Prepare to ignite your senses with the Flaming Dr. Pepper shot –
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.
I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
A Shot That Blends Fire, Flavor, and Fun
Cocktails can be sleek and sophisticated—or playful and wild. The Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot falls right in the middle, combining the thrill of fire with the nostalgic taste of a childhood favourite. More than just a party trick, this fiery little drink is a guaranteed conversation starter and a throwback to simpler times.
A Nostalgic Tribute in a Glass
Unlike classic cocktails with long histories, the Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot isn’t about tradition—it’s about fun. Inspired by the flavour of the beloved Dr. Pepper soft drink, it taps into the memory of cracking open a can at a BBQ or a 90s party. Only this time, it comes with fire.
The Ingredients That Make It Work
This shot is more than just soda in a glass—it’s a clever blend of flavours and effects:
-
Amaretto Liqueur – Nutty sweetness forms the base.
-
Overproof Rum (75.5% ABV / 151 proof) – The firestarter.
-
Beer (light lager or similar) – Rounds out the fizz and captures that Dr. Pepper taste.
When combined, these ingredients recreate the soda’s iconic mix of 23 flavours, with a grown-up twist.
The Flaming Ritual
Here’s why this shot always gets attention:
-
Amaretto is poured into a shot glass.
-
High-proof rum is carefully floated on top.
-
A lighter turns the top into a tiny flame.
-
The flaming shot is dropped into a glass of beer, extinguishing the fire in a fizz of bubbles.
It’s quick, it’s dramatic, and it sets the mood for fun.
When to Serve It
The Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot is best saved for special occasions when you want to add a spark—literally.
-
90s or Retro Parties – Nostalgic flavour meets throwback vibes.
-
End-of-Night Celebrations – A fiery finale to wrap up the night.
-
Backyard Bonfires – The flame pairs perfectly with the glow of the fire pit.
Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot Recipe (AU Measurements)
Ingredients
-
22 ml amaretto liqueur (¾ oz)
-
7 ml overproof rum (¼ oz, e.g. Bacardi 151 or equivalent)
-
120 ml light beer (approx. half a stubbie or schooner)
Instructions
-
Fill a schooner or highball glass halfway with beer (about 120 ml).
-
Pour amaretto into a shot glass.
-
Float the overproof rum on top using the back of a spoon.
-
Carefully light the rum.
-
Once the flame dies down, drop the shot glass into the beer.
-
Drink immediately—and responsibly.
Safety First: Handle the Flame with Care
The fire is the fun part, but safety comes first:
-
Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
-
Never attempt to drink while the shot is still flaming.
-
Use a designated “flame master” to handle lighting.
-
Beginners can try lower-proof rum (50% ABV) for a safer flame.
Think of it as part spectacle, part responsibility.
Beyond the Fire: A Surprisingly Rich Flavour
The Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot isn’t just about the show. The nutty sweetness of amaretto, the warmth of rum, and the crisp fizz of beer combine to create a flavour that really does taste like Dr. Pepper—with a boozy kick. It’s nostalgic, fizzy, and surprisingly well-balanced.
A Toast to Nostalgia and Fun
Raise your glass, drop in the flame, and relive the flavours of your youth in a whole new way. The Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot is proof that cocktails don’t have to be serious—they can be playful, nostalgic, and downright unforgettable. Just remember: light carefully, sip responsibly, and let the good times roll.
When you approach every cocktail as both an artwork and a story, you’re not just serving drinks—you’re creating memories. And that’s what makes a great mixologist truly unforgettable
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
Read more:
-
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot (Easy Recipe!)
- Shake, Sip, Cheers: Crafting The Woot Woot Shot For A Fruity Fiesta
- Dive Into The Deep End: Crafting The Liquid Marijuana Shot
- The Peanut Butter And Jelly Shot For A Sweet Surprise
- Why the Nutty Irishman Shot is the Perfect Drink for Any Occasion
- Raise a Glass to the South: The Alabama Slammer Cocktail
- Crafting The Swedish Fish Shot For A Sweet Seaside Escape
- Feel the Heat: Prairie Fire Shot Recipe and Its Fiery Legacy
- The Flaming Dr. Pepper Shot For A Fiery Spectacle
- The Mini Beer Shot For A Novel Experience
- The Buttery Nipple Shot For A Creamy Delight
- The Three Wise Men Shot For A Bold Adventure
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
