Flaming Dr Pepper Shot: A Fiery Classic

The Flaming Dr. Pepper shot, an incendiary drink that mimics the taste of the iconic soft drink, is a daring blend of amaretto, high-proof rum, and beer.

This shot is not just about the ingredients but the spectacle and the surprising flavor resemblance to Dr. Pepper that follows.

The ritual of setting the shot aflame before dropping it into a beer creates an unforgettable visual and taste experience.

Here’s how to safely prepare and make a Flaming Dr. Pepper shot, ensuring a thrilling addition to any gathering.

Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot Ingredients

• Beer (8 ounces / 240 ml): Serves as the base into which the flaming shot is dropped. The type of beer can vary, but a lager or a light ale is preferred for its mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other components.
• Amaretto (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): A sweet, almond-flavored liqueur that forms the body of the shot, contributing the flavor that surprisingly resembles Dr. Pepper when combined with the beer.
• Overproof Rum (1/4 ounce / 7.5 ml, 151 Proof Rum recommended): Used for its high alcohol content, allowing it to ignite easily. The flame not only adds drama to the shot but also caramelizes the sugars in the amaretto, enhancing the flavor.

Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot Recipe

1. Preparing the Beer:
   • Begin by filling a pint glass halfway with your chosen beer.
   • The beer acts as a cushion for the flaming shot, extinguishing the flame upon impact and mixing with the amaretto and rum to create the signature Dr. Pepper taste.
2. Mixing the Shot:
   • Pour 3/4 ounce (22.5 ml) of amaretto into a shot glass. Carefully layer 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) of overproof rum on top.
   • The layering is crucial as it ensures that the rum, with its higher alcohol content, is the component that ignites.
3. Igniting the Shot:
   • Carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter or match. The flame will burn off some of the alcohol while caramelizing the amaretto’s sugars, contributing to the depth of flavor.
   • Ensure this step is performed away from any flammable materials, and never attempt to ignite the shot while holding it.
4. Dropping the Shot:
   • Once the shot is flaming, quickly but carefully drop the shot glass into the pint of beer.
   • The beer will extinguish the flame, and the shot will mix with the beer, creating a fizzy, Dr. Pepper-like drink.

Safety Tips

• Use appropriate glassware: Ensure both the shot glass and pint glass are made of heat-resistant material to prevent cracking.
• Never pour alcohol into a flame: Only ignite alcohol that’s already in the shot glass to avoid dangerous spills.
• Be prepared to extinguish the flame: Have a fire extinguisher or damp towel nearby in case of emergency.

The Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot

The Flaming Dr. Pepper shot is often considered a quintessential college experience, though, intriguingly, it contains no actual Dr. Pepper. Instead, this incendiary drink cleverly mimics the soda’s complex taste through a blend of sweet amaretto liqueur, carbonated beer, and fiery overproof rum.

This shot’s creation is disputed, with both the Ptarmigan Club in Bryan, Texas, near Texas A&M University, and the Gold Mine Saloon in New Orleans laying claim to its invention in the 1980s. The simultaneous emergence of such a distinctive cocktail in two different locales adds an intriguing chapter to the annals of cocktail history.

Creating a spectacular flaming shot demands an overproof spirit capable of igniting to produce dramatic visual effects. While high-proof rum, absinthe, or grain alcohol like Everclear can serve this purpose, the Flaming Dr. Pepper specifically benefits from the unique taste that high-proof rum imparts, making it the spirit of choice.

A Bartender’s Favourite Tipple

Simon Ford, a renowned bartender and gin producer, champions the Flaming Dr. Pepper as a top pick among his favorite indulgent drinks.

The preparation is straightforward: pour amaretto into a shot glass, layer overproof rum on top, ignite, and then drop the flaming shot into a half-pint of beer to quench the flames before drinking promptly. This is certainly not a cocktail to linger over.

While the Flaming Dr. Pepper might seem simple to make, caution is advised. It’s perhaps a beverage better left to experienced bartenders.

For those daring to try it at home, prioritize safety—keep your face and flammables clear, and have a fire extinguisher within easy reach. After all, an unexpected fire is the quickest way to dampen the spirits of any celebration.

Enjoy your Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot – keep a fire extinguisher handy!

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