12 Best Spicy Colognes For Men in 2023

12 Best Spicy Colognes For Men in 2023

The Spicy Side of Fragrance: Spice Up Your Life!

Photo: Sephora

Anyone who likes cooking knows how important spices are to the taste of a dish. Well, the same can be said of fragrance. Spices have been used in fragrance creation for centuries because of their ability to instantly change the feel of other notes. It’s like a fragrance cooking show! Just like the Spice Girls, there are all types of spicy scents: posh ones, sporty ones, and yes, lots of scary ones. But fear not! No matter your vibe, there is a spicy cologne out there for you. So let’s follow the Spice Girls’ advice and spice up your life!

Best Floral Spicy Cologne: Acqua di Parma Signatures Of The Sun Zafferano Eau de Parfum

$143 at Saks Fifth Avenue

When you think of spicy fragrances, florals and amber may not come to mind, but that’s exactly what this unexpectedly spicy scent delivers. It’s like a bouquet on fire! The flowers (jasmine, geranium, rose, orange blossom) are warmed and smoothed by vanilla, tonka bean, and patchouli at the base. But what really makes it spicy is the top note of coriander, a sultry spice that lingers on your skin, adding warmth and depth. It’s floral, it’s spicy, it’s like walking through a garden on a hot summer day.

Best Smoky Spicy Cologne: Kilian Smoking Hot Eau de Parfum

$290 at Bergdorf Goodman

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This fragrance is smokin’! With notes of Kentucky tobacco absolute and apple hookah, this scent is the perfect balance of smoky and sweet. But the real star is the cinnamon bark. It’s strong but not aggressive, like a cinnamon candy that makes your heart race. It’s familiar, mysterious, and definitely stops people in their tracks. Wear this and prepare for some serious heat.

Best Woody Spicy Cologne: Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum

$140 at Sephora, $170 at Walmart, $120 at Nordstrom

While this fragrance doesn’t list any specific spices, it’s the sharp pine needles and smoky incense that give it its bite. The base is a trifecta of woods that gives it a crisp, woody presence. It’s unabashedly masculine, punched up with incense and pine. Without any actual spices in the formula, it’s still pretty damn spicy. It’s like a walk through a forest, with a trail of smoldering incense behind you.

Best Smooth Spicy Cologne: Astier de Villatte Le Dieu Bleu Eau de Parfum

$315 at aedes.com

This ultra-niche fragrance is like traveling back in time to Ancient Egypt, where the oldest perfume in the world was created. The notes are esoteric—myrrh, lentisk, calamus—but the effect is sunny, warm, herbal, and yes, spicy. It’s like stepping into sun-baked temples, surrounded by sand and wild plants. The spice isn’t overpowering, but it gives the fragrance a humming undertone of worldliness. It’s a spicy journey you won’t forget.

Best Vanilla Spicy Cologne: TOM FORD Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum

$185 at Sephora, $382 at Walmart, $425 at Nordstrom

If you’re looking for a cologne that oozes sex appeal, look no further. This iconic fragrance is the epitome of spice and sophistication. The smooth, warm vanilla mixed with smoky tobacco is a powerful combination. But what sets it apart are the spicy notes at the top. Mixed with ginger, they amp up the volume and take this fragrance into strong, masculine territory. It’s like a seductive dance between sweetness and spiciness.

Best Designer Spicy Cologne: Dior Sauvage Elixir

$250 at Sephora, $228 at Walmart, $250 at Nordstrom

There are many reasons to love Sauvage, but the Elixir version takes it to another level. This concentrated cologne dials up the spice. The top notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom give it an arresting opening. It blends with lavender, sandalwood, amber, and patchouli to create a truly captivating scent. It’s appropriate for every day, but especially when you’re heading to a rock concert after work. Prepare to rock with your spicy side.

Best Classic Spicy Cologne: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’Homme

$108 at Sephora, $83 at Walmart, $89 at Nordstrom

Since its debut in 2009, this elegant, spicy cologne has become a favorite among men. It’s the ultimate masculine nighttime scent, loaded with cardamom for a smooth opening. Lavender, Virginia cedar, and bergamot add to its masculine vibe, while herbal vetiver and spicy coriander complete the fragrance. It’s a double hit of spice, but the effect is more sensual than nose-prickling. Perfect for a night out in a sharp tuxedo.

Best Everyday Spicy Cologne: Amouage Journey Man

Now 26% Off, $265 at amouage.com

This fragrance may sound intense with its notes of spicy Sichuan pepper, cardamom, fresh bergamot, and earthy tobacco leaf. But the final effect is surprisingly soft. It’s spicy and masculine, yet not overpowering. It’s like finding the perfect balance between being spicy enough for the office and spicy enough for a romantic date. It’s the cologne that keeps you feeling confident throughout your everyday journey.

Best Literal Spicy Cologne: Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau de Parfum

Now 15% Off, $114 at Nordstrom, $94 at Walmart, $134 at Ulta Beauty

If you truly want to embrace the spicy side, this cologne is your bomb. It’s all about the spice, especially in the Extreme version. A hit of black pepper on the top note opens it up, followed by cinnamon and cumin that mingle with tobacco, woody amber, and black vanilla. It’s an explosion of spice that’s perfect for a hot date night. Warning: Handle with care, as it may set hearts on fire.

Best Inexpensive Spicy Cologne: Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla Cologne Spray

Now 18% Off, $20 at Amazon, $20 at Walmart

Inexpensive colognes don’t have to smell cheap! This wallet-friendly fragrance is as complex as anything you’d find in a department store. With black vanilla and tobacco as the base, it exudes masculine gravitas. But it’s the addition of cardamom that takes it to another level. It’s an elegant and spicy vibe that lingers on your skin for hours. Who said great fragrances have to break the bank?

Best Old School Spicy Cologne: Old Spice Old Spice Classic

$12 at Amazon, $14 at fragrancex.com

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! This refreshing aftershave has been around for almost a century, and for good reason. Its classic scent, kept under lock and key, delivers a fresh and spicy vibe that is incomparable. It not only makes you smell fresh, but also makes you feel fresh. It’s subtle yet effective, like a splash of spice that rejuvenates your senses. With Old Spice Classic, you don’t need anything else.

Best Fresh Spicy Cologne: Versace Eros Flame Eau de Parfum

Now 15% Off, $91 at Nordstrom, $140 at Bloomingdale’s, $140 at Macy’s

Join the fiery party with Versace Eros Flame. This spicier, woodier version of the popular fragrance captures the essence of a night out. With fresh notes of mandarin orange, lemon, chinotto, geranium, rose, and woods like sandalwood and Texas cedar, it’s like a party in a bottle. The double dose of pepper in the top and heart notes gives it a spicy edge. It’s cool, it’s fun, and it’s ready to keep the party going all night long.

Garrett Munce is a man of style and grooming wisdom. He’s written for HotSamples, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light, and has held staff positions at GQ and W. You can follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.