Psycho Killer Cocktail Drink

Psycho Killer

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Craving something adventurous? The Psycho Killer cocktail recipe combines unique ingredients, making it a joy to mix and a delight to taste.

Psycho Killer Recipe

Warm up this winter with the Psycho Killer cocktail recipe! Combine Irish whiskey, cocoa nib-infused Campari, and Absinthe for a bold drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

285 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Irish Whiskey
  • 1 oz Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari
  • ½ oz white Creme de Cacao
  • ½ oz Banana Liqueur
  • 1 dash of Absinthe
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Coupe Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Mixing Glass
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your coupe glass with ice cubes, stir and set it aside.
  • Dash of Absinthe: Add 1 dash of Absinthe into the mixing glass for an aromatic touch.
  • Add Creme de Cacao: Pour ½ oz white Creme de Cacao into the mix.
  • Add Campari: Measure and pour 1 oz Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari into the glass.
  • Add Banana Liqueur: Add ½ oz Banana Liqueur to the cocktail.
  • Add Whiskey: Pour 1½ oz Irish Whiskey into the mixing glass.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
  • Strain: Strain into your chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Place a lemon twist into the glass for garnish.

Notes

How to make:

  • Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari: Add 2 tablespoons of cacao nibs to a 1 liter campari bottle, let infuse for about an hour and strain.

Substitutes:

  • Irish Whiskey: If you don't have Irish whiskey, try using bourbon for a sweeter profile or rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
  • Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari: I've used regular Campari when I couldn't find cocoa nibs, and it still works well, though it lacks that chocolatey depth.
  • White Creme de Cacao: You can substitute with any other chocolate liqueur, ensure it's not too sweet.
  • Banana Liqueur: If you don't have banana liqueur, opt for peach liqueur for a different twist.

Making a Pitcher of Psycho Killer:

  1. Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 dashes of absinthe, 12 oz of Irish whiskey, 8 oz of cocoa nib-infused Campari, 4 oz of white creme de cacao, and 4 oz of Banana Liqueur.
  2. Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whiskey, Campari, creme de cacao, and banana liqueur with ice. Stir well.
  3. Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Campari Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif or create a simple syrup infused with cocoa nibs and orange peel for that bittersweet note.
  • Liqueurs: Use non-alcholic syrup alternatives available on the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
285
% Daily Value*
Carbohydrates
 
21
g
7
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Potassium
 
0.4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.01
mg
0
%

 

Psycho Killer Cocktail Drink

Psycho Killer Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Warm up this winter with the Psycho Killer cocktail recipe! Combine Irish whiskey, cocoa nib-infused Campari, and Absinthe for a bold drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 285

Ingredients
 

  • oz Irish Whiskey
  • 1 oz Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari
  • ½ oz white Creme de Cacao
  • ½ oz Banana Liqueur
  • 1 dash of Absinthe
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Coupe Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Mixing Glass
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your coupe glass with ice cubes, stir and set it aside.
  • Dash of Absinthe: Add 1 dash of Absinthe into the mixing glass for an aromatic touch.
  • Add Creme de Cacao: Pour ½ oz white Creme de Cacao into the mix.
  • Add Campari: Measure and pour 1 oz Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari into the glass.
  • Add Banana Liqueur: Add ½ oz Banana Liqueur to the cocktail.
  • Add Whiskey: Pour 1½ oz Irish Whiskey into the mixing glass.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
  • Strain: Strain into your chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Place a lemon twist into the glass for garnish.

Notes

How to make:

  • Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari: Add 2 tablespoons of cacao nibs to a 1 liter campari bottle, let infuse for about an hour and strain.

Substitutes:

  • Irish Whiskey: If you don't have Irish whiskey, try using bourbon for a sweeter profile or rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
  • Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari: I've used regular Campari when I couldn't find cocoa nibs, and it still works well, though it lacks that chocolatey depth.
  • White Creme de Cacao: You can substitute with any other chocolate liqueur, ensure it's not too sweet.
  • Banana Liqueur: If you don't have banana liqueur, opt for peach liqueur for a different twist.

Making a Pitcher of Psycho Killer:

  1. Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 dashes of absinthe, 12 oz of Irish whiskey, 8 oz of cocoa nib-infused Campari, 4 oz of white creme de cacao, and 4 oz of Banana Liqueur.
  2. Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whiskey, Campari, creme de cacao, and banana liqueur with ice. Stir well.
  3. Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Campari Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif or create a simple syrup infused with cocoa nibs and orange peel for that bittersweet note.
  • Liqueurs: Use non-alcholic syrup alternatives available on the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

What is a Psycho Killer?

