DIY: Fireball Whiskey + a Spiced Pumpkin Cocktail
When I first heard the news that Fireball Whiskey had been recalled in three European countries, my immediate reaction was not: “Oh crap, I regret taking that fireball shot on the 4th of July.”
It was something along the lines of: “Why am I reading about this on a healthy living blog?”
I had been doing my daily Bloglovin when I stumbled across the article from a fellow healthy living blogger, warning me against the dangers of Fireball and it’s secret ingredient, propeylene glycol, a toxic chemical used in antifreeze.
Though I don’t drink this regularly, given that I’ve tried this liquor in the past, I was still curious about the validity of these claims against the company.
So I spoke with several of my science professors. The overwhelming consensus was this:
Propylene glycol is potentially dangerous, but only in extremely high amounts and only if consumed over a short period of time. If you’re consuming enough Fireball that you could possibly reach this upper limit, your real concern should actually be your liver.
This is precisely why I was surprised to read about this on a healthy living blog. “Healthy people” don’t really down Fireball in copious amounts on the reg.
To add to that point, Fireball has 11 grams of sugar per 1 1/2 oz (a shot). That is a ton for such a small volume.
So in addition to experiencing liver failure, if you’re drinking so much Fireball that you may experience propylene glycol poisoning, you could also end up developing Type 2 Diabetes.
The gist: I don’t know anyone who is drinking this stuff by the pint glass, but if you are, propylene glycol should be the least of your concerns.
My personal belief is that everything is OK in moderation. Yeah, you don’t want to eat or drink chemicals if you don’t have to, and 11 grams of sugar is far more than I’d typically like in my adult beverage (red wine has about 1.2), but once in a while is not going to kill you.
Now if this stuff was in spaghetti squash, I’d be in trouble.
Still, if you like the taste, you plan on consuming it in moderation, and you are concerned about the potentially harmful side effects of it’s unsavory additives, I’ve come up with a solution.
My homemade Fireball Whiskey lacks any nasty chemicals or added sugar, and you can whip it up for about the same price as just buying normal whiskey.
- 1 C. Whiskey
- 4 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 tablespoon Liquid Stevia
- Mix all the ingredients together in an air tight container or covered mason jar and let it sit for about 3-5 days.
- Enjoy your DIY Fireball!
I used NuNaturals Nustevia Simple Syrup in mine, which has zero calories. Simple syrup is the main culprit behind calorie-laden cocktails, so this stuff is a lifesaver.
If you don’t have that though, any stevia, sugar-replacement or real sugar will do.
I only made a cup of this stuff — because let’s be honest, I’m a wino not a whiskey-drinker. However, you can easily triple the recipe to transform a whole 750 ml bottle of boring old Makers Mark into flashy Fireball.
So what should you do with all this tasty liquor?
Turn it into a festive Spiced N’ Spiked Pumpkin Punch, of course!
It sounds a little odd putting pure pumpkin into a drink but I promise you, it’s fantastic. Sweet, spicy, and very pretty — a major plus when entertaining.
This recipe is for one cocktail, but again, you can multiply it by ten to make a whole batch for any holiday get togethers.
- 1 oz. DIY Fireball Whiskey (or any spiced Rum)
- 1 oz Fresh Pumpkin Puree
- 2 oz. Unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk (may be able to swap Almond)
- Ice
- Cinnamon + Cinnamon Sticks to garnish
- Add first four ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake, pour, garnish, enjoy.
Bottoms up!
Have a happy, healthy and responsible weekend everyone.
The Vegan. 8 says:
That was my same reaction when that article came out! People were freaking out on Facebook and my first thought is that it shouldn’t be a concern unless you drink it all the time and that is much less healthy! People don’t think about that though. This drink looks delicious and so festive! I don’t drink whiskey or hard liquor, don’t like the taste, but this sure is a pretty drink!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says:
Creative drink for the holiday season! Thanks for sharing
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says:
I’ve never had a pumpkin cocktail and really need to get my hands on one. Happy Friday! Oh and no Fireball for me … no thanks!
Lauren says:
Yum I love whiskey and whiskey cocktails so this sounds perfect for Fall!
Kim says:
I’ve never had fireball whiskey but feel sure I would like it!!
I don’t get too bothered about the Propylene Glycol because I don’t plan to consume vast amounts of any alcohol.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says:
I saw that claim recently and I think it’s very cool you did more research to see what the fuss was about. Thanks for sharing your findings!
Brittany says:
I’ve never had Fireball Whisky, but anything cinnamon related reminds me of Goldschlager which I once consumed wayyy too much of in my high schools bathroom. It was rough. Now I don’t drink, but if I did I wouldn’t touch this chemical stuff, your version sounds wayyy less sketch.
Rena says:
Love your website! Yea, I think that article was sensationalized as well — the real concern if you are drinking that much should be alcohol poisoning / binge drinking issues.
Heidi says:
I was just googling Fireball drinks and found this. WOW!!!!! This is amazing!! I used regular milk so it has a delicious foam on top. 10/10 would make again.
Whitney English says:
Yay!! So glad you liked it!! xo