Flaming Dr. Pepper Cocktail Recipe

Flaming Dr. Pepper Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Flaming Dr. Pepper cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1980s, during a time when flaming cocktails were gaining popularity. It is named after the popular soft drink, Dr. Pepper, due to its similar taste. The cocktail is known for its impressive presentation, as it involves lighting the drink on fire.

  • Popular in the 1980s
  • Named after Dr. Pepper soft drink
  • Known for its flaming presentation

How Flaming Dr. Pepper Tastes?

The Flaming Dr. Pepper has a unique, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is reminiscent of the Dr. Pepper soft drink, with a hint of caramel and a warming sensation from the flaming alcohol.

Interesting facts about Flaming Dr. Pepper

  • The cocktail does not actually contain Dr. Pepper
  • It is often served as a shot
  • The flaming presentation adds a caramelized flavor to the drink

Ingredients

Amaretto (1 oz)

Amaretto, with its sweet, rich almond flavor adds a depth to cocktails that few liqueurs can. It's not just for sipping neat! In the Flaming Dr. Pepper, it provides a base that, when ignited, offers a toasted marshmallow vibe. Too little and the drink lacks sweetness; too much and it might as well be dessert in a glass.

Mary Mitkina

Overproof Rum (0.5 oz)

The heavy hitter of the drink – quite literally. Overproof rum is what lets this cocktail put on a fire show. At a high proof, it's all about the drama, baby. But it's not just for looks; that little bit of rum adds a funky kick. Without it, it’s like a firework show without the finale.

Mary Mitkina

Beer (4 oz)

Beer is the party pool that our flaming shot dives into. It's there to mellow out the strong flavors and add some effervescence. Without it, you'd just have a very, very strong shot. With it, you create a balanced, multi-layered experience. Think of it as the wingman to the fiery flavors of the Amaretto and rum.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Flaming Dr. Pepper Drink

  1. Fill a shot glass with 1 oz of Amaretto
  2. Carefully layer 0.5 oz of overproof rum on top of the Amaretto
  3. Fill a pint glass halfway with beer
  4. Light the rum on fire using a long lighter
  5. Carefully drop the flaming shot glass into the pint glass
  6. Extinguish the flame and drink immediately

Pro Tips

  • Use a long lighter to avoid burning your fingers when lighting the rum on fire
  • Serve immediately after extinguishing the flame to enjoy the caramelized flavor
  • Use a pint glass that is wide enough to accommodate the shot glass

Perfect Pairings

Savory Snacks

  • Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels can complement the sweet and nutty flavor of the Amaretto in the Flaming Dr. Pepper. Just be careful not to get too fiery when crunching into these!
  • BBQ Chicken Wings: Sticky, sweet, and a bit spicy, these wings will stand up to the bold flavors of the flaming cocktail.
  • Loaded Nachos: The beer base and the fiery shot will cut through the cheese and compliment the jalapeños.

Sweet Delights

  • Chocolate Brownies: A rich brownie can play well with the Amaretto’s sweet almond notes.
  • Apple Pie: A slice of apple pie could be a great partner, with its warm spices dancing with the cocktail's caramelized flavors.

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What you could change in Flaming Dr. Pepper

  • Amaretto: Can be replaced with any other almond-flavored liqueur
  • Overproof Rum: Can be replaced with any other high-proof alcohol
  • Beer: Can be replaced with any other light beer

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And of course - twists🍹

Tropical Dr. Pepper

  • Replace Amaretto with Coconut Liqueur (1 oz)
  • Overproof Rum (0.5 oz)
  • Pineapple Juice (instead of beer, 4 oz)

This twist turns the original on its head by incorporating tropical flavors. The coconut adds a beachy twist while the pineapple juice adds a zesty zing that’s like a vacation in a glass.

Spicy Dr. Pepper

  • Amaretto (1 oz)
  • Cinnamon-flavored Overproof Rum (0.5 oz)
  • Hard Cider (4 oz)

Adding a bit of spice with cinnamon rum, this variant is fiery in more ways than one. The hard cider’s crispness pairs well with the spicy heat providing a fiery apple orchard twist.

Dr. Pepper’s Vanilla Fizz

  • Vanilla Liqueur (1 oz)
  • Overproof Rum (0.5 oz)
  • Cream Soda (4 oz)

By swapping out Amaretto for Vanilla Liqueur and using cream soda, it's like Dr. Pepper met a cozy vanilla cloud. Sweet, playful, and delightfully smooth, it’s a softer spin on the original cocktail.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Flaming Dr. Pepper

How to extinguish the flame of the cocktail safely?

The safest technique to extinguish the flame is by smothering it. This can be achieved by placing a non-flammable lid over the top of the cup. Blowing it might cause splashing of the flaming liquid.

What's the best type of beer to use for this cocktail?

While the choice largely depends upon personal preference, light ales or lagers tend to companion well with the sweet and spicy notes of the Amaretto and overproof rum.

Why is it called Flaming Dr. Pepper if it doesn't contain Dr. Pepper?

The blend of Amaretto, overproof rum, and beer creates a flavor profile that's quite similar to Dr. Pepper soft drink. Hence, despite not containing the actual soda, it is named after it.

Is the flame necessary? Can I enjoy this cocktail without it?

The flame is a part of the presentation and adds a caramelized flavor to the drink. However, if you prefer to skip it and still want to try the drink, it's totally acceptable.

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