Peanut butter whiskey is a flavored whiskey that combines the boldness of whiskey with the creamy, nutty sweetness of peanut butter. It’s a versatile spirit that works well in dessert-like cocktails, playful twists on classics, and even savory drinks. Most peanut butter whiskeys have an ABV of around 30%, lower than traditional whiskeys, which usually have 40% ABV.
Skrewball was the first brand to introduce peanut butter whiskey to the market in 2018 and by far, the most popular. In 2019, it won a double gold medal for Best Flavored Whiskey at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition.
Peanut butter whiskey has a rich, sweet flavor with a nutty undertone. Hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak from the whiskey base often accompany it. It’s generally smoother and more approachable than traditional whiskey, which makes it a great entry point for non-whiskey drinkers.
Here’s everything you need to know about crafting cocktails with peanut butter whiskey:
What To Mix With Peanut Butter Whiskey
Peanut butter whiskey pairs well with a variety of mixers, both sweet and savory:
- Chocolate Liqueur or Syrup
- Coffee or Espresso
- Cream or Milk
- Jelly or Fruit Juice
- Soda: Cola, Dr Pepper
- Banana Liqueur
- Irish Cream
10 Best Peanut Butter Whiskey Mixed Drinks with Easy Recipes
PB Whiskey and Soda
For the simplest mix, pair peanut butter whiskey with soda. Try cola, Dr Pepper, or ginger ale for an effortless, fizzy drink that highlights the whiskey’s nutty sweetness.
How to Make: Fill a glass with ice cubes, add 2 oz of peanut butter whiskey, and top with your favorite soda. Stir gently and enjoy.
PB&J Old Fashioned
A fun twist on the classic, this cocktail combines peanut butter whiskey with grape or raspberry syrup for a nostalgic yet refined drink.
How to Make: In a stirring glass, mix together 4 dashes of Angostura bitters, ½ oz of syrup and 2 oz of peanut butter whiskey. Add ice cubes, stir for 15-20 seconds and serve in an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange zest twist and serve immediately.
Peanut Butter Cup Martini
Blend peanut butter whiskey, chocolate liqueur, and cream for a dessert martini that tastes like a liquid Reese’s cup. Garnish with crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings.
How to Make: Shake 1 ½ oz peanut butter whiskey, 1 oz chocolate liqueur, and 1 oz cream with ice. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass.
Spiked Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Mix peanut butter whiskey with hot cocoa for a cozy winter drink. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
How to Make: Stir 1 ½ oz peanut butter whiskey into your favorite hot chocolate. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate syrup or shavings.
The Nutty Espresso Martini
Combine espresso, coffee liqueur, and peanut butter whiskey for a caffeinated cocktail with a nutty kick.
How to Make: Shake 1 ½ oz peanut butter whiskey, ¾ oz coffee liqueur, and 1 fresh shot of espresso with ice. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass.
Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake
Blend peanut butter whiskey, banana liqueur, milk, and ice cream for an over-the-top milkshake cocktail. Garnish with whipped cream and banana slices.
How to Make: Blend 1 ½ oz peanut butter whiskey, 1 oz banana liqueur, ½ cup milk, and 2 scoops vanilla ice cream until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish.
The Peanut Butter Mule
Replace the vodka in a classic Moscow Mule with peanut butter whiskey for a nutty, spicy twist. Add ginger beer, lime juice, and garnish with a lime wedge.
How to Make: Mix 2 oz peanut butter whiskey, 5 oz lime juice and fill up with ginger beer over ice cubes in a copper mug. Stir and garnish with lime.
Salty Peanut Butter White Russian
Mix peanut butter whiskey, coffee liqueur, and cream. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the nutty flavors.
How to Make: Combine 1 ½ oz peanut butter whiskey, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 1 oz cream over ice. Stir gently and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Peanut Butter Whiskey Sour
A tangy twist featuring peanut butter whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice and serve with a peanut garnish.
How to Make: Shake 2 oz peanut butter whiskey, 1 oz lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a peanut or lemon twist.
Apple & Peanut Butter Tender Knob
A playful twist on the classic Tender Knob, this cocktail swaps bourbon for peanut butter whiskey, adding a rich, nutty depth to its crisp apple and cinnamon flavors. The result is a sweet, spiced drink perfect for autumn evenings.
How to Make: Muddle a thin slice of Granny Smith or Fuji apple in a shaker. Add 1 ½ oz peanut butter whiskey, 2 oz hard apple cider, ¾ oz agave nectar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Shake with ice, strain into a glass over fresh ice, and garnish with an apple slice.
Tips for Mixing Peanut Butter Whiskey Cocktails
- Keep it Balanced: Peanut butter whiskey is naturally sweet, so pair it with mixers that add acidity (e.g., citrus) or bitterness (e.g., coffee) to avoid overwhelming the palate.
- Garnishes Matter: Crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a drizzle of syrup can elevate the presentation and flavor.
- Experiment with Classics: Use peanut butter whiskey to put a nutty spin on traditional cocktails like Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Irish Coffee.
Make Your Own Peanut Butter Whiskey with Fat Washing
With flavored whiskeys trending lately (aimed at bringing vodka and liqueur drinkers into the whiskey world), it’s worth considering a homemade option rather than reaching for a premade bottle. Before peanut butter-flavored whiskey was a thing you could buy off the shelf, bartenders and mixologists used a technique called fat washing to infuse whiskey with the rich, nutty flavors.
Many bourbons and whiskeys already have natural nutty notes in their aroma and flavor, making them a perfect match for peanut butter. The fat-washing process elevates this pairing, giving you a homemade version with incredible depth and balance.
Unlike premade peanut butter whiskey brands, which often lean heavily into sweetness and butterscotch notes, homemade fat-washed whiskey gives you more control over the flavor. You can balance the sweetness, enhance the nutty character, and avoid overly artificial tastes. Plus, it’s a fun project that produces a truly unique spirit.
Learn More about Fat Washing Cocktails
More Brands
While Skrewball pioneered the category, competitors have emerged to meet the growing demand. Here are a few notable brands:
- Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey
- Ole Smoky Peanut Butter Whiskey
- Bird Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey
- Revel Stoke Peanut Butter Whisky
- Skatterbrain Peanut Butter Whiskey
FAQs
Can you drink peanut butter whiskey neat?
Yes, you can enjoy peanut butter whiskey neat, as its sweet and smooth taste makes it approachable without any mixers.
Is peanut butter whiskey gluten-free?
Most peanut butter whiskeys are gluten-free, as they are made with distilled spirits.
What’s the best temperature to serve peanut butter whiskey?
Peanut butter whiskey is versatile and can be served chilled, at room temperature, or even warm in hot drinks like hot chocolate or in a twist on an Irish Coffee.
Is peanut butter whiskey suitable for making large-batch cocktails?
Definitely! Peanut butter whiskey works well in punches or batched cocktails, especially when paired with fruit juices or sodas for parties.
