Ep. 119: A Most Dangerous Spectacle – The Blue Blazer
STOP! Before you try to make this drink, you will need to purchase Blue Blazer mugs
Where do I get Blue Blazer mugs you ask? Golden Age Bartending has a set of 2 you can purchase for about $50. www.goldenagebartending.com. Then go research fire safety!
In this episode we are turning up the heat—literally—with one of cocktail story's most spectacular and dangerous drinks: the Blue Blazer. This flaming whiskey cocktail isn't just mixed, it's performed, as blazing liquid cascades between two metal mugs in a fiery arc that's as mesmerizing as it is risky. In fact, make this drink at your own risk – things can go sideways easy. We talk about what we did to keep things safe, but you need to do your homework too if you decide to try to make this one.
Of course, we dive into the story of Jerry Thomas, the legendary 19th-century bartender who created this showstopper and quite literally wrote the book on bartending. His Blue Blazer became the grandfather of flaming cocktails and established the art of theatrical bartending that still captivates audiences today.
Jules and I walk you through the technique, the proper equipment (those specialized Blue Blazer mugs exist for a reason), and—most importantly—the safety precautions you absolutely need to know before attempting this at home. Because while the Blue Blazer is undeniably impressive, it demands respect and caution.
Whether you're a cocktail historian, a pyro enthusiast, or just curious about the drinks that pushed bartending into performance art, this episode illuminates the legacy of Jerry Thomas and the drink that proved cocktails could be both craft and spectacle.
Blue Blazer recipe: You’ll need 2 Blue Blazer mugs to make the drink and 2 different mugs (or Brandy snifters) to serve the drink.
Ingredients (makes 2):
4 oz cask strength scotch
2 tsp of sugar
3 oz boiling water
Steps
Warm the scotch – it lights and stays lit easier
Warm a separate brandy snifter or ceramic mug
Lay down a damp towel and clear your area of any flammable materials
Place your Blue Blazer mugs on the towel – this is your workspace
In 1 of the METAL mugs, pour in your ingredients – leaving the other mug empty for now
Light the drink on fire
Carefully roll the mix between the Blue Blazer mugs 5 times. Keeping your hands away from the top of the handle (it’ gets hot over the receiving mug).
Place the empty mug over the flaming mug to put out the fire – once the fire is out you can continue to roll the drink between mugs to dissolve the sugar
IMPORTANT: pour your cocktail into a new vessel – either a warmed brandy snifter or a ceramic mug. Otherwise, you WILL burn your lips on the Blue Blazer mugs
Garnish with a lemon twist
TIP: Fire and alcohol
Thinking about purchasing a Klaris ice machine? You might need it for today’s episode. Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-)
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Ep. 118: Cider’s Glow-Up – A Comeback Story
Move over, fancy cocktails—this week we're cracking open the truth about cider, the beverage world's most underappreciated beverage. Join us as Jules whips up some stovetop cider magic (yes, your kitchen will smell amazing), while Uncle Brad proves that cider deserves a spot on your shelf, or in your fridge. We learn there are regional differences, which may explain why you may not like cider – you've only had 1 type or a specific brand. Uncle B also gives us a few tips on how cider could play well with others in your cocktail shaker. We're here to defend cider's honor and rescue it from its undeserved stepchild status—because this drink has history, regional flair, and deserves a permanent spot in your fridge. Uncle Brad takes us on a surprisingly fascinating journey through the history of the apple and then gives us the history behind cider – there's a connection here. Pour yourself something delicious and let's give cider the love it deserves.
TIP: whole spices vs. Ground spices
Thinking about purchasing a Klaris ice machine? Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-)
The Art of Drinking
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Uncle Brad
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This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast
IG: @reddrockmusic
www.reddrockmusic.com
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Ep. 117: Three Sheets, Pineapple Beats, and Walnut Treats – Planters Punch
Pour yourself a glass and join Uncle Brad as he breaks down the classic Planters Punch—before Jules jazzes it up with a tropical pineapple-basil twist that'll transport you straight to the islands. Brad takes us on a spirited journey through the cocktail and Jamaican rum’s history and reveals the nautical origins of being "three sheets to the wind" (spoiler: it's not about bedding). The duo wraps things up by tackling a listener question from @waterscott about the mysterious art of using walnut bitters. Whether you're a rum enthusiast or just here for the good vibes, this episode serves up history, humor, and a whole lot of flavor.
