Like many people, I have a latent pyromaniacal streak that kicks up whenever presented with the opportunity to do anything in the kitchen that involves fire. It is perhaps better for everyone I know that I have not yet given in to the temptation to purchase a kitchen blowtorch, as that is a trip to the emergency room waiting to happen—another in a long line of Stupid Kitchen Tricks Resulting in Large Medical Bills. Until the fateful (and likely painful) day I invest in such a device, lighting rum on fire with matches will have to suffice.

My eternal battle with this blog is the photos. I can find and make enough drinks to keep y’all swimming in blog posts for years at a stretch, but finding the time and lighting to take attractive photos is my biggest challenge. Generally I have a cocktail in the evening when I get home from work. During the summer this presents no problems at all, since it is daylight until nearly nine. Winter is more challenging, as it’s full dark a good two hours before I get home from work, so I spend some serious time trying to retouch the photos into some semblance of natural color. So wouldn’t you know that when I am at home, lazing about while my cinnamon rolls proof and bake, and decide to make a cocktail that I can photography in full, glorious sunlight, it’s one that would have been better captured in the dark?

3 teaspoons coconut cream
¼ oz Grand Marnier
twist of orange peel
twist of lemon peel
2 whole cloves
¾ oz 151º Demerara rum
hot black coffee
cinnamon stick

Warm and ignite cloves, peels, Grand Marnier and rum in a Pyrex dish (or measuring cup). Place coconut cream in mug, then add hot coffee and stir. Spoon flaming mixutre on top and stir with cinnamon stick.

This, as so many good things, comes from the Grog Log. I’ve seen a number of tiki recipes that involve coffee, and I was finally of the right disposition to give one a try. This was surprisingly good, though very strong—it reminded me of the glögg that we drink every year at Christmas, with heavy components of spice and fruit and enough liquor to make your eyes water. The definite standout of this is the flaming portion, which contributes to the presentation and fills the air with a wonderful orange scent. It’s a very friendly wintertime drink, and one that was perfect for a lazy Saturday at home (with fresh cinnamon rolls on the side).