Prairie Fire

The Prairie Fire is a simple yet intimidating two-ingredient shot designed to test one's mettle. It consists of a standard measure of tequila with a generous amount of Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce added directly to the glass. The combination creates a powerful burning sensation that lights up the palate, hence its descriptive name. It is a popular dare shot in bars around the world, known more for the challenge it presents than for its taste.
Prairie Fire

Preparation

Preparation time: 1 minute

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Prairie Fire is classified as a shot due to its small volume and intention to be consumed in one gulp. It falls into the novelty or "dare shot" category, prized more for the experience and challenge rather than for complex flavor.

Serving

The Prairie Fire is a small, room-temperature shot served in a standard shot glass. Its alcohol content is dictated entirely by the proof of the tequila used.
Serving size
45-50 ml / 1.5-1.75 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 35-40% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Room temperature
Glass type
Shot glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The exact origin of the Prairie Fire shot is unknown, as is common with many simple bar inventions. It likely emerged in the United States sometime during the late 20th century, becoming a rite of passage or a dare among friends at bars. Its creation requires no special technique or ingredients, making it easy to invent spontaneously as a way to create a memorable, if painful, experience.
Origin
The specific origin is undocumented, but it is widely believed to have originated in the United States. Its popularity grew in the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the rise of tequila's popularity in American bar culture.

Prairie Fire

The drink is universally known as the Prairie Fire, a name that vividly describes its fiery nature. It is occasionally referred to as a Tequila Fire shot, which plainly states its core components.
Original name
Prairie Fire
Alternative name
Tequila Fire

Characteristics overview

The drink's primary characteristic is its intense spiciness, which dominates the flavor and aroma. The underlying earthy agave notes of the tequila are present but quickly overtaken by a long, fiery aftertaste.
Flavor
Spicy, hot, peppery, vegetal, earthy
Aroma
Agave, alcohol, chili pepper, vinegar
Taste balance
Spicy, with underlying tequila notes
Aftertaste
Long, burning, warming
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Clear or pale gold with red swirls or specks
Texture
Thin, watery
Seasonality
All-season, novelty

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by extreme spiciness and moderate alcohol strength, with minimal sweetness, sourness, or bitterness. It is a still drink with a sharp, intense profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two simple ingredients for this shot: tequila and Tabasco hot sauce. The quality of tequila is not a primary concern as the heat tends to overpower nuanced flavors.
  • Tequila45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A standard mixto or 100% agave tequila blanco is typically used.
  • Tabasco Sauce3-5 dashes
    The amount can be adjusted based on desired heat level.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

No special mixing equipment is required. The shot is built directly in the shot glass it will be served in.
  • Shot Glass - for building and serving the drink

Instructions

Preparation is incredibly simple: just pour tequila into a shot glass, add a few dashes of hot sauce, and serve. It is a built-in-glass shot that requires no shaking or stirring.
1. Pour the tequila into a standard shot glass.
2. Add 3 to 5 dashes of Tabasco sauce directly into the tequila.
3. Serve immediately and consume in one gulp.

Garnishing

The Prairie Fire is a utilitarian shot that is never garnished. Its appearance, with red hot sauce swirling in the tequila, is its only decoration.
  • None

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, nuts, and soy. It is vegan, vegetarian, and caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The caloric content comes almost entirely from the tequila, with negligible amounts of carbohydrates or sugar from the hot sauce. It is a low-calorie drink compared to most cocktails, but typical for a straight spirit shot.
Calories
Averagely 97-110 kcal / 406-460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 0-1 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 0-1 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This shot is best suited for high-energy social gatherings, parties, and dares. It's not a drink for quiet contemplation but rather for moments of boisterous fun and challenge, like bachelor parties or as a bold party starter.
  • Bachelor Party
  • Bar Dare
  • Party Starter

Pairing suggestions

Pairing is not a focus for this shot, but it is often followed by a beer chaser to quench the heat. Salty snacks like chips or pretzels can help, and having a lime wedge to suck on afterward can cleanse the palate.
  • Beer chaser
  • Salty snacks
  • Lime or lemon wedge

The Prairie Fire: A Shot of Pure Heat

The Prairie Fire is the quintessential dare shot, famous for its potent combination of tequila and hot sauce. It offers an intense, fiery experience that prioritizes shock value over balanced flavor. While not a sipper, it holds a legendary status in bar culture as a test of endurance and a surefire way to create a memorable moment. Its simplicity in preparation makes it an accessible, if intimidating, shot for any adventurous drinker.