Pepper vodka is a flavored vodka infused with the bold, spicy taste of various peppers, such as black pepper, chili peppers, or jalapeños. This spirit combines the smooth, clean base of vodka with a fiery heat that adds depth and complexity to cocktails. Whether you’re spicing up a Bloody Mary or giving a simple vodka tonic an extra edge, pepper vodka delivers warmth, intensity, and a fiery bite. Its versatility allows you to use it in both savory and sweet cocktails, making it an exciting choice for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts who love drinks with a little extra heat.

If you don’t have pepper vodka on hand, here are a few alternatives that can bring a similar spicy heat to your cocktails:

• Plain Vodka + Hot Sauce: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to plain vodka for a quick and easy spicy alternative.
• Infused Vodka with Fresh Peppers: Muddle fresh peppers (such as jalapeños or habaneros) in regular vodka or let them steep for a few hours to infuse a spicy kick.
• Chili Vodka: For a fiery heat similar to pepper vodka, chili vodka provides a bold, spicy flavor that works in a variety of cocktails.
• Cucumber Vodka + Jalapeño: If you want a refreshing yet spicy alternative, try adding fresh jalapeño slices to cucumber vodka for a cooling, spicy combo.

These pepper vodka brands are known for their bold, spicy flavors and smooth finishes, making them perfect for crafting fiery, flavorful cocktails:

• Absolut Peppar: A classic pepper vodka with a balanced heat and a blend of black pepper and spicy peppers, ideal for Bloody Marys and other spicy cocktails.
• Stolichnaya (Stoli) Hot Vodka: Known for its bold jalapeño and chili pepper flavor, this vodka brings a serious kick to any drink.
• Devil’s Springs Pepper Vodka: A fiery vodka infused with black and red pepper, delivering a strong, intense heat perfect for adventurous drinkers.
• Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind: While not strictly a pepper vodka, its spicy tamarind flavor provides a fiery twist for those who love heat in their cocktails.
• Infused Vodka Co. Spicy Pepper Vodka: Handcrafted with a variety of hot peppers, this vodka is great for adding serious spice to cocktails.

• Balance the Spice with Sweetness: Pepper vodka’s heat pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients like honey, simple syrup, or fruit juices. This balance keeps the spice from overwhelming the drink and adds complexity.
• Use in Savory Cocktails: Pepper vodka is perfect for savory drinks like Bloody Marys or martinis. The heat complements rich, savory flavors and adds depth to the drink.
• Pair with Citrus: The sharp heat of pepper vodka works well with bright citrus flavors like lime or lemon. Citrus adds a refreshing balance to the spice and keeps the drink crisp.
• Experiment with Herbs: Pepper vodka’s bold flavor can be paired with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a complex, aromatic cocktail that enhances the heat.
• Use Sparingly in Simple Cocktails: Pepper vodka shines in simple cocktails with minimal ingredients. Try mixing it with soda water or tonic for an easy, spicy drink that lets the vodka’s heat stand out.