So why would I assume a dragon’s blood is red? The truth is I didn’t. 🙂 I did quite a bit of research into what color dragon blood would be, ha! The possibilities are of course limited, either red (hemoglobin like yours and mine and other vertebrates’), blue (hemocyanin like in octopuses for example), or even green (like some worms, and rare lizard species with high levels of biliverdin). But by my basic reasoning I figured that dragons are land based animals so it only made sense for their blood to be like ours – red. BUT, a really bright red because fire-breathing dragons would have a much higher core body temperature increasing their hemoconcentration! Besides red looks more familiar and gory. Never heard of anyone passing out to the sight of blue blood.
I’ve shared a few Halloween cocktails before, like this Witch’s heart cocktail and Phoenix cocktail. But I wanted to create a gorgeous and striking rum cocktail that was red – like blood, but would also look classic and elegant for a Halloween cocktail party. Plus, I’m currently suffering from Game of Thrones withdrawal and mourning the loss of Viscerion. The result is this Flaming Dragon’s Blood Cocktail (Thyme and Raspberry Daiquiri Cocktail) made with Bacardi Superior Rum.
I love making cocktails with Bacardi rum. It’s perfect for simple Halloween cocktails like this Dragon’s blood cocktail, which is easy to put together but delicious, and a show-stopper at any party. Your guests will love the look, the taste and the theatrics – a sure-fire way to get that Halloween party going and bring out the “bat” in ’em, and turn your Halloween into an extra spirited evening! 🙂
Bacardi offers both a White rum – Bacardi Superior, and a gold rum – Bacardi Gold, so you can choose whichever you prefer. My first idea was to make a variation of a Hemingway daiquiri, but I just couldn’t find maraschino liqueur. So then I decided on a twist on a berry daiquiri instead. This flaming dragon’s blood cocktail (thyme and raspberry daiquiri) is made with Bacardi Superior Rum.
Here I’m sharing TWO magical ways to serve this cocktail to your guests so you can impress them even more! 🙂 Or you can even do BOTH! I personally prefer option #1 (without the luster dust) because the absence of the shimmer makes it look more blood-like for us non-mythical beings, but then serve it as a flaming cocktail.
If you decide to add luster dust, you need to make sure that the thyme and raspberry syrup is completely strained, so that it’s clear with no pulp or seeds. I passed the syrup through a fine sieve and then through a nut milk bag. Without the luster dust you only need to strain it once through a fine sieve. A clear cocktail (without pulp or seeds) is absolutely necessary IF you want to add luster dust to make it shimmery.
If you’re making the flaming dragon’s blood cocktail, then add a very thin layer of Bacardi 151 on top. Use the back of a spoon to carefully layer just a 1/4 shot of the Bacardi 151 and then set the cocktail on fire using a blowtorch. If you’re unsure or nervous about setting your cocktail on fire, you can simply serve it with a smoking sprig of thyme instead. That thyme-y smokey aroma really adds to the experience too! 🙂
Here’s how you can easily make this dragon’s blood cocktail for a crowd –
It’s a good idea to make a batch of the berry and thyme syrup ahead of time, so that it’s easy to simply pour the syrup into the drink to sweeten AND flavor the cocktail at once. Squeeze lemon juice into a glass or plastic container with a lid. By keeping some already squeezed lemon juice ready, it’s easy to measure the juice needed for your drinks as and when you need it. Don’t squeeze the lemon juice too far ahead of time though. You want it to be nice and fresh as well. Keep the syrup, lemon juice and the Bacardi rum in the fridge. This way you get nice, cool drink every time. Also keep ice at hand to make sure the cocktail is cold when you serve it.
If you are going to set the cocktail on fire, make sure you DO NOT fill the cocktail glass to the rim. Even with the 151, the cocktail should not be filled to the rim.
I love this time of the year, and Halloween parties. Since I can’t predict the costumes that my friends and guests will be wearing, I like to serve easy finger food that won’t spill or make a mess of those costumes. Even your Halloween desserts can be easy to serve as mini desserts. That’s also why this elegant yet gory dragon’s blood cocktail is perfect for your Halloween party this year! Not only does it look stunning, it tastes so fruity and refreshing too. The thyme adds a gorgeous herby and earthy flavor. Your guests will be only too eager to feast on this dragon’s blood drink! 🙂
For an added magical touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the flames (from a safe distance of course), and watch the magical sparks! BUT, please do remember to blow out the flame. The flame is purely for theatrics and it goes without saying that the drink should not be consumed or carried around with the flame.
