Sneaky Pete Cocktail Recipe
Sneaky Pete Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:10g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:24%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Sneaky Pete cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1930s during the Prohibition era in the United States. It was a popular choice among those who wanted a strong, yet easy-to-drink cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of sweet and strong flavors.
- The name 'Sneaky Pete' is said to come from the fact that it was often served in a coffee cup to avoid suspicion during Prohibition.
- It is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by many today.
How Sneaky Pete Tastes?
The Sneaky Pete cocktail has a bold, rich taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a strong and warming drink, with a smooth and velvety texture.
Interesting facts about Sneaky Pete
- The Sneaky Pete is sometimes referred to as a 'cousin' of the White Russian, due to their similar ingredients and taste profiles.
- It is a versatile cocktail that can be served either on the rocks or straight up.
- The Sneaky Pete is often garnished with a cherry or a lemon twist, adding a touch of color and a hint of tartness to the drink.
Ingredients
- Rye whiskey: 2 oz(60ml)
- Coffee liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Heavy cream: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Cherry or lemon twist: 1 (for garnish)
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey, with its notable spice and fruit notes, is the robust backbone of the Sneaky Pete. At 2 oz, it's just enough to establish that warm familiar hug of whiskey without overwhelming the other ingredients. Opt for less, and the drink may lean too creamy; more, and you'll mask the intricate dance between coffee and cream.
Emma Rose
Coffee Liqueur
At 1 oz, the coffee liqueur whispers sweet nothings of rich coffee flavor into the mix. It's a balance of sweet and bitter that plays off the whiskey's heat. Skipping it would lose the signature coffee vibrancy. A substitute might be a cold brew concentrate for a less sweet, more coffee-forward version.
Alex Green
Heavy Cream
1 oz of heavy cream gives Sneaky Pete its silky mouthfeel. Less would make the cocktail feel incomplete, and more might turn it into an adult milkshake. If ditched entirely, you'd miss out on the cocktail's signature lushness. Alternatively, half-and-half could be used for a lighter touch.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
Ice ensures everything is sufficiently chilled, integrating flavors and muting any harshness. No ice equals a lukewarm mishap; too much ice risks a watered-down tragedy. Substitutions? Well, frozen coffee cubes, if you're feeling adventurous, for an extra kick!
Emma Rose
Cherry or Lemon Twist
A cherry or lemon twist is a final flourish, like a wink from across the room. It's garnish with purpose - aroma and a hint of citrus or a sweet endnote. Without it, the drink would lose a layer of complexity. An orange twist or a few coffee beans could serve as fun alternatives, though changing the cocktail's finishing touch.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Sneaky Pete Drink
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the rye whiskey, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream.
- Stir the ingredients until well combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or a chilled cocktail glass for a straight-up version.
- Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients. The taste of your Sneaky Pete will largely depend on the quality of the rye whiskey, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream you use.
- Chill your glass. This will help keep your cocktail cold for longer.
- Stir, don't shake. This will prevent the cocktail from becoming too diluted.
Perfect Pairings
Sweets & Desserts
- Chocolate treats: The richness of the heavy cream and the deep coffee notes from the liqueur make Sneaky Pete a delightful companion to chocolate desserts.
- Cheesecakes: Its creamy texture and hint of acidity from the lemon twist cut through the density of cheesecakes.
- Nutty pastries: The whiskey's warmth complements pastries with almond or hazelnut flavors.
Savory Snacks
- Smoked almonds: The smokey flavor pairs well with the rye's spicy kick.
- Aged cheeses: Bold cheeses can stand up to the intense flavors of the cocktail.
- Charcuterie: The savory and sometimes fatty profiles of cured meats contrast nicely with the sweetness of the drink.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Sneaky Pete
- Rye Whiskey: Can be replaced with Bourbon for a sweeter taste.
- Coffee Liqueur: Can be substituted with a chocolate liqueur for a different flavor profile.
- Heavy Cream: Can be replaced with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
Explore all drinks starting with S here
And of course - twists🍹
Irish Pete
Swap the rye whiskey for Irish whiskey, and add a dash of chocolate bitters. This brings a smoother, more mellow whiskey character with a touch of chocolate, adding a layer to the coffee's complexity.
Vanilla Sneaky Pete
Stir in a 1/2 oz of vanilla syrup with the original ingredients. It's a sweet twist that enhances the creaminess and complements both the coffee and whiskey, creating a flavor reminiscent of a boozy vanilla latte.
Chilled Pete
Serve the Sneaky Pete in a frozen glass with no ice, giving it a velvet texture. It intensifies the creaminess and the flavors meld together in a different, more concentrated way. For garnish, grate a little nutmeg on top for a spicy kick.
In case you forgot basics how to make Sneaky Pete
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Sneaky Pete
What type of rye whiskey should I use for Sneaky Pete cocktail?
You can use any type of rye whiskey that you enjoy. However, a higher-quality rye whiskey can significantly enhance the flavor of the cocktail.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Sneaky Pete cocktail?
Yes, you can substitute the rye whiskey and coffee liqueur with non-alcoholic versions to make a non-alcoholic Sneaky Pete.
How can I make my Sneaky Pete Cocktail vegan?
To make a vegan Sneaky Pete, you can replace the heavy cream with a vegan alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew cream.
Can I use a different type of liqueur for Sneaky Pete cocktail?
Yes, while coffee liqueur is traditional, you can experiment with other types of dark liqueurs according to your taste preference.
What are the recommended snacking pairings with this drink?
Due to its strong and sweet flavor profile, Sneaky Pete cocktail pairs well with salty snacks like nuts or pretzels, or even with dark chocolate.
More similar recipes to Sneaky Pete!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Mudslide
The Mudslide cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors. The combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka creates a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the alcohol.
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of bitterness. It has a creamy texture and a frothy top, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Black Russian
The Black Russian has a rich, velvety taste with a slightly sweet and bitter flavor. The combination of vodka and coffee liqueur creates a smooth, strong, and bold cocktail.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
Sazerac
The Sazerac is a complex, strong, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness. The combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters creates a unique, herbal flavor profile with a smooth, velvety finish.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.