The
secret of setting
brandy (or other high-alcohol drinks)
aflame is first to warm it and its glass until almost
hot. You can warm a glass by holding it by its stem above the
flame or
electric coil on your stove until the glass feels warm. Avoid touching the glass to the heat
source. You could break it.
Next, heat some brandy in a
saucepan above the flame. When the brandy is hot,
ignite it with a
match. It it's hot enough, it will flame instantly. Pour the
flaming liquid carefully into the other brandy you want
flamed. If all the
liquid is warm enough, it will ignite.
Be careful. Flames can
shoot up suddenly. Look up and make sure there's nothing above that can ignite, including your
hair,
hat,
whatever. Have an open
box of
baking soda nearby in case of
accidents. Pour it over flames to
extinguish them. Use
pot holders to protect your hands from the hot
glass,
spoon,
and/or pan.
The Basic Bar index...or on to
Using Fruit and Fruit Juices