Culinary Torch
A culinary torch is a small refillable butane burner, most standing about 15 to 20cm tall, that gives an adjustable blue flame for caramelising sugar and charring garnishes. In a bar it toasts a sugared citrus wheel, chars a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for aroma, or browns a garnish before it goes on the glass. It is used away from the drink, never over a glass of spirit or near an open bottle.
About the Culinary Torch
A Small, Steady Flame for Garnishes
A culinary torch burns butane in a narrow blue flame you can aim. Played across sugar, it melts and caramelises it in seconds; across a rosemary sprig or a cinnamon stick, it chars the surface so the garnish smells of smoke and resin.
That is the whole of its work in a bar. It finishes a garnish before the garnish meets the drink.
Culinary torch, match and lighter compared
Culinary torch
- Heat
- High, adjustable
- Steadiness
- A steady blue flame, held at any angle
- Use it for
- Caramelising sugar; charring herbs and spice, away from the glass
Match
- Heat
- Low
- Steadiness
- Brief
- Use it for
- A flamed orange twist
Lighter
- Heat
- Low
- Steadiness
- Small and wavering
- Use it for
- A flamed twist at a push; leaves soot on sugar
| Flame | Heat | Steadiness | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary torch | High, adjustable | A steady blue flame, held at any angle | Caramelising sugar; charring herbs and spice, away from the glass |
| Match | Low | Brief | A flamed orange twist |
| Lighter | Low | Small and wavering | A flamed twist at a push; leaves soot on sugar |
Work Away From the Drink
Spirit gives off vapour that can catch, and alcohol burns with a pale flame that is hard to see. So the torch never goes over a glass of spirit, near an open bottle or close to a spill.
Torch the garnish on a heatproof board or a metal tray, with the bottles capped and moved away, a bar towel and any paper well back, and nothing over the flame. Then turn the torch off, lock it, and set the garnish on the drink.
Butane Is Refilled Cold and Stored Cool
Refill a cold, locked torch outdoors or by an open window, with no flame, spark or heater nearby. Hold it upside down, press the can's nozzle into the valve, and let any spilt gas clear before you light it.
Keep the torch and the spare can somewhere cool, out of sunlight and away from cookers and radiators. Gas cans carry a warning not to expose them to temperatures over 50°C, because a heated can can burst.
Blue, Moving and Not Too Close
A yellow flame is unburnt gas, and it leaves soot and a fuel smell on whatever it touches. Turn the gas down until the flame burns blue.
Then keep it moving in small circles a few centimetres from the surface. Sugar goes from amber to black quickly, and a still flame takes one spot too far while the rest is still white. For a flamed twist, our Revolver lights its twist with a match.
Using the Culinary Torch
Usage
Caramelising sugar on a citrus wheel, charring rosemary, thyme or a cinnamon stick, and toasting a garnish on a heatproof board or tray before it goes on the drink. A flamed orange twist needs only a match, as in our Revolver.
Pro Tip
Sprinkle sugar on a citrus wheel, set it on a metal tray and play the flame across it in small circles until it bubbles and turns amber. Leave it a minute for the sugar to set before it goes on the glass.
Professional Tips
- Torch the garnish on a heatproof board or tray, then place it on the drink.
- Keep the flame moving across the surface rather than holding it on one spot.
- Turn it down to a small blue flame; a yellow, ragged one leaves soot.
- Lock the trigger and let the nozzle cool before you put it down or away.
Alternatives
Budget Alternative
A match, for a flamed orange twist, which is the one flame job our recipes call for. A torch is only worth buying if you caramelise or char garnishes.
Premium Option
A sturdier torch with a metal body, a stable base and a fine flame control. It is easier to use safely; the garnish comes out the same.
Specifications
Material
Metal or plastic body with a refillable butane reservoir
Capacity
Not applicable; most stand about 15 to 20cm tall
Details
Adjustable flame, a push-button igniter and a safety lock; refilled from a can of butane
More to explore
Common Questions
What is a culinary torch used for in cocktails?
Can I flame an orange twist with a culinary torch?
Is a culinary torch safe near alcohol?
How do you refill a culinary torch with butane?
Why does my garnish taste of fuel or burnt sugar?
What butane does a culinary torch take?
What should I do if a drink catches fire?
Made with the Culinary Torch
Used In These Cocktails
Related Equipment
Related Ingredients
Guide by Jerry Can Spirits · Updated 10 October 2026