How To Drink Flaming Shots Without Endangering The Whole Bar

Drinking flaming shots can be an exciting experience, but it's crucial to prioritize safety to avoid accidents. First, ensure the environment is suitable by keeping flammable materials and substances away from the area where you’ll be enjoying the drink. Always use a sturdy, heat-resistant shot glass, as regular glass can crack or shatter under high temperatures. Before lighting the shot, it's essential to have a fire extinguisher or a damp cloth nearby to quickly extinguish any unintended flames. When preparing the drink, use a high-proof alcohol that ignites easily but burns out quickly, reducing the risk of prolonged flames. Once the shot is lit, allow it to burn for a short moment, then carefully blow out the flame or cover with a metal shaker to extinguish it before drinking. Never attempt to drink a flaming shot while it is still burning, as this can lead to severe burns. Ensure everyone involved understands the process and risks, maintaining a responsible and controlled environment. By following these precautions, you can enjoy the thrill of flaming shots while minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone in the bar.
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Cover the flame or drop it in liquid before drinking

Before ordering a flaming shot, the first thing to consider is your environment. Ensure that you are not in a crowded area and that there are no loose hairs or clothing that could catch fire. Your bartender should remove any paper napkins or other flammable items from the serving area. Once your shot is ignited, you can put it out by covering it with an empty glass until the flame extinguishes or by dropping it into a beer or mixer, similar to a boilermaker. Only after the flame is completely out should you consume the shot.

Some may recommend blowing out the flame before taking the shot, but this is risky and should be avoided. There is often more flammable alcohol beneath the surface than what is visibly burning, making it difficult to fully extinguish the fire with your breath. Additionally, blowing too hard could cause the alcohol to spill onto nearby people, such as the bartender or your friends. Never attempt to drink the shot while it is still flaming, as this can result in serious burns to your mouth.

What's the point of flaming shots?

Given the inherent risks, it's understandable to question the origins of igniting shots. In certain situations, a shot is set on fire to enhance its warmth, making it more effective as an aperitif following a delightful meal. Additionally, flaming a shot can alter its flavor by caramelizing the sugars present in the ingredients. For instance, in a Flaming Dr. Pepper (which consists of amaretto and rum dropped into a pint of beer), the flame is essential for replicating the sweet taste of its namesake. While there are logical reasons for igniting a shot, the primary motivation often lies in its visual appeal. Flaming shots create a striking impression, particularly in today's social media-driven world.

Always remember to drink responsibly and remain cautious around open flames. If you seem overly intoxicated, your bartender is likely to refuse you a flaming shot. Before consuming your shot, extinguish the flame by covering it or "bombing" it into a non-flammable liquid, or your evening could become unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

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