Devil Cocktail

Classic Devil Cocktail
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Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving

The devil cocktail may look harmless and inviting in the glass, but that's not a dusting of nutmeg on top of this brandy cocktail—it's actually cayenne pepper! That dirty little secret is likely how the deceptively spicy cocktail gets its name.

The base of the drink—a combination of brandy and crème de menthe—is really nice as a dessert drink or comforting winter cocktail. It is similar to the stinger but it's the spicy bite of the pepper aftertaste in the devil that really shakes things up.

While it is a great drink, it has a bit of an acquired taste—if you are sensitive to spicy heat, this one may not be for you. For anyone willing to try the truly unique flavor, be sure not to overdo it on the pepper. It's also key to keep the mint in check, so don't overpour! Remember, balance (and a light hand) is key to the best cocktails and here that is absolutely vital.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces brandy

  • 1/2 ounce white crème de menthe liqueur

  • 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a cocktail shaker, pour the brandy and crème de menthe.

  3. Fill with ice, and shake well.

  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

  5. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper on top. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • White crème de menthe is preferred because it lets the brandy control the drink's color. If you use the liqueur's green version, it will taste the same but look a little messier.
  • Cayenne pepper should not be confused with chili powder. Ground cayenne is up to eight times spicier and chili powder is a blend of spices with a hint of cayenne, so they're two entirely different ingredients. Cayenne works in this recipe and, as an alternative, you can use chile powder (note the "e") as it's a blend of different kinds of chile peppers.
  • This is a very uniquely flavored brandy cocktail, so it's really not essential to pour your best brandy. At first, try it with a mid-range option and if you like it, consider mixing it up with the good stuff.
  • Until you learn whether you love or hate this drink, serve it with a water back (a separate glass of water). Consider it a safety net just in case it gets too hot or the mint-pepper combo is too much for you.

How Strong Is a Devil Cocktail?

Anytime you see a cocktail made entirely of liquor, you can expect it to be rather strong. The devil cocktail definitely falls into that category—possibly another allusion for its name—because it shakes up to about 30 percent ABV (60 proof). It's alcohol bite definitely rivals that spicy kick!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
191 Calories
0g Fat
7g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 191
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 3mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)