Flame of Love
A sherry-laced vodka martini defined by roasted orange oils.
The Flame of Love is a theatrical variation of the Vodka Martini that substitutes vermouth for a rinse of Fino sherry and uses an excessive amount of flamed orange peels. This technique coats the glass and spirit in burnt citrus oils, creating a smoky, aromatic profile without the heaviness of whiskey. It represents the height of mid-century Hollywood dining, designed specifically to flatter the neutrality of vodka with pyrotechnic aromatics.
Ingredients
- • 2.5 oz vodka
- • 0.25 oz Fino sherry
- • 3-4 strips of orange peel
Did you know?
“Pepe Ruiz created this drink at Chasen's in Beverly Hills for Dean Martin, who allegedly loved it so much he bought a round for the entire restaurant.”
Bartender's Note
You must flame the peels over the empty glass first, then again over the finished drink; standard expression is not enough.
How to make the Flame of Love
- 1Rinse a chilled coupe with Fino sherry and discard excess
- 2Flame several orange peels into the empty glass to coat it with oils
- 3Stir vodka with ice until freezing cold
- 4Strain into the prepared coupe
- 5Flame one final peel over the top and discard all fruit