Planters Punch
Glass: Collins
Garnish: Umbrella and a lime, cherry, nutmeg... whatever
Directions & Ingredients
In mixing glass add:
3.0 oz Dark Rum
1.0 oz Fresh lime juice
0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz Grenadine (best if you make it yourself)
½ tbsp of Raw cane sugar
2 dash angostura
Shake for 20 seconds
Strain into collins glass packed with crushed ice
Add garnish
Pineapple-Basil Planter
Fresh garden vibes meet island vibes
1 oz white rum
1.5 oz Jamaican rum
1 oz pineapple juice
3/4 oz lime juice
1/2 oz basil syrup
1 dash Angostura + 1 dash orange bitters
SHAKE
Garnish: basil leaf slap + pineapple frond
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www.reddrockmusic.com
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Ep. 116: The Dude Would Approve - Lebowski's Kool-Luah Coffee Liqueur and the Hot Honey Espresso Martini
Meet Monica and David Kowalski, the husband-and-wife duo behind Colorado Springs' beloved Lebowski's Tap Room and the award-winning premium coffee liqueur, Lebowski's Kool-Luah. What started as Monica's dad's cherished family recipe has evolved into a craft liqueur that's earning rave reviews and found its way on Uncle Brad’s shelf as his favorite coffee liqueur.
The Kowalskis share the heartwarming story of how endless compliments on the family recipe led them to take the leap from restaurateurs to craft distilling, creating a coffee liqueur that truly stands apart from the crowd. With its stunning mid-century atomic era bottle design that perfectly captures The Big Lebowski's laid-back aesthetic, this isn't your typical coffee liqueur—it's a premium experience that even has Uncle Brad declaring it his new go-to expression.
Monica and David guide listeners through their signature Hot Honey Espresso Martini, just one of the many creative coffee cocktails served at their taproom alongside an impressive array of White Russian variations. The conversation dives into the fascinating history of coffee liqueur, exploring how Lebowski's Kool-Luah builds upon the legacy of coffee liqueur pioneers while carving out its own unique identity in the spirits world.
The episode wraps up with invaluable advice from the Kowalskis on elevating your home bartending game, sharing how they've translated lessons from the corporate world about consistency and quality control into both their restaurant operations and their craft liqueur production. Whether you're a devoted White Russian, Espresso Martini enthusiast, or curious about the craft distilling world, this episode serves up the perfect blend of entrepreneurial spirit, cocktail craftsmanship, and that distinctly chill Lebowski vibe.
Lebowski’s Kool-Luah Website: www.lebowskiskoolluah.com
IG: @lebowskis_koolluah
Lebowski’s Taproom
Website: www.Lebowskistaproom.com
IG: @lebowskistaproom
Address: 3240 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
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Ep. 115: Random, just random – Kentucky Mule
Join Uncle Brad and Jules as they dive into the Kentucky Mule and eventually dive into the bourbon boom that's burning holes in our wallets. Uncle Brad breaks down the proper way to craft this whiskey-forward twist on the classic Moscow Mule, exploring its brief but uninteresting origins. But the conversation meanders a bit bourbon's explosive popularity and how it's transformed from an affordable American spirit into a luxury commodity that has whiskey lovers everywhere feeling the pinch.
Meanwhile, Jules puts her seasonal spin on the classic with "Falling For A Mule" – an autumnal variation that captures the essence of fall in a copper mug. From the history behind the Kentucky Mule to the economic forces driving today's bourbon craze, this episode serves up equal parts cocktail education and industry insight.
In our tip section, listener Kate poses a thought-provoking question that gets Uncle Brad and Jules dreaming: if you could go back in time to any bar in history, which would you choose and what would you order? Their answers might surprise you and will definitely have you pondering your own cocktail time travel fantasies.
Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast wondering when prices will come back down to earth or just looking for your next signature fall cocktail, this episode has something to sip on.
Kentucky Mule
Glass: Copper mug
Garnish: Lime wheel and mint sprig
Directions & Ingredients
In copper mug add:
Ice (fill ½ way)
2 oz. Bourbon
0.5 oz. Fresh lime juice
Stir for 15 seconds or so
Top off with Ginger beer
For Jules’ version, just swap in infused whiskey. Here’s a recipe: 24 oz Jar 1 Star Anise 1 Pear 2 Cinnamon Sticks 1 Apple Let it sit for a few weeks to a few months. Or in Jules Case, a few years.
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IG: @favorite_uncle_brad
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www.reddrockmusic.com
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Acerca de The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle
The CEO of Spritz Season and Tik Tok's top mixologist, Julianna McIntosh (@Join_Jules) teams up with cocktail history buff and unknown home bartending guru, Uncle Brad (@cigarsNvino) to bring you The Art of Drinking: With Join_Jules And Your Favorite Uncle. A podcast for the cocktail enthusiast, aspiring mixologist, or kinda o.k. home bartender with big plans… or no plans.
Each week you will learn how to make 2 drinks; a classic made “the right way” from your favorite uncle and a classic with a modern twist thanks to Join Jules. You will know exactly what you need to buy, and we promise there will be no secret or hard-to-make ingredients. We will also give you a few tips, to polish your home bartending game. Finally, because it's not enough to just make a great drink, you also need something interesting to say when you serve that drink. Uncle Brad is going to tell you a story about the history behind the cocktail or ingredients used. So, get ready to sip and enjoy your way into the weekend.
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