Doomsday Device (hot) Recipe

Brew tea and make honey syrup

Brew a very strong black tea (English Breakfast or Assam) using 6 oz near-boiling water and 1 teabag or 1 tsp loose leaf; steep 3–5 minutes. Meanwhile, make honey syrup by dissolving equal parts honey and very hot water (1:1 by volume). Let tea rest off the heat a minute so it's hot but not actively boiling.

Measure all spirits and juices and have garnishes ready (orange peel, cloves, star anise). Choose a heatproof mug or tempered glass with room for liquid and a small visible flame if you plan to flame.

In a warmed heatproof mug, add the dark rum (1 oz), cinnamon whiskey (1 oz), orange liqueur (0.5 oz), orange juice (0.5 oz), apple cider (2 oz) and honey syrup (0.5 oz).

Add the freshly brewed hot black tea (6 oz) to the mug and stir gently to combine and dissolve the honey syrup. Add the lemon juice (0.5 oz) and a pinch of ground cinnamon (about 1/8 tsp), then stir once more.

Drop in the star anise and the whole cloves (push the cloves into the orange peel if you like) to infuse aromatics — they will float or sink depending on density.

Flaming floater (optional — use caution)

Carefully float the high-proof or overproof rum (0.25–0.5 oz) on top: pour it slowly over the back of a spoon so it stays on the surface. If you want a more dramatic flame, you can instead reserve the 0.5 oz overproof rum listed in the Base section for the floater. Using a long lighter or long match, ignite the floated rum quickly and let it burn for 5–10 seconds to warm the top and caramelize aromatics. Do not lean over the drink. Extinguish the flame by covering the mug with a heatproof metal cap or by blowing gently from the side. Never leave a burning drink unattended.

If you prefer not to flame, skip the floater and simply drizzle the remaining overproof rum on top and tap a match near it to warm aromas but do not ignite.

Express the orange peel over the drink: hold it with the outer skin facing down and give it a sharp twist to release essential oils across the flame/steam. Rub the peel around the rim, then drop it into the mug with the cloves inserted for garnish. Place the star anise visibly on top.

Serve immediately while hot. Provide a small saucer or spoon; remind guests that the drink may still be warm and that any flame must be fully extinguished before sipping. Sip slowly — this is a strong, warming cocktail intended for one serving.