Episode 119 Blue Blazer
Ep. 119: A Most Dangerous Spectacle – The Blue Blazer
Welcome to Season 7 episode 119 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle
STOP! Before you try to make this drink, you will need to purchase Blue Blazer mugs
Where do I get Blue Blazer mugs you ask? Golden Age Bartending has a set of 2 you can purchase for about $50. www.goldenagebartending.com. Then go research fire safety!
In this episode we are turning up the heat—literally—with one of cocktail story's most spectacular and dangerous drinks: the Blue Blazer. This flaming whiskey cocktail isn't just mixed, it's performed, as blazing liquid cascades between two metal mugs in a fiery arc that's as mesmerizing as it is risky. In fact, make this drink at your own risk – things can go sideways easy. We talk about what we did to keep things safe, but you need to do your homework too if you decide to try to make this one.
Of course, we dive into the story of Jerry Thomas, the legendary 19th-century bartender who created this showstopper and quite literally wrote the book on bartending. His Blue Blazer became the grandfather of flaming cocktails and established the art of theatrical bartending that still captivates audiences today.
Jules and I walk you through the technique, the proper equipment (those specialized Blue Blazer mugs exist for a reason), and—most importantly—the safety precautions you absolutely need to know before attempting this at home. Because while the Blue Blazer is undeniably impressive, it demands respect and caution.
Whether you're a cocktail historian, a pyro enthusiast, or just curious about the drinks that pushed bartending into performance art, this episode illuminates the legacy of Jerry Thomas and the drink that proved cocktails could be both craft and spectacle.
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Blue Blazer recipe:
You’ll need 2 Blue Blazer mugs to make the drink and 2 different mugs (or Brandy snifters) to serve the drink.
Ingredients (makes 2):
4 oz cask strength scotch
2 tsp of sugar
3 oz boiling water
Steps
Warm the scotch – it lights and stays lit easier
Warm a separate brandy snifter or ceramic mug
Lay down a damp towel and clear your area of any flammable materials
Place your Blue Blazer mugs on the towel – this is your workspace
In 1 of the METAL mugs, pour in your ingredients – leaving the other mug empty for now
Light the drink on fire
Carefully roll the mix between the Blue Blazer mugs 5 times. Keeping your hands away from the top of the handle (it gets hot over the receiving mug).
Place the empty mug over the flaming mug to put out the fire – once the fire is out you can continue to roll the drink between mugs to dissolve the sugar
IMPORTANT: pour your cocktail into a new vessel – either a warmed brandy snifter or a ceramic mug. Otherwise, you WILL burn your lips on the Blue Blazer mugs
Garnish with a lemon twist
The History of the Blue Blazer Cocktail
The Blue Blazer is one of the most legendary—and theatrical—cocktails in classic bartending. Created in the 1850s by Jerry Thomas, the “father of American mixology,” this flaming whisky drink was first served at the El Dorado bar in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Thomas wanted a drink as bold as the booming frontier, so he dramatically ignited whisky and tossed it between two metal mugs, creating bright blue arcs of fire.
Thomas later published the drink in his landmark 1862 book, How to Mix Drinks, the first bartending guide ever printed. The Blue Blazer became the signature spectacle that cemented his status as America’s first celebrity bartender.
What’s in a Blue Blazer?
Despite the flash, the cocktail is simple:
scotch whisky, boiling water, and a little sugar.
The heat from the water helps ignite the whisky, creating the famous blue flame the drink is known for.
Why the Blue Blazer Matters
The Blue Blazer is widely considered the first performance-based cocktail, setting the stage for flair bartending, modern craft cocktail theatrics, and tableside drink service. It also represents the early days of American mixology—where showmanship, hospitality, and storytelling were just as important as the ingredients.
Fun Facts About the Blue Blazer
The First “Flair” Cocktail
The Blue Blazer introduced theatrical bartending in the mid-1800s. Without it, we may not have flashy shaking, flips, or modern bar showmanship.
A High-Priced Spectacle
Jerry Thomas charged the equivalent of $15–$20 a drink today, purely because of the skill and risk involved.
Mark Twain Approved
While in San Francisco, Mark Twain referenced “liquid fire” cocktails—almost certainly inspired by the Blue Blazer’s dramatic presentation.
The Famous Blue Flame
The flame burns blue because of the alcohol vapor burning cleanly. Guests in the 1800s described it as “ghost-light” or “witch-fire.”
A Bartender Rite of Passage
Even now, bartenders practice the Blue Blazer with cold water before graduating to the real thing. It’s still considered a milestone in classic craft cocktail technique.
A Lasting Legacy
The Blue Blazer remains one of the most iconic cocktails in history—not just for its flavor, but for its unforgettable presentation. Whether made tableside, behind the bar, or for storytelling on a podcast, it continues to inspire cocktail lovers who appreciate both history and a little bit of spectacle.
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