Fireball Cinnamon Whisky Glass Bottle Sizes & Full Guide

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is a Canadian whisky-based liqueur produced by the Sazerac Company. It blends a Canadian whisky base with natural cinnamon flavoring and sweeteners, bottled at 33% ABV (66 U.S. proof).

The result is a spirit that sits somewhere between a flavored whisky and a liqueur. It is sweet and spicy, with a long cinnamon burn that earned it the slogan: "Tastes like Heaven, Burns like Hell."

The brand started life in Canada in the mid-1980s as part of Seagram's flavored schnapps line, originally sold under the Dr. McGillicuddy's name. Sazerac acquired it in 1989 and rebranded it as Fireball Cinnamon Whisky in 2007.

What followed was one of the fastest rises in American spirits history. Retail sales jumped from $1.9 million in 2011 to $61 million in 2013, eventually overtaking Jägermeister to become the top-selling liqueur in the United States.

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky vs. Fireball Cinnamon: What’s the Difference?

This is a common point of confusion. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky (the glass bottle version) is a whisky-based product at 33% ABV.

Fireball Cinnamon (the small plastic mini bottles often found in grocery and convenience stores) is a malt-based product at just 16.5% ABV. It does not legally qualify as a whisky. The packaging looks nearly identical, which has led to consumer complaints and ongoing legal disputes.

If you want the real whisky version, look for the glass bottle and check the ABV.

*Image above is for illustration purposes only and may vary from the actual products.

Fireball comes in more sizes than most spirits brands. Whether you need a single shot for a recipe or a full keg for a party, there's a format for it. Here's what each size looks like in practice.

50ml and 100ml — The Mini Shooters

The 50ml bottle holds exactly one standard shot (1.5 oz). It's the size you'll find in airport shops, hotel minibars, and party favor bags. The 100ml holds two shots and is slightly less common. Both are glass bottles in the standard Fireball design.

Prices typically run $1.00–$1.50 for the 50ml and around $1.79 for the 100ml. These are ideal for gifting, sampling, or adding a single serving to a cocktail without opening a larger bottle.

200ml — The Half-Pint

The 200ml bottle holds about four shots and retails for around $2.99. It is a practical size for a night out or a small gathering where you don't want to commit to a full bottle.

It fits easily in a jacket pocket or small bag, and the glass bottle keeps the spirit at its best.

375ml — The Half-Bottle (Pint)

At 375ml, you get about eight shots for roughly $4.99–$7.99. This is the most portable option that still feels like a proper bottle.

It is a popular choice for camping trips, tailgates, and small dinner parties. The glass bottle format is standard at this size.

750ml — The Standard Bottle (Fifth)

The 750ml is the most widely available size and the one most people picture when they think of a Fireball bottle. It holds about 17 shots and retails for $10.99–$14.99.

This is the standard glass bottle size you'll find at liquor stores, grocery stores, and online retailers across the United States. It is the right size for a home bar, a medium-sized party, or a gift.

1L — The Liter Bottle

The 1L bottle holds about 22 shots and typically retails for around $22.99. It offers better value per ounce than the 750ml and is a good choice if you go through Fireball regularly. Availability can vary by state and retailer, but it is commonly stocked at most major liquor chains.

1.75L — The Handle (Half-Gallon)

The 1.75L handle is the best value per ounce and the go-to size for regular buyers and large gatherings. It holds about 39 shots and retails for $13.99–$19.99 depending on the retailer.

Both glass and plastic (PET) versions are available at this size. The glass bottle is the better choice for home storage and presentation. The plastic version is more practical for outdoor events where glass isn't allowed.

5L FireKeg — The Party Keg

The FireKeg is a limited-edition format that holds five liters (roughly 115 shots) and retails for around $79.99. It features three spouts, so multiple people can pour at once. It is a statement piece for large parties and events.

Fireball releases the FireKeg periodically, with limited availability. Check specialty liquor retailers or Fireball's own website for current stock.

Fireball offers both glass and plastic (PET) bottles in the 750ml and 1.75L sizes. The spirit inside is identical. The difference is purely practical.

Why Choose the Glass Bottle

Glass is chemically inert, which means it won't interact with the spirit over time. It is the better choice for home bars, gifting, and any situation where presentation matters. Glass also keeps the liquid at a more stable temperature and is fully recyclable.

If you're serving Fireball in a quality setting, or pouring it into a proper whisky glass, the glass bottle is the right call.

Why Choose the Plastic Bottle

Plastic bottles are lighter, shatterproof, and allowed in venues where glass is typically prohibited. They are good for pools, outdoor festivals, sporting events, and camping sites.

If you're buying Fireball for a beach party or a tailgate, the PET bottle is the practical choice. Just don't store it long-term in plastic. Transfer to a glass decanter if you plan to keep it for more than a few weeks.

Fireball tastes like cinnamon candy with a whisky backbone. The nose leads with grated cinnamon and a hint of sweetness. On the palate, you get a wave of spice and sugar that builds into a long, warming burn. The finish lingers with cinnamon heat that is not harsh, but noticeable.

