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Flaming a drink

Technique

Flaming a drink means lighting an overproof spirit floated on top, so the flame burns briefly before you smother it.

Also called: flaming cocktail · flaming shot · flamed drink

Spirit that lights reliably
overproof, at least 50% ABV (100 proof)
Bacardi 151
75.5% ABV, discontinued in 2016

What Flaming a drink means

Bar menus list flaming shots as a show. A bartender floats a high-proof spirit on top of a drink, lights it, and lets it burn for a short time before it goes out. The Flaming Dr Pepper is one example, and the Blue Blazer is an older one from Jerry Thomas's era. Flaming sambuca is another.

Flaming needs an overproof spirit, at least 50% ABV (100 proof), because a weaker spirit will not light well. Bacardi 151, at 75.5% ABV, is a well-known example, but it was discontinued in 2016.

Most beginners assume you blow the flame out like a candle. Blowing can spray burning alcohol, so smother it by covering the glass instead. Let the glass cool before anyone drinks, since the glass stays hot after the flame goes out.

How to flame a cocktail

You need an overproof spirit, a bar spoon, a long lighter and a fireproof surface, and the flame must go out before anyone drinks.

  1. 1.Work on a clear, fireproof surface with bottles capped and away from the flame, and keep water or an extinguisher in reach.
  2. 2.Float the overproof spirit on top over the back of a bar spoon, so it sits on the drink.
  3. 3.Light it with a long lighter, one drink at a time, with hair, sleeves and napkins clear of the flame.
  4. 4.Keep the bottle away from a burning drink, and do not pour or carry a lit drink between glasses.
  5. 5.Cover the glass with another glass or a saucer until the flame goes out, and do not let it burn more than about a minute.

Flaming a drink compared

  • Express a peelA flamed peel sparks citrus oil through a match flame. Flaming a drink sets the spirit itself alight.
  • OverproofOverproof is the strength of a spirit. Flaming needs it, because weaker spirits light poorly.

Examples

Related terms

Ingredients

Put it to use in your next drink

Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.

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