Flaming
AdvancedIgniting spirits or citrus oils for dramatic effect and caramelized flavor notes.
Cara
1. Prepare the drink and ensure it is ready in the glass or vessel. 2. For spirits: carefully pour a small amount of high-proof spirit (overproof rum or absinthe) into a spoon, then ignite it with a long lighter or match and pour the flame slowly over the drink surface. 3. For citrus: hold a citrus peel skin-side down over the drink, ignite a match or lighter in front of it, and firmly squeeze the peel so the oils spray through the flame onto the surface. 4. Allow the flame to extinguish naturally or blow it out before serving. Safety warning: never lean over a flaming drink; keep long hair and sleeves back. Common mistake: using too much spirit, which creates an uncontrolled flame.
Tips Pro
Only flame spirits with 50% ABV or higher — lower-proof spirits will not ignite reliably. When expressing a citrus peel through a flame, hold the peel 4 inches above the drink at a 45-degree angle, skin-side toward the flame, and snap it firmly to atomize the oils through the fire. Always have a damp bar towel nearby and never leave a flaming drink unattended or serve it to a guest while still lit. Warm the spirit gently in a heat-safe vessel before igniting — a cold spirit is harder to light and produces a weaker flame. Dim the lights for maximum visual impact.
Kesalahan Umum
Using overproof spirits near the face without safe distance risks serious burns, as rum at 60 percent ABV produces tall, hot flames that can ignite hair or clothing instantly. Letting the flame burn too long overheats the glass and leaves a harsh, acrid burnt taste that overpowers the cocktail. Forgetting to extinguish the flame before serving risks burning the guest's mouth and lips, a dangerous liability that has caused real injuries in bars.
