Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Scotch Cocktails

Blue Blazer

Written by
Staff Author

Updated 12/10/18

Image: Tim Nusog

The only drink we know of that requires keeping a fire extinguisher close by, the Blue Blazer was cooked up by cocktail pioneer Jerry Thomas in a gambling saloon in Gold Rush–era San Francisco. In his 1862 “Bar-tenders Guide,” he describes it as a “blazing stream of liquid fire,” but it’s basically a Hot Toddy made with high-proof scotch and a whole lot of flair.

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Cask-strength scotch
  • 2 tsp Demerara or raw sugar
  • 3 oz Boiling water (plus more boiling water to heat mugs)
  • Garnish: Lemon peel

Steps

  1. Serves 2.

  2. Preheat 2 glass mugs with boiling water and discard water.

  3. Clear all flammable materials from mixing area. Lay down a damp towel or 2 to soak up potential spills. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

  4. Pour sugar, scotch and boiling water into one of the mugs, and ignite with a match.

  5. Very carefully, pour flaming liquid back and forth from mug to mug (about 5 times).

  6. Pour drink evenly into mugs and extinguish flame.

  7. Garnish with lemon peels.