A literally fiery concoction, the Blue Blazer is a Scotch-based drink that is mellowed by honey. With the sole ingredients of Scotch, honey, and water, the Blue Blazer might strike one as being relatively easy to prepare—wrong! Invented by legendary bartender “Professor” Jerry Thomas in the 1800s, the drink is as sensational as it is dangerous. Named for the blue flame that emanates when the drink is lit, the Blue Blazer evokes the prudent advice, “Kids, don’t try this at home!”
If you see asbestos gloves at a bar, chances are the bartender has had some practice making this drink. If you insist on making it at home, proceed with great care and begin by practicing outdoors.
Many skilled and daring bartenders who also have pyromaniac tendencies are willing to fire up a Blue Blazer. The mixing of this incendiary drink gives the impression of a flowing stream of flame that is all but lost if served in daylight.
You will need two heavy, deep mugs or silver mugs with insulated handles. Practice pouring hot water from one mug to the other before embarking on any pyrotechnics. Pouring back and forth actually simulates a bellows, resulting in a growing fire. When you get the knack of this, try pouring in a dimly lit room (over a fire-resistant surface).
- Yield: 2 drinks
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total: Under 5 mins
- Active: Under 5 mins
Ingredients (4)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 5 ounces Scotch or Irish whiskey
- Twist of lemon peel
Instructions
- Pour the honey and water into one mug, and stir until the honey dissolves. Warm the whiskey in a saucepan until hot, but not boiling, and add it to the second mug. Light the whiskey with a match, and carefully pour it into the first mug. Pour the flaming liquid back and forth from mug to mug several times. When the flame subsides, pour into clear mugs or cut-glass goblets, and garnish with lemon peel.
