Ingredients
- 1 oz OP Rum
- 1 oz Blackberry Brandy
- 1 oz Anise Liqueur
Instructions
Combine the Ingredients:
- In a shot glass, pour 1 oz blackberry brandy, 1 oz anise liqueur, and 1 oz OP rum.
Ignite the Rum:
- Carefully light the OP rum on top of the shot with a lighter.
Drink Quickly Through a Straw:
- Quickly drink the shot through a straw before the flame goes out and the straw melts.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Flaming Jelly Bean belongs to a family of flamboyant shots that gained traction in American bars from the late 1980s through the 1990s. These were often sweet, layered, and sometimes involved a pyrotechnic display. It's less about a specific inventor and more about a trend of playful, high-energy drinks designed for a good time.
This shot is a close cousin to other "flaming" or "layered" shots, often sharing ingredients like Sambuca or high-proof rum. What sets the Flaming Jelly Bean apart is its specific combination of anise and fruit liqueur, capped with a literal flame. It's a party piece, not a refined cocktail, designed for immediate impact and a memorable visual.
You'd typically find or serve a Flaming Jelly Bean in a high-volume bar, a college town pub, or anywhere the vibe is less about quiet conversation and more about loud celebration. It's a crowd-pleaser for birthdays, bachelor parties, or any occasion that calls for a bit of theatrical flair before you get to the serious drinks.
What it tastes like
Expect a dominant anise flavor from the Sambuca, quickly followed by the sweet, peachy, and citrus notes of Southern Comfort. The grenadine adds a touch of berry sweetness and color, while the 151 proof rum contributes a pure alcohol heat and a hint of molasses as it burns off. It's a sweet, warming, and intensely flavored shot.
This shot packs a punch. With 0.5 oz of 42% ABV Sambuca, 0.5 oz of 35% ABV Southern Comfort, and a 0.25 oz float of 75.5% ABV 151 proof rum, you're looking at a significantly potent drink. A single Flaming Jelly Bean is easily equivalent to two standard beers in terms of alcohol content, so pace yourself.
The technique
Build this shot directly in a standard shot glass. First, pour the Sambuca, then carefully layer the Southern Comfort over the back of a spoon to create separation. Add a few drops of grenadine for visual effect, letting them sink. Finally, float the 151 proof rum on top. Ignite the rum carefully with a long lighter or match, let it burn briefly, then extinguish before consumption.
The crucial technique for this shot is controlled layering and safe flaming. Ensure distinct layers for visual appeal, and always extinguish the flame completely before the shot leaves your hands or touches anyone's lips. Safety first, showmanship second.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Sambuca
- Use
- Any reputable brand like Romana, Luxardo, or Molinari will work. White Sambuca is standard.
- Skip
- Anise flavored liqueurs that aren't Sambuca. They won't have the same sweetness or viscosity.
- Why
- Sambuca provides the signature licorice-like anise flavor that defines the 'jelly bean' profile. Its viscosity also helps with layering.
151 Proof Rum
- Use
- Bacardi 151 (if you can find it), Cruzan 151, or any other rum bottled at 75.5% ABV or higher. Absinthe can also work if you're out of rum.
- Skip
- Lower proof rums. They won't ignite or sustain a flame safely or effectively.
- Why
- This is the 'flaming' component. Its high alcohol content allows it to be safely ignited, creating the visual spectacle and a slight caramelization of the top layer.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Unflamed Jelly Bean
- Less drama, same flavor.
- Skip the 151 proof rum and the flame for a quick, sweet shot without the theatrics. It's still a potent sugar bomb.
Sour Jelly Bean
- A tart twist.
- Replace the grenadine with a few drops of blue curaçao and a splash of lime juice for a more tart, citrusy kick. It changes the color and brightens the profile.
Spiced Jelly Bean
- Warm and complex.
- Substitute the Southern Comfort for a spiced pear liqueur or even a cinnamon schnapps. This adds a layer of warm spice to the anise and flame.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try another anise-flavored liqueur like ouzo or pastis, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Peach schnapps or even a good apricot brandy can mimic the fruity sweetness, just adjust for sugar levels.
High-proof absinthe or even a very strong overproof vodka could work for the flame, but be extra cautious with absinthe's lower flash point.
A small cordial glass or even a carefully measured demitasse cup can serve as a substitute, but ensure it's heat-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Flaming Jelly Bean?
A Flaming Jelly Bean typically contains Sambuca, Southern Comfort, a dash of grenadine, and a float of high-proof 151 rum, which is then ignited.
Is it safe to drink a flaming shot?
Absolutely not while it's still lit. Always extinguish the flame completely before attempting to consume any flaming shot to prevent burns.
What does a Flaming Jelly Bean taste like?
It tastes intensely sweet, with prominent notes of black licorice or anise, balanced by the peachy-citrus flavor of Southern Comfort, and a strong alcoholic warmth.
How do you light a flaming shot safely?
Use a long-stemmed lighter or a kitchen torch. Hold the flame just above the surface of the high-proof alcohol until it ignites. Keep your face and hair clear.
Can I use regular rum to make a flaming shot?
No, most standard rums are 80 proof (40% ABV) and will not ignite or sustain a flame safely. You need an overproof spirit like 151 proof (75.5% ABV) rum.
Why is it called a Flaming Jelly Bean?
The 'flaming' part is obvious from the ignited rum. The 'jelly bean' refers to the sweet, anise-like flavor that often reminds people of certain jelly bean candies, particularly black jelly beans.
What's the best way to extinguish the flame on a shot?
The safest way is to cover the shot glass with something non-flammable like a metal coaster or a larger glass to cut off oxygen. Do not try to blow it out.
Is the Flaming Jelly Bean a strong drink?
Yes, it's a very potent shot. The combination of liqueurs and high-proof rum means it delivers a significant amount of alcohol in a small serving. Consume responsibly.
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