Yes, This Flaming co*cktail Is Called the Blue Blazer (2024)

There aren't many drinks that make an impression like the blue blazer.

That shouldn't come as a surprise considering it's literally "a blazing stream of liquid fire," as Jerry Thomas, its creator, described the co*cktail in his 1862 bartender's guide.

It's essentially a hot toddy made with Scotch—and some very impressive showmanship. Here's the recipe, courtesy of the New York Times.

Ingredients

2 pieces lemon peel, pith removed

2 teaspoons Demerara or raw sugar

4 ounces cask-strength Scotch

Preparation

1. Place a piece of lemon peel in each of two teacups or small, heavy glasses.
2. To prevent house fires, pour some water into a baking sheet over which you will make blue blazers.
3. Dim lights. Have ready two one-pint mugs, ideally metal with a flared lip. Pour sugar and 3 ounces of boiling water into one mug and then add Scotch. Ignite alcohol with a long match and pour about half the liquid into empty mug, then pour that back into the first mug. Repeat four or five times. Proceed quickly but with great caution.
4. Pour flaming drink into teacups or glasses and cover with mug to extinguish flames.

Thomas was given the nickname "Professor" because of his ability to deal with complicated recipes and put on a show for his customers, and he reportedly created the flaming drink while working at a gambling saloon in San Francisco called El Dorado during the gold rush.

Legend has it that a gruff, demanding patron stormed in and said, "Barkeep, fix me up some hellfire that'll shake me right down to my gizzard." Thomas proceeded to pour set some whiskey and boiling water on fire and pour it between two cups as a blue flame. After adding a lemon peel and some sugar, he served it.

Thomas continued offering the drink but only when the temperature outside dropped below 50 degrees or the person who ordered it was suffering from a cold. One person for whom he might have made an exception? President Ulysses S. Grant, who was reportedly so impressed when he saw Thomas prepare the drink that he handed him one of his personal cigars.

Watch this mesmerizing video of a blue blazer being prepared: