Ingredients
- 1 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
- 1 oz Grain Alcohol
- 1 oz Peppermint Schnapps
- 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Gold Tequila
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
- Ensure all schnapps are ice cold.
Combine Ingredients:
- Combine 1 oz cinnamon schnapps, 1 oz grain alcohol, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz bourbon whiskey, and 1 oz gold tequila in a cocktail glass.
Mix:
- Mix well to blend the flavors.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and drink like a shot. Enjoy this bold and intense drink!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No one's quite sure who first decided to combine this particular lineup of heavy hitters. It smells like a dare that got out of hand, probably late night in some college town bar or a particularly rowdy dive. It's definitely not something you'll find in any classic cocktail tomes.
This isn't really a cocktail in the traditional sense. It's more of a spirit bomb, a shot designed to make an impression, or perhaps a mistake. It shares DNA with other "challenge" shots, where the goal is less about nuanced flavor and more about sheer potency.
You'd order this when the night's already gone off the rails, or when you're trying to prove something to yourself or your friends. It's a last call kind of drink, or something for a bachelor party where good judgment has already packed its bags and left.
What it tastes like
The first hit is a chaotic mix of sweet cinnamon and sharp peppermint, quickly followed by the raw burn of grain alcohol and the distinct notes of bourbon and tequila. It's a full-frontal assault on your palate, with each spirit fighting for dominance. There's no subtle interplay here, just a loud, boisterous blend.
This five-ounce shot clocks in around 43.5% ABV, which is roughly the same alcohol content as a strong whiskey or a standard vodka. To put it in perspective, that's like downing about three standard beers in one go, but a lot faster and with a much more immediate impact. Treat it with respect.
The technique
Building this is straightforward: get your schnapps cold, then pour everything into a cocktail glass. Give it a quick stir to make sure all five ounces are properly acquainted. This isn't a sipper, so serve it up and get ready for the main event.
The only real technique here is making sure those schnapps are properly chilled. Warm schnapps in a drink like this just makes the whole experience less palatable. Cold helps cut some of the raw edge, even if just a little.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Grain Alcohol
- Use
- Everclear, Spirytus Rektyfikowany. The higher the proof, the more it lives up to the name.
- Skip
- Anything less than 151 proof. You're not making a spritzer.
- Why
- This is the raw power. It's what makes the drink a challenge, not just a mix of spirits.
Schnapps (Cinnamon & Peppermint)
- Use
- Any decent brand of both cinnamon and peppermint schnapps. The cheaper stuff works just fine here, honestly.
- Skip
- Liqueurs that are too syrupy or low proof. You want the sharp, clear flavor.
- Why
- They provide the initial flavor punch and a bit of sweetness to mask the raw alcohol, creating that "tough enough" contrast.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
The "Are You REALLY Tough Enough?"
- When 190 proof just isn't enough.
- Swap the standard grain alcohol for something even higher proof, if you can find it. Use barrel-proof bourbon and overproof tequila for an even more intense experience.
The "Sweet Surrender"
- For those who need a little mercy.
- Add a half ounce of simple syrup or a sweet liqueur like peach schnapps to try and tame the beast. It won't make it easy, but it might make it slightly less aggressive.
The "No Schnapps, No Problem"
- Stripping it down to the bare knuckles.
- Ditch the schnapps entirely and go with just the grain alcohol, bourbon, and tequila. It's a purer, unadulterated spirit shot for the truly committed.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A dash of cinnamon whiskey or a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon (strain it).
A few drops of peppermint extract or a very small amount of creme de menthe.
High-proof vodka (like 100 proof or higher) will get you part of the way there, but it won't be the same raw power.
Any small, sturdy glass will do. A shot glass is the obvious choice here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Are You Tough Enough??
It's a five-ounce shot made with cinnamon schnapps, grain alcohol, peppermint schnapps, bourbon whiskey, and gold tequila.
How strong is the Are You Tough Enough??
This drink is seriously potent, clocking in around 43.5% ABV. That's like drinking three standard beers in one quick hit.
Is the Are You Tough Enough? meant to be a shot or a cocktail?
It's definitely intended as a shot. You're meant to drink it quickly, not sip it.
Why is it called Are You Tough Enough??
The name comes from the intense combination of five different spirits, including high-proof grain alcohol. It's a challenge shot.
Can I use silver tequila instead of gold?
Sure, but gold tequila usually has a slightly sweeter, smoother profile that helps balance the other strong flavors a bit more. Silver will work, but expect it to be a bit sharper.
What's the best way to serve this drink?
Serve it immediately in a small glass or shot glass, ensuring the schnapps are ice cold beforehand.
Is this a good drink for beginners?
Absolutely not. This is a drink for experienced drinkers who know what they're getting into and are ready for a very strong, fast-acting shot.
What kind of occasion is this drink for?
This is a late-night, party-hard, "let's see what happens" kind of drink. Think bachelor parties, dive bars, or a dare among friends.
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