Ingredients
- 2 tsp Creme De Cacao
- .5 oz Triple Sec
- 1.5 oz Dark Rum
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Add 2 tsp of crème de cacao, 0.5 oz of triple sec, and 1.5 oz of dark rum to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake Well:
- Shake the mixture vigorously to combine the flavors and chill the drink.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, smooth flavors of the Blaze of Glory Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Blaze of Glory Cocktail doesn’t boast a long, storied past or a specific inventor. Its combination of dark rum, crème de cacao, and triple sec suggests it’s a more modern invention, likely emerging from American bars in the mid-to-late 20th century. It’s the kind of drink a working bartender might have thrown together to use up ingredients or satisfy a customer’s sweet tooth with a potent edge.
This drink sits comfortably in the category of dessert cocktails or strong, spirit-forward short drinks. It shares a certain DNA with a Brandy Alexander, swapping brandy for rum and adding triple sec for a citrus twist instead of cream. It’s also a cousin to other rum-forward, sweet concoctions, offering a bolder, less creamy profile than many of its dessert drink relatives, leaning more into its boozy base.
You’d find the Blaze of Glory Cocktail at a dimly lit speakeasy, a neighborhood bar that knows its spirits, or even a home bar where someone isn’t afraid of a potent mix. It’s a solid choice for a nightcap or a post-dinner indulgence, not a poolside sipper. It fits best in an intimate setting where the focus is on good conversation and strong drinks, rather than light refreshment.
What it tastes like
The Blaze of Glory Cocktail hits with a rich, dark rum sweetness right up front, quickly followed by the decadent, almost fudge-like notes of crème de cacao. The triple sec adds a subtle, bright orange peel finish, cutting through the sweetness just enough to keep it from being cloying. It’s a smooth, boozy journey from dark chocolate and molasses to a lingering citrus zest on the finish.
With 1.5 ounces of dark rum, half an ounce of triple sec, and a couple of teaspoons of crème de cacao, this drink packs a significant alcoholic punch. Expect it to clock in around 35% ABV, making it considerably stronger than a standard beer, which is typically 4-6%. It's on par with many spirit-forward cocktails, so treat it with respect and savor it slowly.
The technique
Building a Blaze of Glory is straightforward. Combine all your liquid ingredients in a shaker with plenty of ice. Give it a good, hard shake to ensure everything is thoroughly chilled and properly integrated. Once well-chilled, strain the mixture into your chosen glass. A coupe or a small rocks glass works well to showcase its rich color and potent nature. Serve it neat, no fuss, no garnish needed unless you feel like it.
The most important technique here is a proper, vigorous shake. This isn’t just about chilling the drink; it’s about aerating the ingredients and marrying those strong flavors. A weak shake leaves the drink warm and the components feeling separate, resulting in a thin, uninspired sip. You want it cold and slightly diluted to soften the edges of the rum and chocolate, creating a smoother texture.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Dark Rum
- Use
- A good quality aged dark rum like Appleton Estate Rare Cask, Goslings Black Seal, or even a robust gold rum will provide the necessary depth and character.
- Skip
- White rum will make this drink too light and lose the rich molasses notes. Spiced rum will add competing flavors that might clash with the chocolate and orange.
- Why
- Dark rum is the backbone of this drink, providing its primary spirit base, its deep color, and essential notes of molasses, caramel, and oak that complement the other ingredients.
Crème de Cacao
- Use
- Opt for a quality crème de cacao, either clear or dark. Brands like Bols, Tempus Fugit, or Giffard offer authentic chocolate flavor and the right viscosity.
- Skip
- Avoid simple chocolate liqueurs that aren’t specifically ‘crème de cacao’ as they often lack the richness and texture. Chocolate syrup is a definite no, as it won’t integrate properly and will make the drink sickly sweet.
- Why
- Crème de cacao delivers the essential chocolate sweetness and a silky texture that balances the rum. It’s crucial for the drink’s dessert-like quality and smooth mouthfeel.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Spiced Blaze
- Aromatic complexity with a dash of bitters
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the shaker. This introduces a layer of aromatic spice that can cut through some of the sweetness.
Smoky Blaze
- A hint of campfire warmth
- Replace 0.25 oz of dark rum with a smoky aged rum or a very small amount (a bar spoon) of mezcal. This adds an intriguing, savory depth to the cocktail.
Blaze on the Rocks
- Slow-sipping for a warmer evening
- Instead of straining into a coupe, strain the shaken mixture over a large, fresh ice cube in a rocks glass. The slow dilution can open up the flavors over time.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a high-quality chocolate liqueur, but be aware it might be less viscous and sweet, so adjust to taste. You could also try a coffee liqueur for a different but complementary profile.
Cointreau or Grand Marnier are superior substitutes, offering a more refined orange note. Alternatively, any orange curaçao will work, though some might be sweeter or less complex.
An aged gold rum or even a robust amber rum can stand in, but the drink will lose some of its deep molasses and caramel notes. The overall character will be lighter.
Use a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Fill it with ice and ingredients, screw the lid on tight, and shake vigorously. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you don’t have a built-in strainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Blaze of Glory Cocktail?
A Blaze of Glory Cocktail contains dark rum, crème de cacao, and triple sec.
Is the Blaze of Glory Cocktail strong?
Yes, it is a spirit-forward drink, typically around 35% ABV, making it quite potent.
What kind of rum should I use for a Blaze of Glory Cocktail?
A good quality aged dark rum, like a Jamaican or Bermudan rum, works best to give it a rich, deep flavor.
Can I make the Blaze of Glory Cocktail less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can slightly decrease the amount of crème de cacao or add a dash of orange bitters to balance it out.
What glass should I use for a Blaze of Glory Cocktail?
A coupe or a small rocks glass is ideal for serving this cocktail, showcasing its rich color and potent nature.
Do I need to garnish a Blaze of Glory Cocktail?
No, it’s typically served ungarnished. However, a small orange twist or a few chocolate shavings could be added if desired.
Is the Blaze of Glory Cocktail a dessert drink?
It has dessert-like qualities due to its sweetness and prominent chocolate notes, making it suitable for after-dinner enjoyment.
Can I make a batch of Blaze of Glory Cocktails?
You can pre-batch the liquid ingredients in advance, but always chill and shake individual servings with fresh ice just before serving for the best results.
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