The Irish whiskey is what provides that fire. I'd like to say it's like the mead of inspiration, so crucial for poets, but... no, that'd be mead. Whiskey isn't mead. But it's Irish, and you can light it on fire.

The cinnamon reinforces the fire symbolism, both by being a "fiery" spice (e.g., in Red Hots candies or Fireball liquor), and also by providing pretty sparks.

8/8, end

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There's symbolism in this drink, natch:

• it has 3 ingredients, befitting the famously triple goddess, Brighid
• one of them is dairy-based, connecting with the name #Oimelc, "ewes' milk", for the holiday
• the hazelnut liqueur connects with the usual Celtic symbolism of hazelnuts as bringers of knowledge and wisdom, necessary for a smith, a poet, or a healer
• then we set the whole thing on fire, as is only right and proper for a fire goddess 7/8

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You can drink it all down in one shot, or sip it, or stir it around and then sip it. Any of those three options should be enjoyable.

I'd never drink one without saying "Hail Brighid!" either before or afterward, but I suppose it isn't an ironclad requirement.

For that matter, the plate isn't required, either, but it catches the cinnamon sprinkles and makes cleanup easier. 6/8

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Light the hot whiskey. As the flames flicker, sprinkle cinnamon over them from about 30–40 cm up (12–16 inches). It'll make pretty sparks.

You can blow out the flame after a few seconds, or let it burn out on its own. Especially if you choose the latter, *carefully check the temperature of the glass before you put it to your lips!* 5/8

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Layer the whiskey on top of the Bailey's. This part is a bit more delicate than the first float was, but the heat of the whiskey should help.

Dim the lights so you can see the flame better. (Alcohol flames are dimmer and bluer than you're used to in movies. Yes, Hollywood's been lying to you.) 4/8

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Put the shot glass on the plate. Pour the Frangelico into the bottom. Then use a spoon to gently layer the Bailey's on top of the Frangelico.

Heat the whiskey until it's hot, but not overly so. Depending on your whiskey amount and microwave wattage, probably 10–15 seconds. Whatever container you heated it in should feel hot, but it should still be touchable, not scalding. 3/8

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You'll also need:

• a large, sturdy shot glass (capable of having something on fire in it)
• a medium-sized plate
• a source of flame, like a lighter or match

I put tildes meaning "approximately" on all the amounts because the really important thing is that each amount of liquid be just over a quarter the volume of your shot glass. You want to mostly fill the thing. (Size your glass appropriately, if possible.) 2/8

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And, it's counter-intuitive as all hell, but yes, Bailey's, or Irish cream in general, is *lighter* than Frangelico!

I seem to have to relearn this every year, when I make my special, three-layer flaming shot for #Brighid.