Noah Vinter
Flaming alcoholic 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. While flaming drinks are impressive, they are also dangerous and can cause burns or even explosions. If you want to light alcohol on fire out of your mouth, one method is to coat a cotton ball in alcohol, light it on fire, and then quickly put it in your mouth, close your mouth, and hold the fire for 2-3 seconds before spitting out or swallowing the cotton ball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | People have been lighting shots on fire since the mid-19th century. The first bartender's manual, written by Jerry Thomas in 1862, contains the recipe for the first flaming cocktail, the blue blazer. |
| Purpose | Lighting alcohol on fire adds an element of danger and excitement to an evening out. It also creates a spectacle and enhances the drinking experience. |
| Procedure | The procedure for lighting alcohol on fire out of the mouth involves using a high-proof alcohol (above 80 proof), preferably above 100 proof, and igniting it with a long-reach lighter. It is important to note that the alcohol should not be consumed while it is still burning. |
| Safety | Lighting alcohol on fire is dangerous and should be handled with extreme caution. It is important to put out the flame before consuming the drink. Blowing out the flame is not recommended as it can spread the fire. Instead, use a coffee mug or shaker tin to smother the flame. |
| Variations | There are different variations of flaming drinks, such as the Flaming Dr. Pepper, Scorpion Bowl, and Bohemian (Czech) ritual, which involves lighting a sugar cube soaked in absinthe on fire. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a high-proof alcohol
If you want to light alcohol on fire out of your mouth, you must use a high-proof alcohol. The higher the proof, the easier it is to ignite. Anything over 80 proof will light on fire, although it takes at least 100 proof to produce a steady flame. Above 151 proof is especially volatile and should be handled with extreme caution. It is important to note that lighting alcohol on fire is inherently dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced and informed individuals.
When choosing an alcohol to light on fire, it is crucial to select a high-proof spirit. Spirits such as rum, whiskey, brandy, gin, or Everclear are suitable options. The chosen spirit should be carefully poured into a shot glass, filling it to the top. A long-reach lighter can then be used to ignite the alcohol. It is important to exercise caution during this step to avoid any accidental burns or injuries.
Once the alcohol is ignited, it is crucial to put out the flame promptly. Blowing out the flame is not recommended, as it can cause the alcohol to splatter and potentially ignite other objects or individuals nearby. Instead, the flame can be extinguished by covering the shot glass with a coffee mug, shaker tin, or similar object. Alternatively, the flaming shot can be "'bombed'" into another non-flammable liquid to extinguish the flame.
After the flame is extinguished, it is important to remember that the glass and the liquid within will be extremely hot. Handle with caution and avoid spilling to prevent burns. It is also important to never leave a shot burning for too long, as it could explode, sending molten glass and liquid fire in all directions. Always prioritise safety and be mindful of your surroundings when attempting to light alcohol on fire.
Although lighting alcohol on fire out of your mouth can be a dangerous and risky endeavour, with the right precautions and a high-proof alcohol, it is possible to create a memorable and impressive display. However, it is crucial to always exercise caution, follow safety guidelines, and never attempt to consume flaming shots or handle them while they are still burning.
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Don't drink while still burning
Lighting alcohol on fire out of your mouth can be extremely dangerous and should not be attempted. If you choose to ignore this advice, it is imperative that you do not drink the alcohol while it is still burning.
Firstly, it is important to understand that lighting alcohol on fire is inherently dangerous. Alcohol is very flammable, and anything over 80 proof will light on fire, with the higher the proof, the easier it ignites. Once you get up to 151 proof and above, you are dealing with an especially volatile kind of fire.
Secondly, drinking flaming shots can be extremely dangerous. If you accidentally spill any of the drinks, it might burn you, your clothes, or someone around you. The glass will be hot, and the liquid within will be hot as well, which could burn your mouth and throat.
Thirdly, even after the flame is extinguished, the alcohol will still be hot and can burn you. Blowing out a flaming shot is not recommended, as you may blow flaming alcohol onto your face or someone else's. Instead, extinguish the shot by covering it with a coffee mug or dropping it into a cocktail.
Finally, it is important to remember that frequent exposure to high-proof alcohol can lead to long-term damage to your throat and esophagus, including dehydration, inflammation, and an increased risk of cancer. If you choose to attempt lighting alcohol on fire, it is crucial that you do not drink it while it is still burning to minimize the risk of injury and long-term health issues.
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Use a long-reach lighter
Lighting alcohol on fire is dangerous and can result in an emergency room visit. It should only be attempted by experienced and informed individuals. If you are going to light alcohol on fire, it is important to use the right tools. One of the safest options for lighting alcohol on fire is to use a long-reach lighter. These lighters are designed for lighting BBQs and candles and have a long neck that allows you to keep a safe distance from the flame.
