The Flaming Dr Pepper is more than just a drink; it’s a legendary shot, especially popular in college towns. Interestingly, despite its name, you won’t find any actual Dr. Pepper in this fiery concoction. Instead, this intriguing mix uses sweet amaretto liqueur and potent overproof rum to mimic the beloved 23-flavor profile of the Texas-born soda, all topped off with a splash of beer.
Unraveling the Origins of the Flaming Dr Pepper
Like many iconic cocktails, the exact birthplace of the Flaming Dr Pepper is shrouded in a bit of mystery and competing claims. Two establishments, The Ptarmigan Club in Bryan, Texas, near Texas A&M University, and the Gold Mine Saloon in New Orleans, both assert their claim to its creation in the 1980s. It’s a cocktail conundrum – how could such a distinctive drink emerge in different locations around the same time? Such is often the fascinating, and sometimes debated, lore of classic cocktails.
The Science of the Flame: High-Proof Spirits
Flaming drinks and shots are all about visual appeal, and the Flaming Dr Pepper is no exception. Achieving those impressive pyrotechnics requires a spirit with a high alcohol content. Overproof rum, with its potent nature, is ideal for creating a strong, bright flame. While other high-proof options like absinthe or grain alcohol could work, rum is the preferred choice for this particular shot. Why? Because in the case of the Flaming Dr Pepper, the robust flavor of the rum is key to helping the drink achieve its signature taste.
Crafting the Flaming Dr Pepper: Recipe and Technique
Renowned bartender Simon Ford, a gin expert, lists the Flaming Dr Pepper as one of his favorite “guilty pleasure drinks,” and the recipe is surprisingly simple. To make it, you’ll need amaretto liqueur, overproof rum, and beer.
- Amaretto Base: Pour amaretto liqueur into a shot glass, filling it about two-thirds full.
- Rum Layer: Carefully top the amaretto with overproof rum.
- Ignite: Using a long match or lighter, ignite the rum on top of the shot.
- The Drop: Take a pint glass and fill it halfway with beer. Carefully drop the flaming shot glass into the beer to extinguish the flame.
- Drink Up: Consume the entire contents quickly. This isn’t a drink to savor slowly!
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A Word of Caution: Handle with Fire (and Care)
While easy to make, the Flaming Dr Pepper is definitely a drink best prepared by experienced bartenders. If you decide to try making it at home, exercise extreme caution. Keep flammable materials away, have a fire extinguisher readily available, and be mindful of your eyebrows! A fire-related mishap is the quickest way to end a party. Enjoy the spectacle and unique flavor responsibly.