At 33% ABV, it is lighter than most standard whiskies (which run 40% and above). This makes it more approachable for people who don't usually drink spirits straight. The sweetness balances the heat, and the cinnamon flavor is authentic, not artificial or medicinal. Think Atomic Fireball candy or Big Red gum, but with a whisky base.

How Fireball Compares to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire is the closest direct competitor. Tennessee Fire is bourbon-based (vs. Fireball's Canadian whisky base) and comes in at 35% ABV (vs. Fireball's 33%). Both use real cinnamon and share a sweet, easy-drinking profile.

Tennessee Fire has a slightly drier, more whisky-forward character. Fireball leans sweeter and more candy-like. Which you prefer comes down to personal taste, but Fireball remains the original and the best-selling of the two.

Fireball is versatile. You can take it as a straight shot, sip it on the rocks, or use it as a cocktail ingredient. Here's how to get the most out of each approach.

As a Straight Shot

Pour 1.5 oz into a shot glass and take it down. Fireball works well for this. The sweetness makes it go down easy, and the cinnamon burn arrives right after.

Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled. Avoid serving it ice-cold, as extreme cold mutes the cinnamon aroma.

On the Rocks

Pour 2 oz over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. The ice slows the sip and softens the sweetness slightly, making it feel more like a proper whisky drink. A large, clear ice cube melts slowly and keeps dilution minimal, which is important since Fireball is already lower in alcohol than most whiskies.

Best Fireball Cocktails

Fireball works well as a cocktail ingredient because its cinnamon flavor is strong enough to carry through mixers. Here are five combinations worth trying:

• Ciderball: 1.5 oz Fireball + hard cider over ice. The apple and cinnamon combination is a fall classic.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch: Equal parts Fireball and RumChata. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar.
• Hotter Toddy: 1.5 oz Fireball + hot water + honey + lemon. A warming winter drink.
• Fireball and Coke: 1.5 oz Fireball + cola over ice. Simple, crowd-pleasing, and easy to make in bulk.
• Drunken Dessert: 1.5 oz Fireball stirred into hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream.

What Glass To Use for Fireball

For shots, a standard shot glass works fine. For sipping on the rocks, a rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned glass) is the right choice. Its wide opening lets the cinnamon aroma reach your nose before each sip.

If you're serving Fireball as part of a cocktail, match the glass to the drink. Choose a highball for long drinks, a coupe or martini glass for stirred cocktails, or a mug for hot drinks.

The glass you use shapes the experience. A quality vessel with the right bowl shape concentrates aroma and makes even a casual pour feel considered.

The Aequilibrium Spirit Glass is a standout choice, with its hand-blown, lead-free crystal build and 360º pivot base. The kinetic design concept gently aerates liquid, opening up aromas for an enhanced sip.

Also read: Types of Whiskey Glasses for the Perfect Glass of Whiskey

Fireball is one of the most widely distributed spirits in the United States, so finding it is rarely a problem. But knowing what to look for helps you get the right product at the right price.

Always Check the Bottle Material and ABV

The most important thing to check is whether you're buying the whisky-based product (33% ABV, glass bottle) or the malt-based Fireball Cinnamon (16.5% ABV, often in small plastic bottles).

The packaging is nearly identical. If you're in a grocery store or convenience store and see tiny Fireball bottles, check the label carefully. Those are almost certainly the malt-based version, not the whisky.

Price Guide by Bottle Size

• 50ml: $1.00–$1.50
• 100ml: ~$1.79
• 200ml: ~$2.99
• 375ml: $4.99–$7.99
• 750ml: $10.99–$14.99
• 1L: ~$22.99
• 1.75L: $13.99–$19.99
• 5L FireKeg: ~$79.99 (limited availability)

Prices vary by state and retailer. Total Wine & More and BevMo tend to have the widest selection of sizes. The 1.75L glass bottle consistently offers the best value per ounce for regular buyers.

Special Editions and Gift Sets

Fireball periodically releases special formats beyond the standard lineup. The Dragnum is a 1.75L bottle in a magnum-style design, retailing for around $23.99.

The Dragon Reserve is a small-batch barrel-aged whiskey released in limited quantities. It is a more serious expression from the brand, priced at $24.99 for 750ml.

Holiday gift sets and party buckets with multiple mini bottles also appear seasonally. Check major retailers in October and November for the best selection.

Fireball is a stable spirit that stores well under normal conditions. Here's what you need to know.

Shelf Life and Storage Conditions

An unopened bottle of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky will keep indefinitely when stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Once opened, it stays at its best for one to two years, though it remains safe to drink well beyond that.

Store it upright. Unlike wine, spirits don't need to lie on their side, and the cinnamon flavoring can interact with cork over time.

Will Fireball Freeze?

The whisky-based Fireball (33% ABV) won't freeze in a standard home freezer set to 0°F. The malt-based Fireball Cinnamon (16.5% ABV) may freeze at standard freezer temperatures because of its lower alcohol content.

If you want to serve Fireball cold, chill the glass bottle in the refrigerator rather than the freezer. Doing so brings it to a good serving temperature without risking freezing or muting the cinnamon aroma.

Also read: The 7 Best Whiskey Glasses for Better Taste