Peanut Butter & Jelly Cocktail

Nostalgia is a powerful thing, especially when it shows up in cocktails. The Peanut Butter & Jelly Cocktail takes a familiar childhood flavor combo and gives it a simple, grown-up update that actually works. The first time I served this drink, it was meant to be a quick, fun option for a casual hang, and it ended up stealing the spotlight.

Peanut butter whiskey brings a smooth, nutty base, while raspberry syrup or liqueur adds that classic jelly note with just enough sweetness. A splash of club soda keeps everything light and refreshing. I love this because it doesn’t try to be fancy or complicated. It’s playful, easy to drink, and still balanced enough to go back for a second round.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Cocktail is simple, refreshing, and instantly recognizable once you taste it. It’s not a dessert drink, but it still feels comforting and fun.

• Familiar peanut butter and berry flavor combo
• Lightened with club soda for easy sipping
• Built right in the glass, no shaker needed
• Quick to make for one or a group
• Sweet without being heavy
• Fun garnish options that dress it up

If you like cocktails that feel relaxed and crowd-friendly, this one checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

This recipe keeps things minimal so the flavors stay clear. Each ingredient has a purpose, and together they create a balanced drink that doesn’t overwhelm.

• 2 oz peanut butter whiskey
• 2 oz raspberry syrup or raspberry liqueur
• Club soda, to top
• Fresh raspberries and/or strawberries (for garnish)

Here’s how each ingredient plays its role:

• Peanut butter whiskey: This forms the base of the drink and brings that smooth, nutty flavor that makes the cocktail instantly recognizable.
• Raspberry syrup or liqueur: Adds sweetness and fruit flavor to balance the whiskey. Syrup gives a softer sweetness, while liqueur adds more depth.
• Club soda: Lightens the drink and keeps it refreshing instead of rich.
• Fresh berries: Reinforce the flavor and add color and freshness to the glass.

Tip: If your raspberry syrup is very sweet, use a little less and adjust after tasting.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

This cocktail is flexible, but the peanut butter flavor is what defines it. Choosing a good base makes a noticeable difference.

• Peanut butter whiskey: Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is a popular choice and works well in this style of cocktail.
• Raspberry liqueur: Look for one with real fruit flavor rather than candy-like sweetness.
• Raspberry syrup: Homemade or store-bought both work. Syrup gives a lighter, soda-style drink.
• Club soda: Any plain soda water works. Avoid flavored seltzers, which can clash.
• Lower-sweetness option: Use less raspberry and more soda for a drier drink.
• No soda option: Serve over ice without soda for a stronger, spirit-forward version.

Taste as you build to find your preferred balance.

Equipment and Glassware

This is a no-fuss cocktail, which makes it great for casual hosting.

What you’ll need:

• Mason Jar
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger

Glass tip: A highball glass works well if you like more soda, while a rocks glass keeps it spirit-forward.

How to Make It

This cocktail is built directly in the glass, which makes it quick and easy to repeat.

1. Fill the glass with ice.
   Use fresh ice to keep the drink cold and clean tasting.
2. Add the spirits.
   Pour in the peanut butter whiskey and raspberry syrup or liqueur.
3. Top with club soda.
   Fill the glass with club soda, leaving a little room to stir.
4. Stir gently.
   Give the drink a light stir to combine without knocking out the bubbles.
5. Garnish and serve.
   Add fresh raspberries or strawberries and enjoy.

Common tweak: Add soda slowly to avoid excess fizz.

Pro Tips

A few small details help keep this cocktail balanced and refreshing.

• Chill your ingredients so the drink stays crisp.
• Stir gently to keep carbonation intact.
• Taste before serving and adjust sweetness if needed.
• Use clear ice for better presentation.
• Add soda last to preserve bubbles.
• Keep garnishes fresh for best flavor.
• Serve right away while the drink is cold.
• Don’t oversweeten since peanut butter whiskey already has sweetness.

Once you make it once, it becomes an easy go-to.

Variations

This cocktail is easy to customize depending on the vibe or crowd.

• Stronger version: Skip the soda and serve over ice.
• Frozen version: Blend with ice for a slushy-style drink.
• Creamy version: Add a splash of milk or cream for a dessert feel.
• Mocktail version: Use raspberry syrup, soda, and a peanut butter–flavored syrup.
• Citrus twist: Add a small squeeze of lemon to brighten the fruit flavor.

These options keep the same concept while changing the experience.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Cocktail is best in relaxed settings where fun matters more than formality.

Best times to serve it:

• Game nights
• Backyard parties
• Casual dinners
• Late-night hangouts
• Birthday gatherings

Pair it with:

• Popcorn or pretzels
• Peanut butter cookies
• Chocolate desserts
• Fresh fruit trays
• Simple snack foods

Salty or chocolatey foods work especially well here.

Storage and Serving Notes

This drink is best made fresh, but prep is easy.

Helpful notes:

• Pre-cut garnishes ahead of time.
• Chill soda and spirits before serving.
• Avoid batching with soda already added.
• Stir each drink individually for best fizz.

Leftovers do not store well once mixed.

FAQs

This cocktail often raises questions because of its name and flavor combo.

Does it really taste like peanut butter and jelly?
Yes, but in a lighter, more refreshing way.

Is this drink very sweet?
It can be adjusted easily by changing the amount of raspberry.

Can I use flavored soda?
Plain soda is best to keep flavors clean.

Is this a strong cocktail?
It’s moderate, especially with soda added.

Can I make it for a crowd?
Yes. Batch the whiskey and raspberry, then top with soda per glass.

What garnish works best?
Fresh raspberries or strawberries keep it simple and on-theme.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed this Peanut Butter & Jelly Cocktail, you might like these fun, approachable drinks too.

• Drunken Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Frozen Raspberry Limoncello
• Raspberry Sorbet 75
• Raspberry Sorbet Spritz Float
• Raspberry Hibiscus Moscow Mule