Welcome to a new dawn of speedy sips, where short shooters are every bit as thoughtful and exciting as their full-grown cocktail counterparts. From infusions to lacto-fermentations, inspired food pairings and whimsical boozy jell-o cubes, here are a selection of bars firing some serious shots.
Silver Lyan, Washington DC
The team behind Silver Lyan has crafted a stellar programme dedicated to telling stories of cultural exchange through cocktails and, as expected from this highly creative cohort, the bar’s take on shots is anything but boring. For example, the Tots & Shots – freshly-fried tater tots with oodles of rich buttermilk ranch dressing, alongside a bottle of made-for-shotting liquid for guests to pour themselves, all served with a tiny spinning disco ball as table decoration. Choose from lacto-fermented lemon drops, green tea shots made with lemon balm-infused Japanese whisky, and a rotating shot du jour – the only menu item that changes more than once a year.
Quattro Teste, Lisbon
Industry veterans and husband-and-wife team Marta and Alf run a Basque-Italian bar known for its cocktails, sagardoa (Basque cider poured directly from the cask) and extensive collection of vermouths, amari, and bitters. Driven by the ethos that a shot should be something tasty, not something to regret the moment you drink it, the duo has crafted a couple of quick sips inspired by the surrounding region. Their Basoko Lampone (raspberry of the forest) features herbal Branca-Menta complimented by a house made lacto-fermented raspberry cordial, reminiscent of lambic beer. They also mix up a Dirty Limoncello shot, using their homemade limoncello and savoury pippara pepper brine.
Bar Spirit Forward, Bangalore
Celebrating their one-year anniversary with a film-inspired menu entitled Season 1, Episode Two, Bar Spirit Forward devotes an entire section to shots, which it calls Trailers. Try the shot version of its signature cocktail the Southern Star, made with a lacto-fermentation of plums, guava and jalapenos blended with tequila, or sip a BSF Pickle Back – a staff favourite. The real show stealer is the Aglio-e-olio, however, which is designed to taste like the last delectable drips of garlicky sauce you polish off with bread at the end of a dish and is fat washed with olive oil, chili, and toasted garlic and served with parmesan foam. For non-drinkers, the bar also offers the off-menu no-alcohol Ginger Rodgers shot.
Milady’s, New York.jpg)
(Image: Lauryn Siegel)
Shaking up the concept of a dive bar, Milady’s is known for reimagining drinks from the past with fun-forward, whimsical twists. Served on scallop shells and accompanied by a flurry of bubbles, its Peach Pit Jell-O shots are custom made by Brooklyn-based company Solid Wiggles. Milady’s also shake up the Uncrustable (peanut butter-flavoured whiskey, raspberry liqueur, Remy VSOP, coffee liqueur, lemon juice) served alongside a shot of crémant sparkling wine. It’s described as: “All the filling of the juicy jam and salty peanut butter followed by the bready brioche of a PB&J (but in a grown up way).” Yum.
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(Image: Glen Caydon)
Found in the island’s frosty ski region, visiting the cabin-themed sister bar to Tokyo Confidential (No.53 in the 51-100 extended list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) evokes a sense of entering a private chalet party. Leaning into the apres-ski vibe, its signature shots are perfect post a day on the slopes. Start with the Dashi Back – a shot of Hokkaido whiskey chased with a shot of bell pepper pickle brine, dashi and sake. Finish with their Hot Shot: pear liqueur, cloudy apple juice, and sherry, layered with deliciously rich, chilled Hokkaido cream. For an extra bit of snow bunny fun, try a ‘shotski’ in the bar’s custom-made sake cups.
Midnight Rambler, Dallas.jpg)
(Image: Midnight Rambler)
A subterranean cocktail bar hidden within the Joule Hotel, Midnight Rambler offers an innovative seasonal menu with refreshments for adventurous palates and traditionalists alike. Gabe Sanchez approaches menu creation by first asking his team “What would make even the most jaded cocktail enthusiast do a double take?” Cue the Miami Granny – a jell-o shot served in the form of a deviled egg (think coconut and coconut rum to make the ‘egg white’ with a Piña Colada ‘egg yolk’ and a Strawberry Daiquiri garnish) designed by Midnight Rambler bartenders Haley Merritt and Jennava Walker and inspired by the original Miami Vice cocktail.
Belly of the Beast, Amsterdam
Inspired by the maritime history of the building and its sister bar Flying Dutchmen, this escapist drinking den begins as a beach house and sees guests venturing deeper into the ocean at every turn, until they find themselves 20,000 leagues under the sea. Every Wednesday is game night and Jell-O-Shot Checkers is the one to win. That’s right, you can have your shots and play with them too as the board is decked out with 16 assorted shots (including Pornstar Martinis, Mango Mezcal Margaritas, and Espresso Martinis) in the shape of sea creatures. Not into game night? Shots are also served on a fruit de mer platter to share.
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