10 Must-Try Spicy Vodkas

Absolut Peppar is the only black pepper-flavored vodka on this list. Absolut launched it in 1986 with Bloody Marys in mind. Made with ingredients locally sourced from Sweden, Absolut Peppar tastes just like freshly ground black pepper. If you’re not feeling a Bloody Mary, try it with lemon, seltzer, and a bit of simple syrup.

Jeptha Creed is a family-run distillery that makes its vodka from corn. The Jeptha Creed Hot Pepper vodka uses a blend of serrano peppers, jalapeno pepper, and garlic. It is hot but has a sweet, flavorful heat that will add a vegetal kick to your Bloody Mary.

Hanson of Sonoma is a family-owned and operated distillery in California. Rather than the wheat or grain of other brands, their vodka is made with grapes, is gluten-free, and non-GMO. The Hanson of Sonoma Organic Habanero uses a blend of locally sourced peppers, including habanero, which they chop up and soak in their vodka. This hot, savory, sweet, spicy vodka is another one with a vegetal flavor and would be a great addition to a brunch cocktail.

Stolichnaya uses rye and grain to distill its vodka. The Stolichnaya Hot Jalapeno vodka is very spicy with a breath of smoke. Try this one if you’re looking to maximize the heat in your Bloody Mary. It also works well with the tart, sweet fruits like pineapple and citrus that help temper the heat.

Breckenridge is a Colorado-based bourbon whiskey and vodka distillery. Their Breckenridge Chili Chile is a double threat made from Turkish chili and pueblo chiles grown in Colorado. This spicy vodka is another one that has a touch of smokiness and brings with it a touch of chipotle flavor.

Another flavored vodka that is pretty Bloody Mary specific, although you could experiment with other cocktails if you’re brave enough, is Referent’s Horseradish vodka. This is a smooth and savory vodka distilled in small batches with horseradish grown in Wisconsin. It is vegetal and hot and is an excellent choice for when you need to clear your sinuses. 

Speaking of bold flavors and bravery, the Naga Chili vodka boasts 500,000 Scovilles on the heat scale. That is intensely hot. That’s pouring straight firey hot sauce into your cocktail hot. At those heat levels, it’s a bit more novelty than something you’ll want to keep stocked. The Naga Chili vodka is made with Naga Jolokia chiles, also known as ghost peppers.

From a woman-owned craft distillery founded in 2011 comes the Sonoma Coast Jalapeno Lime flavored vodka. This vodka is a blend of lime and jalapeno that is fresh and spicy. Other than a Bloody Mary, this would be great in a Moscow Mule or with club soda for Taco Tuesday.

Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind Vodka brings something different to the spicy vodka game. This vodka is a Mexican-inspired blend of tamarind and peppers and boasts a sweet, sour, and tangy flavor. Try it for a spicy margarita or with grapefruit juice in a Greyhound or a Paloma.

St. George Spirits was a pioneer of craft distilling in the US. The St. George Green Chili pays tribute to the pepper as a fruit. This vodka uses jalapeno, serrano, habanero, red and green bell peppers, lime peel, and cilantro to create a layered but balanced flavor that is spicy, sweet, and savory. Highlight it in your next Bloody Mary or for a Gimlet with a kick.