Arielle Cruz
Flaming shots are undoubtedly dazzling and have been a mainstay of American bar culture since at least the 1860s. The first bartender's manual, written by Jerry Thomas, contains the recipe for the first flaming cocktail, the Blue Blazer. While the sight of a flaming cocktail is impressive, it is important to remember that lighting alcohol on fire is dangerous and should be handled with extreme caution. If you are going to light a shot of alcohol on fire, it is recommended to use a high-proof alcohol, as anything over 80 proof will light on fire, with the flashpoint getting lower as the proof gets higher. It is also important to use a thick glass to prevent shattering and spilling flaming alcohol, and to avoid blowing out the flame as this can cause the alcohol to spill. Instead, extinguish the flame by smothering it with a coffee mug or dropping it into a cocktail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol type | High-proof alcohol, such as rum, whiskey, brandy, gin, vodka, or sambuca |
| Alcohol proof | Above 80 proof, with 100 proof recommended for a steady flame |
| Glass type | Thick glass, not filled to the top |
| Lighting method | Lighter or match, preferably long-necked and self-extinguishing |
| Flaming duration | No longer than 10-15 seconds |
| Extinguishing method | Drop the shot into a cocktail, smother with a coffee mug or shaker tin, or use water or beer to douse the flame |
| Drinking method | Do not drink while the shot is still on fire; use a straw to avoid swallowing fire, and swallow the shot quickly |
| Safety precautions | Keep the area uncluttered and free of flammable objects, and be cautious of spilling or blowing on the shot |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choose a high-proof alcohol
Flaming shots are dangerous and should be handled with extreme caution. If you choose to light a shot of alcohol on fire, it is important to choose a high-proof alcohol. The higher the proof, the easier it is to light the alcohol on fire. Anything over 80 proof will light on fire, but it takes at least 100 proof to produce a steady flame. Above 151 proof, you are playing with an especially volatile kind of fire.
When choosing a high-proof alcohol for your flaming shot, you have several options. Rum is a popular choice for flaming shots, with overproof rum (45% ABV or greater) being commonly used. Other high-proof alcohols that can be used include vodka, whisky, gin, brandy, and Poitín. Sambuca is also a good option, as it produces large blue flames and has a distinct aniseed smell.
If you are looking for a pre-made flaming shot, there are some popular options to consider. The Flaming Dr. Pepper is a classic example, made with amaretto and 151-proof rum, which is then dropped into a mug of light lager or pilsner beer. Another option is the Blue Blazer, which was the first flaming cocktail, created by Jerry Thomas in 1862. This drink is made with Scotch whisky, boiling water, and sugar, and is served in a small bar tumbler with a piece of lemon peel.
When preparing a flaming shot, it is important to take safety precautions. Make sure the area where you are preparing the shot is uncluttered and free of anything flammable, including paper towels, napkins, dishcloths, carpets, and any other flammable materials. Always use a long-reach lighter to ignite the alcohol, and never try to blow out a flaming shot. Instead, extinguish the flame by dropping it into a cocktail or smothering it with a coffee mug or shaker tin.
Alcoholism: Internal or External Literary Conflict?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prepare the shot glass
Preparing a flaming shot is a dangerous endeavour that requires caution and careful preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the shot glass:
Firstly, ensure your work area is clear and free of any flammable materials. This includes paper towels, napkins, dishcloths, and any other combustible items. The area should be spacious to avoid accidental contact with the flames. Always be mindful of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from anything that could catch fire.
Next, select a suitable shot glass. It is recommended to use a thick glass as thin glass can heat up quickly and shatter, causing potential injury. Ensure the glass is not completely filled to the brim, leaving some space to prevent spillage.
Now, carefully fill the shot glass with your chosen alcohol. It is important to use a high-proof alcohol, typically above 80 proof, as this will ignite more easily. The higher the proof, the more volatile the flame may become, so exercise caution. Aim for above 100 proof for a steady flame.
Before igniting, double-check that your hands and the surrounding area are free of any spilled alcohol. This is crucial to prevent unintended fires or burns. Ensure you have a safe method for lighting the alcohol, such as a standard cigarette lighter or a long-reach lighter. Avoid matches or Zippo-style lighters as they may impart an unpleasant flavour to your drink.
Finally, you are ready to ignite the alcohol. Hold the lighter close to the surface of the liquid and ignite it. Be cautious and keep your fingers away from the flame. Enjoy the dazzling display of the flaming shot, but remember to never leave it burning for longer than necessary to prevent any accidents.
Remember, lighting alcohol on fire is inherently dangerous, and it is important to prioritise safety at all times. Always have a plan for extinguishing the flame and never attempt to blow it out or drink the shot while it is still burning.
Alcohol: Why You Shouldn't Hate It
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a long-neck lighter to ignite
Flaming shots are dangerous and can lead to burns and other injuries. Lighting a shot of alcohol on fire should only be done by experienced professionals. If you choose to ignore this warning, here is how to use a long-neck lighter to ignite a shot of alcohol.
