The Flaming Rum Monkey: A Sci-Fi Inspired Concoction

The first time I encountered a Flaming Rum Monkey, it wasn’t in a bar, but between the pages of a well-loved sci-fi novel. My college roommate, a die-hard fan of Pat Murphy, insisted we recreate Mary Maxwell’s favorite drink from “Adventures in Time and Space With Max Merriwell.” We gathered the ingredients, our dorm room smelling of spice and rum, and, with a healthy dose of trepidation, set the concoction ablaze. The blue flames dancing above the mug, coupled with the warm, sweet aroma, instantly transported us to another world, a testament to the power of a truly imaginative drink.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute
• Total Time: 3 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yield: 1 drink
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 pinch ground cloves, to taste
• 1 pinch nutmeg, to taste
• 1 pinch cinnamon, to taste
• 1 teaspoon coconut syrup or 1 teaspoon pina colada syrup
• 1 tablespoon boiling water
• 2 ounces dark Jamaican rum
• 1 ounce dark Crème de Cacao
• boiling water
• 1 pinch brown sugar, for garnish (flames!)
• rum, of the 151 proof sort, for garnish (flames!)

Equipment Needed

• Mug
• Kettle (or means to boil water)
• Kitchen lighter or matches
• Large spoon (tablespoon or serving spoon)

Instructions

1. Begin by warming your mug. You can achieve this by filling it with boiling water, allowing it to sit for a minute, and then pouring it out. Alternatively, fill the mug with water and microwave it for approximately 30 seconds before discarding the water. This crucial step helps maintain the drink’s temperature.

2. Place 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, a pinch of ground cloves, a pinch of nutmeg, a pinch of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of coconut syrup (or pina colada syrup) into the warmed mug.

3. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of boiling water to the mug. Swirl the mixture gently to dissolve the sugar and combine the spices and syrup.

4. Introduce the alcoholic components: Pour in 2 ounces of dark Jamaican rum and 1 ounce of dark Crème de Cacao.

5. Top off the mug with boiling water, filling it to your desired level. Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients thoroughly.

6. Prepare for the grand finale. Get your kitchen lighter ready. Locate a large spoon – a tablespoon or even a serving spoon will work. Place a generous pinch of brown sugar into the bowl of the spoon.

7. Carefully add 151 proof rum to the spoon, filling it almost to the brim.

8. Hold the filled spoon over the mug, allowing the steam from the boiling water to warm the rum in the spoon (avoid direct contact with the water in the mug). This step is crucial for achieving a good flame.

9. With extreme caution, ignite the rum in the spoon using your kitchen lighter or matches. Be prepared for a brief, intense flame.

10. Now, ever so carefully, tip the flaming rum from the spoon into the mug. As Pat Murphy eloquently puts it, “The mixture in the mug will burn with a lovely blue flame.”

11. Take a moment to appreciate the spectacle of the blue flames dancing on the surface of your drink.

12. Before consuming, and ensuring the safety of yourself and your surroundings, carefully blow out the flames.

13. Finally, savor your Flaming Rum Monkey. Enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• The quality of your rum significantly impacts the final flavor. Opt for a good quality dark Jamaican rum for a richer, more complex taste.
• The warming of the rum in the spoon is key to the flambé effect. If the rum isn’t warm enough, it might not ignite easily or burn properly.
• If you find the drink too sweet, adjust the amount of coconut syrup or Crème de Cacao to your liking.
• Use a long-handled lighter or matches to safely ignite the rum in the spoon, keeping your fingers away from the flame.
• Practice the flaming technique in a well-ventilated area and away from flammable objects.
• If you are not comfortable with the flaming step, you can skip it. The drink will still be delicious, albeit without the dramatic flair.
• For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream after extinguishing the flames.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

The Flaming Rum Monkey is best served immediately after preparation, while still hot and the flavors are vibrant. The dramatic flaming presentation makes it an excellent drink for special occasions or gatherings.

Due to the alcohol content and delicate nature of the drink, it is not recommended to store leftovers. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	1g	2%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	15g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	14g	28%
Protein	0g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and measurements.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spiced Rum Monkey: Use spiced rum instead of dark Jamaican rum for a more intense flavor profile.
• Coconut Cream Monkey: Substitute half of the boiling water with coconut cream for a richer, creamier texture.
• Non-Alcoholic Monkey: For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with dark rum extract or a combination of strong tea and molasses. Omit the 151 rum and brown sugar flaming garnish.
• Tropical Monkey: Add a splash of pineapple juice or mango puree for a tropical twist.
• Winter Spice Monkey: Increase the amount of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon for a warmer, more festive drink, perfect for the holidays.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What does “151 rum” mean?
A: 151 rum refers to a type of rum that is 75.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), significantly higher than standard rums. It’s used primarily for its high flammability in drinks like this one.

Q: Can I use regular rum for the flaming part?
A: No, regular rum (typically 40% ABV) does not have a high enough alcohol content to ignite easily or sustain a flame. You need a high-proof spirit like 151 rum for the flaming effect.

Q: Is the flaming step safe?
A: When done carefully, the flaming step is relatively safe. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution, use appropriate tools, and ensure a clear, uncluttered workspace. Never leave a flaming drink unattended.

Q: What if I don’t have coconut syrup?
A: If you don’t have coconut syrup, you can substitute it with pina colada syrup or even a small amount of coconut cream for a similar flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.

Q: Can I make this drink ahead of time?
A: It’s best to prepare the Flaming Rum Monkey just before serving to enjoy it at its optimal temperature and flavor. The flaming effect should be done immediately before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Flaming Rum Monkey is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. The warm, spiced flavors coupled with the captivating blue flames create a truly memorable moment. Whether you’re a sci-fi enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail, I encourage you to try this recipe. Embrace the adventure, exercise caution with the flames, and let the aroma and taste transport you to another dimension. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and find your own perfect version of this classic concoction. Cheers!