When lighting alcohol with a long-reach lighter, it is important to use a thick glass to prevent shattering. Thin glass can heat up very quickly and shatter, causing flaming alcohol to spill everywhere. It is also recommended to not fill the glass to the top, as this can cause splashing when blowing out the flame or snuffing it out with your hand. Always have a fire extinguisher within arm's reach and ensure you know how to use it in case of an emergency.
To light alcohol on fire with a long-reach lighter, start by filling a shot glass with high-proof alcohol. The higher the proof, the easier it will be to ignite. It is recommended to use alcohol with a proof of above 100 for an effective flame. Once you have your high-proof alcohol, use the long-reach lighter to ignite the shot. Hold the lighter at a safe distance from the glass and direct the flame towards the alcohol.
After igniting the alcohol, you will need to extinguish the flame safely. Do not try to blow out the flaming shot, as this can cause the alcohol to spread and potentially ignite other objects or surfaces. Instead, put out the flame by covering the shot glass with a coffee mug or shaker tin. This will smother the flame and prevent oxygen from fueling the fire. Always be careful when handling a lit cocktail or shot, even after the flame has been extinguished. The glass and the liquid within will be hot, so take precautions to avoid burns.
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Extinguish with a coffee mug
Flaming shots are dangerous and can cause accidents if handled improperly. Lighting alcohol on fire is extremely risky, and it should be done only if the fire truly transforms a cocktail's flavors. If you must light a cocktail on fire, be extremely careful.
If you want to light alcohol on fire out of your mouth, you should fill a shot glass with high-proof alcohol. The higher the proof, the easier it is to light the alcohol on fire. It is recommended to use alcohol above 100 proof, and 151 proof and above is especially volatile. Using a long-reach lighter, ignite the shot of alcohol.
To extinguish the flame, you can use a coffee mug. Do not blow out the flame, as this will not work, and you may accidentally blow flaming alcohol onto other people or flammable objects. Instead, extinguish the flame by placing a coffee mug over the shot glass. Alternatively, you can "bomb" the flaming shot into another non-flammable liquid.
Even after extinguishing the flame, be careful when handling the shot glass, as the glass and the liquid will be hot. Always remember to drink responsibly and stay vigilant around the flame.
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Don't blow it out
Lighting alcohol on fire is dangerous, and it's important to be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure you're not in a crowded space and that you don't have loose hair or clothing that could catch fire. It's also crucial to use the right equipment: a thick glass to prevent shattering, and a long-neck, self-extinguishing lighter to keep a safe distance from the flame.
When it comes to extinguishing the flame, never blow it out. Blowing on a flaming shot can cause the alcohol to spill, spreading the fire to other areas. Instead, smother the flame by covering the glass with an empty container, such as a coffee mug or shaker tin. Another option is to drop the flaming shot into a cocktail or a beer, which will put out the fire. Always make sure the flame is completely out before consuming the drink.
It's worth noting that lighting alcohol on fire is primarily for the spectacle and should be done with extreme caution. The flame can alter the drink's flavor by burning off some alcohol and caramelizing sugars, but it also increases the risk of burns and accidents. Always prioritize safety when handling fire, and be mindful that even after the flame is extinguished, the glass and liquid will remain hot.
While it may be tempting to attempt dramatic moves like blowing out the flame, it's essential to prioritize safety. Blowing on a flaming shot can be risky and may lead to accidental spills or spreading the fire. By following the recommended extinguishing methods, you can minimize the risks associated with lighting alcohol on fire. Remember, fire is unpredictable, and it's better to be cautious than to end up in an emergency room or causing damage to your surroundings.
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Frequently asked questions
Do not try this at home. Lighting alcohol on fire is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury. If you are looking to light alcohol on fire, do not do it out of your mouth. Instead, follow these steps:
- Fill a shot glass with high-proof alcohol. The higher the proof, the easier it is to light the alcohol on fire.
- Using a long-reach lighter, ignite the alcohol.
- Put out the flame by covering the shot glass with a coffee mug or dropping the shot into a cocktail.
Any drink with 40% ABV or 80 proof or more alcohol will ignite. However, you will need at least 50% ABV or 100 proof to produce a steady flame.
One way is to cut a lime in half, squeeze out the juice, and pull out the excess fruit and pith. Pour 151-proof rum into the lime shell and place it in the centre of a drink on ice. You can then ignite the rum and get a low blue flame. Another way is to soak toast pieces in lemon extract and light them on fire. This will give you a higher and brighter flame.
Lighting alcohol on fire is dangerous and should be done with extreme caution. Do not drink the shot while it is still burning. Do not blow on the flame as you may burn yourself or those around you. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
