Peanut butter is having a moment right now. From peanut-flavored snacks to ice creams and even cocktails, the salty spread has infiltrated our palates in a big way. But we think it’s time for another P word to get its moment – that’s right, we’re talking about peanut butter whiskey! Peanut butter whiskey isn’t a new invention; it just hasn’t gotten much attention until recently. With the growing popularity of down home cocktails, chefs and bartenders have been recreating old time favorites with unique twists.
Peanut butter whiskey falls into this category. Check out our article below for everything you need to know about peanut butter whiskey, its history, production methods, and where you can drink it!
What is Peanut Butter Whiskey?
Peanut butter whiskey is a type of American whiskey made with peanuts as a primary ingredient. Like peanut butter and jelly, PBW is a combination of peanut butter and whiskey that’s reminiscent of Americana. While you can choose to drink it straight, it’s also commonly mixed with cola. Peanut butter whiskey is sometimes called “The Other Black and White”, as opposed to the classic “Black and White” cocktail made with crème de menthe and vanilla ice cream.
History of Peanut Butter Whiskey
Like most good ideas, peanut butter whiskey first came about by accident. The first recorded instances of peanut butter whiskey being made were during the Prohibition Era, when many ingredients were hard to come by. With access to quality grains being extremely limited, bartenders found themselves in a tricky predicament. With very few drinks available, they were forced to use whatever they could get their hands on. And what they got their hands on was peanuts – and a lot of them.
In fact, there were so many peanuts available that brewers and bartenders were forced to use them in everything they could. Peanut butter whiskey was one of the many concoctions that resulted from this.
How is Peanut Butter Whiskey Made?
Peanut butter whiskey is made by aging a neutral spirit like vodka or bourbon in a barrel for a few months. While the spirit ages, housemade peanut butter is added. After the aging process is complete, the peanut butter is strained out, and the spirit is bottled. Unlike peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter whiskey isn’t typically made with a cheap neutral spirit. Instead, it’s made with an aged, high-quality whiskey. A good peanut butter whiskey will usually be made with barrel-aged bourbon or rye.
The Pros of Drinking Peanut Butter Whiskey
Given that peanut butter whiskey is essentially a peanut-flavored whiskey, you’re getting a lot of benefits when you drink it. Here are just a few:
– It’s a Great Mixer – At the end of the day, peanut butter whiskey is a whiskey – and that means it mixes well with nearly anything. Whether you’re drinking it straight or pairing it with another mixer, peanut butter whiskey is a very versatile drink.
– It’s Delicious – This one’s a no-brainer. Peanut butter whiskey is delicious no matter how you drink it – whether it’s mixed into a cocktail or served on the rocks.
– It’s Nutritious – While peanut butter whiskey is delicious, it’s also good for you. It’s made with peanuts, after all, which are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
The Cons of Drinking Peanut Butter Whiskey
Given that peanut butter whiskey is essentially peanut butter and whiskey, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some potential cons of drinking peanut butter whiskey.
– It’s High in Calories – Peanut butter whiskey is delicious and nutritious, but it’s also high in calories. You’ll want to drink this one in moderation.
– It’s High in Fat – Peanut butter whiskey is high in fat, which isn’t ideal for everyone. If you’re trying to avoid fat, you might want to steer clear of PBW.
– It’s High in Sugar – Just like peanut butter, peanut butter whiskey is high in sugar. If you have diabetes or are trying to cut back on sugar, this might not be the drink for you.
Final Thoughts
Peanut butter is a flavor that works in everything – from cookies to ice creams to cocktails. And peanut butter whiskey proves it. This beverage is a staple in American drinking culture, and it’s easy to see why. It’s delicious, it’s rich, and it’s everything you’d want in a drink. If you’re a whiskey drinker who has a soft spot for peanut butter, peanut butter whiskey is the perfect drink for you.
