Flaming volcano

Flaming Volcano

Mixing the Flaming Volcano
Type	Mixed drink
Primary alcohol by volume	Rum
Served	Blended with ice (frozen style)
Standard garnish	pineapple and/or orange quarter slices, maraschino cherries
Standard drinkware	Special: volcano bowl
Commonly used ingredients	1 US fluid ounce (30 ml) light rum 1 US fluid ounce (30 ml) brandy 1 US fluid ounce (30 ml) overproof rum (e.g., Bacardi 151) 4 US fluid ounces (120 ml) orange juice 2 US fluid ounces (60 ml) lemon juice, unsweetened 2 US fluid ounces (60 ml) almond flavored syrup
Preparation	Combine all ingredients with 2 scoops of crushed ice in a blender, blend briefly, then pour into the "volcano bowl". Pour some rum into the central crater of the volcano bowl and light it. For garnish score pineapple or orange slices with a knife and insert onto rim of bowl; optionally add maraschino cherries to the main drink. Multiply recipe to adjust to the size of the container (e.g. x2 for a 32-US-fluid-ounce (950 ml) volcano bowl).
Notes	This is a multi-user group drink that should be served with very long (15-20") colored straws!

The flaming volcano is a large tropical group cocktail made of rum, brandy, pineapple juice, orange juice, almond syrup, and sometimes other ingredients. It is usually a multi-user drink, served to a group in a special, ritual vessel known as a volcano bowl, which is a decorative ceramic bowl (typically of about 32 US fluid ounces (950 ml) capacity) designed with a rising central hub feature usually resembling a crude volcano cone. The cone includes a second, much smaller central pit or "crater" which is partially filled with rum or other flammable high-alcohol liquor. The "crater" liquor is then ignited, creating a mild volcanic ambience with its central blue flame. This central flame can be interpreted as symbolically suggesting spiritual or emotional unity among those partaking of the community beverage.

The flaming volcano is usually served to a group of two or more friends with a set of very long colored straws to create a festive atmosphere, to facilitate convenient sipping from a comfortable distance, to prevent regrettable head impacts, and for fire safety, as unintentional hair ignition could result if users bent too near the central flame while imbibing.

History and popularity

The flaming volcano is said to have been started in Hawaii between the '50s and '60s. Others claim that it came from Chile during the times of Augusto Pinochet. It has since gained popularity in the US and throughout the world.

Preparation and variations

One version of the flaming volcano is prepared by blending the ingredients with ice as described in the box above. It is also served over ice. The base liquor is usually some form of rum, with brandy commonly added, but vodka and even gin appear in some recipes. A flavored rum such as Malibu Rum might be partially substituted, according to taste. Some versions also float Triple Sec on top.

See also

• List of cocktails