Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- 0.5 oz Gold Tequila
- 0.5 oz Sambuca
Instructions
- Layer Fireball at the bottom of a tall shot glass.
- Slowly pour gold tequila over the back of a spoon to layer on top.
- Float sambuca on top, again pouring slowly over a spoon.
- Carefully ignite the sambuca with a long match.
- Blow out the flame, then drink immediately. Get over here.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Likely a product of late 20th century bar culture, the Scorpion Flame Shot doesn't trace back to any grand cocktail lineage. It emerged from bars and clubs where spectacle and quick consumption were key, probably in North America or similar party zones. It's a pragmatic creation designed for a specific kind of evening.
This falls squarely into the layered shot category, a cousin to drinks like the B52 or the Slippery Nipple, but with the added theatrical element of fire. The combination of cinnamon whisky, tequila, and sambuca is a distinct flavor profile, setting it apart from other layered shots that often lean on creams or coffee liqueurs. The flame is its defining feature.
You're ordering or serving a Scorpion Flame Shot when the energy needs a boost, typically at a loud bar, a house party, or maybe a bachelorette gathering. It's a celebration shot, or a dare shot, certainly not something you'd find on a craft cocktail menu. It's about the moment, not the nuances.
What it tastes like
The taste begins with an immediate hit of fiery cinnamon from the Fireball, quickly followed by the distinct earthy and slightly peppery notes of gold tequila. As you swallow, the Sambuca's strong licorice or anise flavor comes through, providing a sweet yet potent finish. It's a chaotic but memorable blend of spice, agave, and herbal sweetness.
At approximately 38% ABV, the Scorpion Flame Shot is a potent drink. To put that in perspective, a single 1.5 ounce shot contains roughly the same amount of pure alcohol as about 7.5 ounces of a standard 5% ABV beer. This isn't a casual sipper; it's designed for a quick, impactful hit, so approach it with respect and caution.
The technique
Building the Scorpion Flame Shot is all about precision layering. Start with Fireball at the bottom of a tall shot glass. Slowly pour the gold tequila over the back of a spoon to create a distinct middle layer. Finally, float the Sambuca on top using the same spoon technique. Ignite the Sambuca with a long match, let it burn briefly for effect, then extinguish the flame before consumption. Drink it quickly once the fire is out.
The critical technique here is the slow, steady pour over the back of a spoon for each layer. This prevents the liquids from mixing and ensures you get those distinct, colorful layers that make the shot visually appealing and easier to ignite correctly. Rushing it just gives you a murky, undifferentiated mess.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- Use
- Standard Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. Don't overthink it.
- Skip
- Any other cinnamon liqueur or generic cinnamon whiskey. They won't have the same kick or branding.
- Why
- Fireball is the definitive cinnamon whisky for this type of shot. Its bold, sweet heat is fundamental to the drink's character and name. It sets the tone.
Sambuca
- Use
- Any standard white Sambuca. Molinari, Luxardo, Romana are solid choices.
- Skip
- Anise liqueurs that aren't Sambuca, or black Sambuca. The flavor profile will be off, and black Sambuca won't ignite as clearly.
- Why
- Sambuca provides the strong anise flavor that rounds out the shot, and crucially, its high proof allows for the igniting flame, making the spectacle possible. It's the fire starter.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Scorpion Shot (No Fire)
- All the flavor, none of the danger
- If you want the taste without the pyrotechnics, simply skip the ignition step. It's still a potent layered shot, just without the showmanship.
Silver Scorpion
- Cleaner agave notes
- Swap the gold tequila for a silver (blanco) tequila. This will give the shot a cleaner, brighter agave profile, reducing some of the inherent sweetness and oak notes of a gold tequila.
Absinthe Flame
- More complex anise and higher proof
- For a different kind of burn, float a small amount of high-proof absinthe instead of sambuca. It will ignite, but introduce a more complex, herbal anise flavor profile and a higher flame.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a different cinnamon whiskey like Jim Beam Kentucky Fire, or a spiced rum with a dash of cinnamon syrup.
Silver tequila works fine, it just changes the flavor profile slightly. A good quality blanco will do the trick.
Anise liqueur like Ouzo or Pastis could substitute for the flavor, but might not ignite as reliably. High-proof rum or a neutral spirit could provide the flame, but you'd lose the anise.
A regular shot glass will work, but layering might be trickier due to the smaller surface area, and the flame might feel less contained. A small cordial glass could also work in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Scorpion Flame Shot?
A Scorpion Flame Shot contains 0.5 oz Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, 0.5 oz gold tequila, and 0.5 oz Sambuca.
How do you drink a flaming shot?
You carefully ignite the top layer, let it burn for a few seconds, then blow out the flame completely before drinking the shot quickly. Never drink it while it's still lit.
Is the Scorpion Flame Shot dangerous?
Any drink involving fire carries inherent risks. Always exercise extreme caution, use a long match or lighter, and ensure there's nothing flammable nearby. Make sure the flame is out before consumption.
Can I use a different type of tequila?
Yes, you can use silver (blanco) tequila if you prefer a cleaner agave taste. Reposado or añejo would add more oak and vanilla notes, changing the profile significantly.
Why does it have to be Sambuca?
Sambuca is used for its distinct anise flavor and its relatively high alcohol content, which allows it to be ignited safely as a top layer. Other liqueurs might not ignite, or might burn differently.
What does a Scorpion Flame Shot taste like?
It tastes like a fiery blend of sweet cinnamon, earthy agave from the tequila, and a strong, sweet licorice finish from the Sambuca. It's a bold and spicy combination.
Can I make this shot without the flame?
Absolutely. If you skip the ignition step, you still have a potent, layered shot with the same flavor profile. It's a safer option if you're not comfortable with fire.
What kind of glass should I use?
A tall shot glass is ideal for layering and safely containing the flame. A standard shot glass can also work, but be extra careful with the flame.
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