsp simple syrup for rimming, optional
- 1 tbsp crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for garnish
- 1 dash ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg optional
- Ice cubes for shaking
Instructions
- Spread cinnamon sugar and crushed cereal on a small plate.
- Press the rim into the sugar-cereal mixture.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Fireball, RumChata, and vanilla vodka.
- Add a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg (optional).
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into the prepared shot glass.
- Garnish with extra crushed cereal or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Tasting Notes
First sip, and the spicy cinnamon flavor really pops. It’s got that nostalgic candy vibe, but with a grown-up twist.
The sweetness and spice balance each other out. I get hints of creamy sweetness, which makes it super smooth—almost like dessert in a glass.
This cocktail is easy to make and shines at parties or small get-togethers. I even spotted it trending on TikTok—people love serving these at gatherings.
Here’s what stands out to me:
- Sweet cinnamon
- Creamy milk or liqueur
- A little heat from the spice
I like to serve it as a nightcap or as a special after-dinner treat. The creamy texture feels rich, but not too heavy.
Just a quick reminder—drink responsibly. It’s easy to forget there’s alcohol in this one since it tastes so good. This cocktail’s always fun and a little bit special when you’re in the right mood.
Substitute
Sometimes I just want to play around with flavors or, honestly, use whatever’s in my kitchen. Here are a few quick ways I change up the Cinnamon Skullshot Cocktail:
If I don’t have cinnamon whiskey, I usually grab:
- Spiced rum
- Any Fireball alternative I can find
- A splash of cinnamon syrup with regular whiskey
Swapping out the dairy or non-dairy creamer is another thing I do a lot. Horchata is a favorite—it’s creamy, a little lighter, and has that cinnamon kick.
If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll borrow flavors from other shots. For example:
- For an Oatmeal Cookie Shot vibe, I’ll mix in Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and a touch of butterscotch schnapps.
- If I want something like a Washington Apple Shot, I use apple schnapps and cranberry juice instead.
- When I’m in the mood for something tart, I’ll go with the mix-ins from a Lemon Drop Shot—fresh lemon juice and sugar—with the cinnamon whiskey.
Equipment:
- Shot glass or a little cocktail glass
- Shaker (especially if I’m mixing a bunch of stuff)
Ingredients:
- Substitute cinnamon whiskey if needed
- Creamy base of your choice (horchata, oat milk, cream, or any flavored creamer)
- Flavored liqueurs, schnapps, or juice for your own twist
- Sugar or cinnamon (totally optional, for the rim or on top)
Instructions:
- Pour everything into a shaker with ice.
- Give it a good shake.
- Strain into your shot glass.
- Garnish if you’re feeling extra.
Honestly, mixing it up is half the fun. Sometimes the weirdest combos turn out to be the best.
