I’ll never forget the first time I tried peanut butter whiskey.
I was at my client, Boston Burger Company, and they had just gotten in a bottle.
It was rich, nutty, slightly sweet, like someone had melted down a peanut butter cup and added a splash of bourbon.
That’s how Skrewball, founded by Steven Yeng, got me hooked.
And now, every time I see a bottle of Skrewball at the liquor store, I think about all the delicious cocktails that start with that sweet, nutty base.
Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a non-whiskey drinker who prefers the sweet side of things, peanut butter whiskey cocktails are surprisingly easy to make.
What Exactly Is Peanut Butter Whiskey?
Peanut butter whiskey is a flavored whiskey that blends real peanuts or natural peanut flavoring with a whiskey base.
The most popular brands are Skrewball, Sheep Dog, Ole Smokey, and PB&W. Most are around 35% ABV which is lower than traditional whiskey but high enough to stand up to mixers.
The key is balance. It’s sweet but not syrupy, and it has a creamy peanut butter flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and even fruit-based mixers like grape jelly or banana liqueur.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can shake it with ice cubes for a peanut butter cocktail, stir it into dessert cocktails with vanilla ice cream, or even pour it into your hot apple cider for a winter treat.
The Main Ingredients to Have on Hand
If you’re planning to experiment, here are the basics to keep nearby:
- A bottle of Skrewball Whiskey (or any peanut butter whiskey brand you love)
- Simple syrup – for balancing when you add acidic mixers like lemon juice
- Coffee liqueur or chocolate liqueur – for rich, dessert-style cocktails
- Irish cream or almond milk – adds a creamy texture without overpowering the peanut butter flavor
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream – if you want to turn your drink into dessert
- Banana liqueur or black raspberry liqueur – for fun twists on classics
- Fresh ice cubes or a large ice cube for sipping drinks
- Cocktail shaker and mixing glass – so you can shake, strain, and pour like a pro
Peanut Butter Whiskey Cocktails You Need to Try
1. Peanut Butter Cup Cocktail
This one tastes exactly like it sounds: decadent, chocolatey, and a little dangerous.
What you’ll need:
- 2 oz of peanut butter whiskey
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- Splash of cream
- Whipped cream and chocolate syrup for garnish
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into a rocks glass. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup. It’s basically dessert in liquid form.
2. Peanut Butter Whiskey Sour
A twist on a classic cocktail that balances sweetness with tart lemon.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz of peanut butter whiskey
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. The nutty flavor of the whiskey and the acidity of the lemon juice make this one unexpectedly refreshing.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cocktail
This one makes me laugh every time I make it. It’s nostalgic, a little quirky, and somehow works perfectly.
You’ll need:
- 1½ oz peanut butter whiskey
- 1 oz black raspberry liqueur (or grape jelly syrup)
- ½ oz simple syrup
Shake over ice and strain into a tall glass. Garnish with a mini peanut butter sandwich skewer if you want to get fancy.
4. PB White Russian
Think of this as the grown-up version of dunking cookies in milk.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz peanut butter whiskey
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- Splash of cream or almond milk
Build it directly in a rocks glass with ice cubes and stir gently. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for dessert cocktails or after-dinner sipping.
5. Peanut Butter Whiskey Milkshake
For when you want to drink your dessert instead of eat it.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz peanut butter whiskey
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Splash of milk or almond milk
Blend until smooth and pour into a chilled glass. Top with whipped cream and crushed peanut butter cups. Great idea for your next party if you’re serving dessert drinks.
Fun Ways to Enjoy Peanut Butter Whiskey
- Make an Irish Coffee twist: Swap traditional whiskey for peanut butter whiskey, then top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
- Pour it over vanilla ice cream: A drizzle of Skrewball over ice cream turns into an instant dessert cocktail.
- Hot Peanut Butter Cider: Combine peanut butter whiskey with hot apple cider for a cozy, slightly sweet winter drink.
- Add it to Espresso Martinis: It brings a nutty flavor to the bold coffee notes — perfect for brunch.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Drink
- Room temperature vs chilled: Peanut butter whiskey tastes smoother at room temperature, but for cocktails, always shake with ice to keep it balanced.
- Don’t overdo the sweeteners. Peanut butter whiskey already leans sweet; too much sugar or syrup can overpower it.
- Use real peanuts or peanut butter cups as garnish for a fun finishing touch.
- Experiment with different brands. Skrewball is the classic, but Sheep Dog and Ole Smokey are also excellent choices with slightly different flavor profiles.
- Serve in the right glass. Rocks glass for sipping, tall glass for mixed drinks, and shot glasses for peanut butter cup shots.
Peanut Butter Whiskey Brands Worth Trying
1. Skrewball Whiskey – The original and still the gold standard for peanut butter whiskey drinks. Smooth, slightly salty, and delicious in every recipe.
2. Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey – A little less sweet with a drier finish; great for mixing with chocolate or coffee liqueur.
3. Ole Smokey Peanut Butter Whiskey – Creamier, with a noticeable roasted peanut butter flavor.
4. PB&W – Adds a vanilla note that works beautifully in dessert cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the main ingredients in peanut butter whiskey cocktails?
A: Most recipes start with 2 oz of peanut butter whiskey and mix in ingredients like chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, or fruit syrups. Simple syrup, lemon juice, or cream often help balance the drink.
Q: Can I make a peanut butter whiskey cocktail without a shaker?
A: Yes. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar or mixing glass with a lid. Just make sure to shake well with ice cubes before straining.
Q: What’s the best drink for first-time peanut butter whiskey drinkers?
A: Try the Peanut Butter Whiskey Sour. It’s light, balanced, and lets you taste the nutty flavor without it being too rich.
Q: Is peanut butter whiskey gluten-free?
A: Most brands, including Skrewball, are made without gluten ingredients. Still, check each label if you have allergies.
Q: Can I use peanut butter whiskey in classic cocktails?
A: Absolutely. You can replace the whiskey in an old fashioned, white Russian, or Irish coffee for a sweet twist.
Q: How long does peanut butter whiskey last?
A: It keeps well for a long time if stored at room temperature. Once opened, seal tightly and store away from sunlight.