Flaming Dr Pepper Recipe
Amaretto's almond sweetness and the caramel edge of 151-proof rum mimic Dr Pepper's flavor almost exactly once the shot is dropped into beer, and briefly flaming the rum burns off some of the raw alcohol bite while caramelizing the sugars in the amaretto for a toastier, more cola-like finish.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 1 min
- Total
- 6 min
- Servings
- 1
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz amaretto
- 1/4 oz 151-proof rum (such as Bacardi 151)
- 10 oz light lager beer
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbs
- 17g
- Fat
- 0g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1Fill a beer mug about two-thirds full with cold lager and set it on a heatproof surface, away from anything flammable.
- 2Pour the amaretto into a small shot glass, then float the 151-proof rum on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a bar spoon.
- 3Using a long lighter or match, carefully ignite the surface of the rum. Let it burn for about 5 seconds so the flame catches evenly across the shot.
- 4Using tongs or a heatproof glove, pick up the flaming shot glass and drop it into the mug of beer. Step back slightly as the flame may flare when it hits the liquid.
- 5Immediately cover the mug with your hand or a coaster for 2 to 3 seconds to snuff any remaining flame, then remove your hand and drink the whole mug in one go while it's still fizzing.
Tips & variations
- Use an actual 151-proof spirit, not a lower-proof rum; anything under about 150 proof won't sustain a visible flame long enough to work.
- A wide-mouth beer mug makes the drop-and-catch easier and safer than a narrow pint glass.
- Some bars use a splash of cinnamon whiskey instead of part of the rum for a spicier, more cola-like edge.
- Always have a lid, damp towel, or the mug itself ready to snuff the flame; never use water on a burning spirit.
Storage & reheating
This drink has no leftovers to store; it's built and served immediately. If you're prepping shots for a group, measure the amaretto and rum into individual shot glasses ahead of time but don't light any of them until each drinker is ready to drop and drink.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Warm the shot glass slightly with hot water and dry it first; a cold glass can make the flame harder to catch.
- Keep a lit shot away from the edge of the bar or table and never pass a flaming glass hand to hand.
FAQ
Why does a Flaming Dr Pepper taste like the soda?
Amaretto's almond and caramel notes combined with the toasted sugarcane flavor of dark rum land very close to Dr Pepper's blend of 23 flavors once diluted into beer, especially the cherry-vanilla-cola impression on the finish.
Is it safe to drink right after it's on fire?
Yes, once the flame is smothered by covering the mug for a few seconds, the fire goes out completely and the drink is safe to consume; the brief burn mostly affects the alcohol sitting at the very surface of the shot.
Can I make this without setting it on fire?
Yes. Simply drop the unlit shot of amaretto and 151 rum into the beer and drink; you lose the caramelized flavor and the show, but the taste is still close to the flaming version.
What beer works best?
A light American lager works best because its mild, slightly sweet flavor doesn't compete with the amaretto and rum; hoppy or dark beers clash with the cola-like flavor this drink is going for.