Ingredients
- 1-2 drop Grenadine Syrup
- 50 ml White Rum
- 1 Splash 151 Rum
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Drop 1-2 drops of grenadine syrup into the bottom of a shot glass. This creates the “blood” effect at the base of the drink.
Add White Rum:
- Pour 50 ml of white rum over the grenadine. The white rum adds sweetness and potency to the drink.
Float 151 Rum:
- Carefully float a splash of 151 rum on top of the white rum. The 151 rum provides the fiery kick and is essential for the flaming effect.
Ignite (Optional):
- For an extra dramatic effect, ignite the 151 rum with a lighter. Be extremely cautious when handling fire and ensure you are in a safe environment.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Fire and Blood Cocktail. The drink is sure to be a hit at any Game of Thrones viewing party or themed event.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot is a modern creation, directly inspired by the ‘Fire and Blood’ motto of House Targaryen from the Game of Thrones series. It’s a pop culture tribute, designed more for theme and dramatic effect than for a long-standing cocktail tradition. You’ll find it more at fan gatherings and home parties than in classic cocktail bars.
The Fire and Blood Cocktail falls into the category of layered shots, particularly those designed to be ignited. Its relatives include the B-52 or similar stacked shooters where distinct layers create a visual effect. What sets this apart is the specific combination of ‘blood’ red grenadine and the literal ‘fire’ from the high-proof rum, making it a very direct interpretation of its theme.
You’d typically serve or order this at a lively house party, a Game of Thrones watch party, or perhaps a bar known for its novelty or flaming shots. It’s a conversation starter, a quick hit, and definitely not something you sip slowly. It fits best into a fun, celebratory, or themed environment.
What it tastes like
On the palate, the Fire and Blood Cocktail starts with a burst of sweet, fruity grenadine at the base, quickly followed by the clean, slightly sweet warmth of white rum. The finish is dominated by the intense heat and raw alcohol character of the 151 rum, especially if consumed quickly after extinguishing the flame. It’s a potent hit of sweetness leading into a strong alcoholic kick.
This is a very strong shot. With 50 ml of 40% ABV white rum and a splash (roughly 10 ml) of 151 rum (around 75.5% ABV), a single Fire and Blood Cocktail contains approximately 27.5 ml of pure alcohol. This is significantly more alcohol than a standard 12 oz beer (around 14g or 17.5 ml alcohol) and packs the punch of one and a half to two standard cocktails.
The technique
Building this shot is all about careful layering. Start by dropping 1 to 2 drops of grenadine into the bottom of a shot glass to create the ‘blood’ effect. Next, slowly pour 50 ml of white rum over the grenadine layer. Finally, the critical step: carefully float a splash of 151 rum on top. For the dramatic finish, ignite the 151 rum with a lighter just before serving, but always exercise extreme caution with fire.
The single most important technique here is carefully floating the 151 rum. To do this, pour the high-proof rum slowly over the back of a bar spoon held just above the white rum layer. This creates a distinct, separate layer that will ignite cleanly and burn effectively. If you pour too fast or directly, the rums will mix, and the high-proof layer won’t be pure enough to catch fire or sustain a dramatic flame.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
151 Rum
- Use
- Bacardi 151 (if you can find it, though discontinued), Goslings 151, Cruzan 151. The key is a rum bottled at 75.5% ABV or higher.
- Skip
- Any standard 80 proof (40% ABV) rum. It simply won’t ignite or sustain a flame, missing the entire point of the drink.
- Why
- This ingredient is literally the ‘fire’ in Fire and Blood. Its high proof is essential for the dramatic flaming effect and contributes a significant alcoholic punch to the shot.
White Rum
- Use
- Bacardi Superior, Havana Club 3 Años, or any decent light-bodied, unaged white rum. You don’t need anything particularly expensive or complex here.
- Skip
- Dark rum will change the visual effect by muddying the ‘blood’ layer. Spiced rum will alter the flavor profile too much, detracting from the simple, potent core.
- Why
- White rum provides the main alcoholic base for the shot. Its clean, neutral profile allows the grenadine’s sweetness and the 151 rum’s intensity to shine without interference.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Dragon’s Breath
- A different color for a different theme
- Substitute grenadine with a blue curaçao or green melon liqueur for a different colored base, creating a new visual without changing the fiery effect.
Winter is Coming
- A minty, cold contrast
- Use a small amount of crème de menthe instead of grenadine for the bottom layer. This gives a cool, minty flavor that contrasts with the fiery top layer.
House Lannister
- Gold and potent
- Replace the white rum with a light gold rum for a subtle change in color and a slightly richer, aged rum flavor, while maintaining the flaming top layer.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use cherry syrup, raspberry syrup, or even a few drops of red food coloring in simple syrup for the visual effect, though flavor will differ.
Vodka can be used, though it will make the drink less sweet and slightly harsher. It maintains the clear appearance.
If you can’t find 151 rum, the flaming effect cannot be achieved safely. You can use another high-proof spirit like Everclear, but proceed with extreme caution due to its higher alcohol content, or simply omit the float and flame.
A small cordial glass or a small, heat-resistant rocks glass can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s stable and won’t crack from the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Fire and Blood Cocktail?
The Fire and Blood Cocktail contains grenadine syrup, white rum, and 151 rum.
Is the Fire and Blood Cocktail strong?
Yes, it is a very strong shot. The combination of white rum and high-proof 151 rum makes it significantly more potent than a typical cocktail or beer.
Can I skip the flaming step?
Yes, igniting the 151 rum is optional. The drink will still be potent and tasty without the flame, but you lose the dramatic visual effect.
What does a Fire and Blood Cocktail taste like?
It tastes sweet and fruity from the grenadine at first, followed by the clean, alcoholic warmth of white rum, finishing with an intense, fiery kick from the 151 rum.
What is 151 rum?
151 rum is a high-proof rum, typically bottled at 75.5% alcohol by volume (151 proof). It’s known for its potency and flammability, making it suitable for flaming drinks.
Is it safe to drink a flaming cocktail?
Only drink flaming cocktails after the flame has been extinguished. Drinking while still aflame is extremely dangerous and can cause severe burns.
What kind of rum should I use for the white rum component?
Any standard, unaged white rum like Bacardi Superior or a similar brand will work well. There’s no need for an expensive or complex white rum here.
Why is it called Fire and Blood Cocktail?
The name is a direct reference to the motto of House Targaryen from the Game of Thrones series. The grenadine creates the ‘blood’ effect, and the flaming 151 rum represents ‘fire’.
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