Ingredients
- 3/4 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
- 1 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
- 4 oz Citrus Soda
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a whiskey sour glass, mix together 3/4 oz of butterscotch schnapps and 1 oz of cinnamon schnapps.
Step 2: Add Soda
- Top off with 4 oz of citrus soda for a fizzy, refreshing finish.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve immediately and enjoy the blend of spicy, sweet, and citrusy goodness.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The story behind a drink named Dragon Piss probably isn't found in dusty old cocktail books. This one emerged from the kind of late night bar brainstorming that happens when a bartender dares a customer to try something wild. Its exact origin is hazy, likely born in a dive bar somewhere in the late 20th or early 21st century, rather than a ritzy hotel lounge.
It's a distant cousin to the highball, but with a sweeter, more dessert-like spirit. Think of it as a boozy soda pop that decided to get a little edgy with its flavor profile. It doesn't fit neatly into any classic cocktail family, preferring to carve out its own niche as a playful, straightforward concoction.
You're not ordering this at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and that's exactly the point. This is a backyard BBQ sipper, a pre-game starter, or a 'let's just have fun' kind of drink. It thrives in casual settings where the vibe is relaxed and the company is good, no fancy glassware required.
What it tastes like
First sip, and you get that upfront butterscotch sweetness, quickly followed by the warm, assertive spice of cinnamon. The citrus soda cuts through both, adding a bright, effervescent lift that keeps the whole thing from getting too syrupy. It’s a bold combination that hits all the sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
Don't let the approachable flavors fool you, though. With roughly 0.26 ounces of pure alcohol in a 5.75 ounce drink, the Dragon Piss clocks in around 4.5 percent ABV. That puts it squarely in the territory of a light lager, meaning you can enjoy a couple without getting completely derailed, but it’s still definitely a grown-up drink.
The technique
Building a Dragon Piss is as simple as it gets. Grab a whiskey sour glass, pour in the butterscotch and cinnamon schnapps, give them a quick stir to marry the spirits. Then, top it all off with your citrus soda. No shaking, no straining, just a direct build that delivers on flavor without the fuss. Serve it up right away while it's still fizzy and cold.
The trick here is all about the fizz. Don't go wild stirring after you add the soda. You want to keep those bubbles alive and kicking, so a gentle pour and a minimal stir after the schnapps are combined is key. It's a simple drink, so respect the carbonation.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Butterscotch Schnapps
- Use
- DeKuyper, Bols, Hiram Walker for a reliable base.
- Skip
- Any cheap imitation that tastes like artificial syrup or a cloying candy bar.
- Why
- This is the backbone of the drink's sweetness and smooth mouthfeel. A good one adds depth, not just sugar.
Cinnamon Schnapps
- Use
- Goldschlager, Fireball for a bolder kick, or Dr. McGillicuddy's for a smoother profile.
- Skip
- Cinnamon whiskey if you want to keep the proof down, or anything too harsh that overpowers the butterscotch.
- Why
- Provides the necessary spice to balance the butterscotch. It's the 'dragon's breath' in this Piss, so make it count.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Dragon's Breath
- Add some fire.
- Swap out half an ounce of the citrus soda for a splash of ginger ale to give it an extra spicy kick. Or add a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling truly brave.
Electric Dragon
- A neon twist.
- Introduce a half ounce of Blue Curaçao for a vibrant color change and a hint of orange citrus. It makes the drink look as wild as it tastes.
Tropical Dragon
- Island vibes, same bite.
- Instead of plain citrus soda, use a tropical fruit soda like pineapple or passion fruit. It keeps the fizz and adds a different kind of sweet tang.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a caramel liqueur or even a rich vanilla vodka, though the flavor profile will shift.
A small dash of ground cinnamon with a neutral spirit, or a spiced rum for a different warmth.
Lemon-lime soda or even a plain club soda with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime. You'll lose some sweetness, but keep the fizz.
Any sturdy, short glass will do the job. A rocks glass or even a small tumbler works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Dragon Piss?
A Dragon Piss contains butterscotch schnapps, cinnamon schnapps, and citrus soda. It's a sweet, spicy, and fizzy concoction.
Is Dragon Piss a strong drink?
It's relatively light, coming in around 4.5 percent ABV. Think of it as comparable to a light beer, so it's easy to enjoy without getting overwhelmed.
What does Dragon Piss taste like?
It tastes like a sweet and spicy treat, with prominent butterscotch and cinnamon notes balanced by the bright, fizzy tang of citrus soda. It's bold and refreshing.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Dragon Piss?
Absolutely. Skip the schnapps and use butterscotch and cinnamon flavored syrups instead. Mix with citrus soda for a fun, zero-proof version.
What's the best citrus soda to use?
Lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7-Up work well, but you can also experiment with orange soda or even a grapefruit soda for a more bitter edge.
Do I shake or stir a Dragon Piss?
This is a built drink. You'll stir the schnapps together briefly, then top with soda. No need for a shaker, you want to keep that carbonation.
What kind of glass should I use?
A whiskey sour glass is traditional, but any short, sturdy glass like a rocks glass or a tumbler is perfectly acceptable.
Is Dragon Piss a shot or a cocktail?
While you could technically shoot it, it's typically enjoyed as a longer, fizzy cocktail. The soda makes it more of a sipper than a slammer.
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