A Psycho Killer is an Irish whiskey-based cocktail made of cocoa nib-infused Campari, white creme de cacao, banana liqueur, and a dash of Absinthe. It’s not difficult to make, as it involves straightforward mixing and stirring techniques. The unique combination of ingredients offers a bold and complex flavor profile that stands out among other cocktails.

A side shot of a Psycho Killer cocktail in a coupe glass on a wooden coaster placed on a wooden tray surrounded by some white cloth, and a flower sprig

What is a Psycho Killer made of – The ingredients

Follow our detailed instructions to craft a Psycho Killer:

  • Irish Whiskey: Delivers a smooth, rich base with hints of vanilla and oak.
  • Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari: Adds a bittersweet chocolate flavor with a touch of bitterness.
  • White Creme de Cacao: Brings a creamy, sweet chocolate essence to the mix.
  • Banana Liqueur: Infuses the drink with natural banana sweetness and depth.
  • Absinthe: Provides an aromatic layer with its distinct anise and herbal notes.

Irish Whiskey, cocoa nib-infuseed Campari, white creme de cacao, banana liqueur and absinthe laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Psycho Killer?

Start with these ingredients for your Psycho Killer:

1
<p>Fill a coupe glass with ice cubes. </p>

Fill a coupe glass with ice cubes.

2
<p>Stir the ice cubes in order to chill the glass.</p>

Stir the ice cubes in order to chill the glass.

3
<p>Drop a dash of Absinthe into the mixing glass to provide an aromatic layer with anise and herbal notes.</p>

Drop a dash of Absinthe into the mixing glass to provide an aromatic layer with anise and herbal notes.

4
<p>Mix in white creme de cacao for a creamy, sweet chocolate essence.</p>

Mix in white creme de cacao for a creamy, sweet chocolate essence.

5
<p>Add cocoa nib-infused Campari to introduce a bittersweet chocolate flavor.</p>

Add cocoa nib-infused Campari to introduce a bittersweet chocolate flavor.

6
<p>Add Banana Liqueur to infuse the cocktail with natural banana sweetness.</p>

Add Banana Liqueur to infuse the cocktail with natural banana sweetness.

7
<p>Finish with Irish whiskey, providing a smooth and rich base.</p>

Finish with Irish whiskey, providing a smooth and rich base.

8
<p>Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.</p>

Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.

9
<p>Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients, ensuring they blend well.</p>

Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients, ensuring they blend well.

10
<p>Strain your drink into the chilled coupe glass.</p>

Strain your drink into the chilled coupe glass.

11
<p>Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.</p>

Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

History and Origin of the Psycho Killer

The Psycho Killer cocktail emerged from the creative mind of Jillian Vose from the Dead Rabbit in New York who sought to craft a unique drink with bold flavors. He combined Irish whiskey, cocoa nib-infused Campari, and other intriguing ingredients to create a distinctive taste experience. The name “Psycho Killer” likely draws inspiration from its intense and complex flavor profile.

A Psycho Killer cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a white marmol surface surrounded by Irish Whiskey, cocoa nib-infuseed Campari, white creme de cacao, banana liqueur and absinthe

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Psycho Killer cocktail?
A typical Psycho Killer cocktail contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is the Psycho Killer cocktail?
The Psycho Killer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 25%, which translates to about 50 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Psycho Killer?
The primary spirit in a Psycho Killer is Irish whiskey, complemented by cocoa nib-infused Campari, creme de cacao white and banana liqueur.
In which glass do you serve a Psycho Killer?
Serve a Psycho Killer in a coupe glass to enhance its presentation and flavor experience.
What does a Psycho Killer taste like?
A Psycho Killer offers a complex blend of bittersweet chocolate, banana sweetness, and herbal notes from Absinthe.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Psycho Killer?
The typical ratio includes 1½ oz of Irish Whiskey, 1 oz of Cocoa Nib-Infused Campari, ½ oz of White Creme de Cacao, ½ oz of Banana Liqueur, and 1 dash of Absinthe.
How do you serve a Psycho Killer?
Serve the Psycho Killer stirred with ice and strained in a chilled cocktail glass.

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