Cinnamon heat meets whiskey warmth in Damned if You Do, a direct shooter pouring three-quarters of an ounce of whiskey alongside a smaller measure of Hot Damn cinnamon schnapps. The combination is fiery and warming, served in a shot glass and intended for quick consumption rather than slow appraisal, as the instructions, which amount to drinking and repeating as needed, make plain. At roughly 29 percent ABV and about 74 calories, it ranks among the stronger shots in this collection. The name plays on the no-win predicament of either taking something potent or declining the social pressure to do so.
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Damned if you do
Ingrédients
Instructions
Pour into shot glass. Put in mouth. Repeat as deemed necessary.
Damned if You Do is a direct, high-proof whiskey shot that combines a measure of whiskey with a smaller measure of Hot Damn cinnamon schnapps, creating a fiery, warming shot with the familiar combination of whiskey warmth and cinnamon heat. At 29.25% ABV, it is a strong shooter designed for quick, casual consumption rather than contemplative sipping. The name reflects the shot's reputation for producing a no-win situation of either drinking something powerful or resisting the peer pressure to do so.
History & Origins
Damned if You Do is a bar-culture shot with disputed origins, its name a common English idiom reflecting the no-win dilemma. The combination of whiskey and cinnamon schnapps reflects the popularity of cinnamon-flavored spirits in American bar culture during the 1980s and 1990s, when products like Hot Damn and Fireball became widely consumed. No single credited inventor exists for this recipe.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Whiskey grain and vanilla with the warm, assertive cinnamon spice of Hot Damn schnapps. Palate: A bold shot with the whiskey's grain and slight oak character combined with the sweet cinnamon burn of Hot Damn; the two flavors reinforce each other. Finish: Long, warming, and spicy with persistent cinnamon.
Pro Tip
Serve this shot at room temperature rather than chilled, as the warmth enhances the cinnamon spice and whiskey character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in Damned If You Do?
Damned If You Do is a straightforward, high-proof shooter made with whiskey and Hot Damn cinnamon schnapps. The two ingredients are combined in a shot glass and consumed immediately. The whiskey provides alcoholic base and grain character while the Hot Damn schnapps delivers a bold, sweet cinnamon heat. The resulting ABV is approximately 29.25%, making it a strong shot.
What is Hot Damn cinnamon schnapps?
Hot Damn is a brand of cinnamon schnapps liqueur produced by DeKuyper, known for its intense, fiery cinnamon flavour and sweetness. It is similar in profile to Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, another popular cinnamon-flavoured spirit. Hot Damn is used in a variety of shooter recipes where cinnamon heat and sweetness are desired, often combined with whiskey, vodka, or other base spirits.
What occasions suit Damned If You Do and similar cinnamon shooters?
Damned If You Do suits casual bar settings, shots rounds, and Halloween or autumnal-themed parties where the bold cinnamon and whiskey combination fits the spirit of the occasion. Its high ABV requires responsible consumption. The sweet-hot cinnamon profile appeals to those who enjoy Fireball-style drinks and the combination of whiskey character with confectionery spice notes.
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