Gunfighter Cocktails: The Best Drinks Named After Firearms

Some cocktails go down smoothly. Others hit hard like a well-placed shot. And then there are Gunfighter cocktails. They’re bold, timeless, and inspired by the firepower of legendary firearms. Whatever liquor you prefer, there’s a drink that matches your taste and your love for classic firepower.

If you’re looking for cocktails with history, character, and a name as powerful as its flavor, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the best gunfighter cocktails that bring the spirit of the Wild West into your glass.

The Revolver: A Smooth Whiskey Classic

Like a well-oiled six-shooter, the Revolver is smooth and powerful. Jon Santer crafted this cocktail in the early 2000s by pairing bourbon’s warmth with the deep, roasted notes of coffee liqueur. A dash of orange bitters cuts through with a bright, citrus spark and balances the rich flavors.

To make a Revolver, you’ll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ oz coffee liqueur
• 2 dashes of orange bitters

Stir with ice until chilled. Strain into a glass, then twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils before dropping it in. The result? A smoky, bittersweet sip with a finish as smooth as a drawn pistol.

Old Fashioned: The Timeless Shot of the West

The Old Fashioned is more than a drink—it’s a legacy. Born in the 1800s, this cocktail has been the choice of outlaws, lawmen, and gamblers. It’s strong, unpretentious, and built to last.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• A splash of water

Drop the sugar cube into a glass, soak it with bitters, and add a splash of water. Muddle until dissolved. Pour in the whiskey, then stir until the flavors meld. Drop in a large ice cube and finish by twisting an orange peel to release its oils.

The first sip will taste bold, slightly sweet, and laced with spice while the last will be just as smooth. After a long day, a shot of Old Fashioned will feel like a well-worn six-shooter: reliable, classic, and never out of style.

Read more about the history of the Old Fashioned here.

The Derringer: Small but Mighty

Like its namesake pistol, the Derringer is compact, smooth, and deceptively powerful. This cocktail balances the deep warmth of bourbon with the bold sweetness of cherry liqueur and the sharp bite of lemon.

To make a Derringer, shake together:

• 1 ½ oz bourbon
• ¾ oz cherry liqueur
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice

Shake hard with ice until chilled. Strain into a glass and take a sip. The first hit is rich and sweet, followed by a crisp citrus snap. It’s small, fast, and impossible to ignore, just like the pistol that inspired it.

The Smoking Gun: A Fiery Mezcal Mix

A drink with this name will never play it safe. The Smoking Gun is bold, slow-burning, smoky, and smoke-laced. Mezcal’s earthy fire meets the deep richness of sweet vermouth while bitters sharpen the edge.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz mezcal
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes bitters

Stir over ice until chilled, then strain into a glass. Hold an orange peel over the drink, strike a flame beneath it, and watch the oils ignite before dropping it in. The result? A cocktail that smolders with every sip—smooth, smoky, and impossible to forget.

Check out this guide to mezcal cocktails for more smoky drink ideas.

The Shotgun: A High-Caliber Cocktail

Like the firearm it’s named after, the Shotgun delivers a fast, unmistakable punch. First, high-proof tequila slams with a sharp and unfiltered hit. Then, feel the ginger beer kicking in with fiery spice followed by lime juice cutting through with just enough bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz blanco tequila
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Top with ginger beer

Pour over ice, stir, and let it rip. The burn is quick and the finish is clean. No slow sips—this one is made to go down fast, leaving nothing but heat in its wake.

The Black Powder: Dark, Mysterious, and Explosive

Like the explosive charge that gave early firearms their power, the Black Powder cocktail is deep, intense, and fiery. Dark rum brings a smooth, smoky base, while espresso and coffee liqueur add a rich, bitter edge. A pinch of cinnamon ignites the finish and leaves a lingering warmth.

To craft a Black Powder cocktail, shake together:

• 1 ½ oz dark rum
• ½ oz coffee liqueur
• ½ oz fresh espresso
• A pinch of cinnamon

After shaking well, strain into a coupe glass. Dust the top with grated cinnamon. The first sip feels bold while the last hit smolders. If the Old Fashioned is for cowboys, the Black Powder is for the gunslingers lurking in the shadows.

Gunfighter Cocktails for Every Shooter’s Taste

From the smooth Revolver to the bold Shotgun, gunfighter cocktails offer something for every kind of drinker. From smoky mezcal to rich whiskey to high-proof tequila, you can craft cocktails that fit any drinker’s style!

So, next time you raise a glass, make sure it’s locked, loaded, and full of character. Which of these cocktails is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs

1. What are gunfighter cocktails?
   Gunfighter cocktails are drinks named after firearms, often inspired by the Wild West and classic weaponry. These drinks are bold, strong, and full of character.
2. What is the best whiskey-based gunfighter cocktail?
   The Old Fashioned is one of the best whiskey-based gunfighter cocktails. It has a classic, smooth taste with a strong historical connection.
3. What’s a good cocktail for someone who likes smoky flavors?
   The Smoking Gun is an excellent choice. It uses mezcal, which has a naturally smoky profile, and pairs well with bitters and sweet vermouth.
4. Which cocktail is the strongest?
   The Shotgun packs the most punch. Made with high-proof tequila and ginger beer, it’s designed for those who like bold, fast-hitting drinks.
5. Can I make these cocktails at home?
   Yes! All of these recipes use common ingredients and simple mixing techniques, making them easy to prepare at home.
6. What’s the best cocktail for a coffee lover?
   The Revolver and the Black Powder both include coffee-based liqueurs, making them perfect for anyone who enjoys coffee with their liquor.
7. Are these cocktails served on the rocks or straight up?
   It depends on the drink. The Old Fashioned and Shotgun are served on the rocks, while the Revolver and Black Powder are typically served straight up.
8. What’s the best way to garnish these cocktails?
   Common garnishes include orange peels, cinnamon, and flamed citrus twists. Each adds depth to the drink’s flavor.
9. Do these cocktails have historical significance?
   Yes! Many gunfighter cocktails draw inspiration from historic firearms and the rugged individualism of the Old West.
10. Where can I learn more about classic cocktails?
    For more classic cocktail recipes and techniques, visit Liquor.com.