While it isn’t known for certain, the Blue Blazer is likely a creation of Jerry Thomas, the first celebrity bartender in the US. The drink, which is basically a hot toddy, was know more for its presentation than its contents.

The whiskey was lit on fire and then tossed back & forth between two mugs as a long, blue flame connected the two. You can see the basics of this technique here.

The drink didn’t stay popular for very long, in part due to the risk in creating in. There are several stories of bartenders badly burning their hands trying to toss this burning hot mixture, and by 1900 the cocktail was effectively no longer being served.

For those interested, the recipe