Episode 104 The Flaming Dr. Pepper
Ep. 104: Fire and Folklore - The Flaming Dr. Pepper (shot)
Welcome to Season 7 episode 104 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle
Brad and Jules kick off with a daring taste of Chicago's infamous Malört — because what better way to prepare your taste buds for a journey? Despite this bold opening, the real star of the show is the considerably more palatable Flaming Dr. Pepper shot – which has nothing to do with Malört. While Jules crafts an elegant M&M shooter, Brad dives into the contested origins of the Flaming Dr. Pepper, separating myth from mixology as they attempt to uncover the true story behind this fiery favorite.
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What We Talked About:
🔥 The history — Tracing the shot back to Texas in the 1980s, where bar flair met frat-house energy
🍺 The recipe — A boozy trifecta: amaretto, overproof rum, and a splash of beer
🔥 The flame factor — Why it lights on fire and how the proof matters
🧪 The taste illusion — How this strange mix manages to perfectly mimic Dr. Pepper
👀 Bar safety — The dos and don'ts of lighting things on fire behind the bar
🎉 The party lore — Why this shot has remained a favorite for decades
🔥 History & Fun Facts: The Flaming Dr. Pepper
Where it all began:
The Flaming Dr. Pepper shot is said to have originated in Texas in the 1980s, most notably at a bar in Austin or College Station, depending on who you ask. It quickly spread across college campuses and dive bars for one main reason—it was flashy and shockingly delicious.
Why it tastes like Dr. Pepper (without any Dr. Pepper):
The flavor illusion comes from the combo of amaretto (almond and cherry notes), overproof rum, and light beer—which together somehow create that sweet, spiced soda flavor we all know and love.
The fire factor:
Lighting it on fire isn’t just for drama (though, let’s be real—it’s a lot of drama). The overproof rum floats on top of the amaretto and ignites because of its high alcohol content, usually 75% ABV or higher.
It’s not really a shot:
Technically, it's a bomb shot—where the flaming shot glass is dropped into a half-full beer and then chugged immediately. It’s less “sip and savor” and more “light and launch.”
Bar folklore moment:
Legend has it that bartenders used this drink to show off their fire tricks, and it became a rite of passage for college students wanting to prove they could handle a flame—or at least chug fast.
Safety tip:
While fun, this is definitely not the kind of thing you want to attempt without care. Flames + alcohol = respect the process or leave it to professionals.
This weeks tip section will be dedicated to answering YOUR questions
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