First, ensure the area is safe. Make sure the area is uncluttered and free of anything flammable, including paper towels, napkins, dishcloths, carpets, and small dogs. If you spill any alcohol, clean it up before proceeding.
Next, prepare the shot glass. Use a thick shot glass and do not fill it to the top. The thicker the glass, the less likely it is to shatter from the heat. Pour a high-proof alcohol into the glass. The higher the proof, the easier it will ignite. Anything over 80 proof will light on fire, but above 100 proof is recommended for a steadier flame. Once you get up to 151 proof and above, you are dealing with an especially volatile kind of fire.
Now, ignite the alcohol. Using a long-neck lighter, ignite the alcohol in the shot glass. Keep your fingers out of the fire and be mindful of the fire near your face and hands. Do not leave the shot burning for longer than necessary, as it could explode. Aim for no longer than 10 to 15 seconds, so the shot glass isn't too hot to handle.
Finally, extinguish the flame. Do not try to blow out the flaming shot, as this could spread flaming alcohol onto your friend's face, their curtains, or their drink. Instead, extinguish the flame by placing a coffee mug, shaker tin, or cocktail over the shot glass. You can also drop the flaming shot into a cocktail, such as a pint of beer, to put out the fire.
Underage Drinking: Is It Legal for Parents to Provide?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Extinguish the flame safely
Flaming shots are thrilling, but they can be dangerous. It's important to know how to extinguish the flame safely.
Firstly, never blow out a flaming shot. Blowing on the shot will not extinguish the flame, and you risk spreading the fire or burning your face, hair, or clothing.
To extinguish a flaming shot, you can place a coffee mug, shaker tin, or even your hand over the shot glass to smother the flame. You can also drop the flaming shot into a cocktail, beer, or water to extinguish the flame.
If you are dealing with a larger fire caused by spilled alcohol, do not use water. Water will spread the fire and potentially cause an explosion. Instead, smother the fire with baking soda, dirt, a heavy pan, or a heavy cloth. If you are outdoors, you can throw sand or dirt on the fire, but be aware that it may not be effective unless you have a large amount.
Alcohol and Eye Surgery: A Dangerous Mix?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Do not drink while on fire
Flaming drinks have been around since at least the 1600s, with the first bartender's manual, written by Jerry Thomas in 1862, containing the recipe for the first flaming cocktail, the Blue Blazer. The Blue Blazer involves mixing whisky and boiling water, igniting the liquid, and pouring the mixture back and forth between two mugs to create a "stream of liquid fire".
While flaming drinks are certainly dazzling and impressive, they can also be extremely dangerous. Under no circumstances should you attempt to drink a shot while it's still on fire, as doing so can cause serious burns to your mouth, face, and body. Even after extinguishing the flame, the shot glass will be hot, and the liquid within will be hot as well, so be careful when handling it.
If you do decide to attempt a flaming shot, make sure the area where you're preparing the shot is uncluttered and free of anything flammable, including paper towels, napkins, dishcloths, carpets, and small dogs. Use a thick glass to prevent the glass from shattering, and don't fill the glass all the way to the top. Light the shot with a lighter or match, or, if a bartender is present, let them do it for you. Aim for the shot to burn for no longer than 10 to 15 seconds, so the glass doesn't get too hot.
To extinguish the flame, you can either drop the shot into a cocktail or smother it with a coffee mug or shaker tin. Blowing out the flame is not recommended, as it likely won't work, and you may end up blowing flaming alcohol onto your face or other people and objects nearby.
Once the flame is out, you can drink the shot, but be aware that the glass and liquid will still be hot. Fully submerging a straw into the shot can help protect your mouth and throat from direct contact with the fire. Swallow the shot quickly, and follow up with water or beer to ensure you're safe.
Homebrewing Alcohol in the UK: What's the Law?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Use a high-proof alcohol, such as rum, vodka, or whiskey. The higher the proof, the easier it will ignite. Use a long-neck lighter to ignite the alcohol.
You can use a spent lime shell or a dehydrated citrus slice as a platform and either a sugar cube or a dry bread cube as a wick. Douse the wick with either overproof rum or lemon extract and light it with a long-neck lighter.
Make sure the area is uncluttered and free of anything flammable, including paper towels, napkins, dish cloths, and carpets. Do not leave the shot burning for longer than necessary, and do not try to blow out the flame. Instead, extinguish the shot by dropping it into a cocktail or smothering it with a coffee mug.
One recipe is the Flaming Dr. Pepper, which is made by lighting amaretto and rum on fire and then dropping it into a pint of beer. Another recipe is the Blue Blazer, which involves putting whiskey and boiling water in a mug, igniting the liquid, and then pouring the mixture back and forth between two mugs several times to create a stream of liquid fire.
Lighting shots of alcohol on fire adds an element of danger and creates a spectacle. It can also change the flavor of the drink by caramelizing the sugars in the ingredients.
