“IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!” is probably one of the most terrifying things a bartender could hear the second a customer walks through the door. In honor of September and me turning the big 4-0 this year, I figured it was the perfect excuse to dive into the history behind one of the most iconic celebratory traditions: shots.
When I’m in the mood to celebrate, you can almost guarantee you’ll find me at one of the local watering holes, asking the bartender to whip me up a shot. I’m not too picky, so my favorite thing to ask the bartender is, “What’s your go-to shot that you make really well?” It’s typically the best way to end up with something delicious instead of ordering some random drink you had at Chili’s a year ago and expecting the bartender to magically recreate it.
The word ‘shot’ has been around for a long time, and it hasn’t always meant what it does today. Back in the day, it could mean a small pour of liquor, or even your share of the bar tab. As shots became more popular, people liked them because they were cheap, quick, and most certainly got the job done. Eventually, every corner of the world created its own take on the shot, using whatever spirits were popular there. Many of those traditions are still around today!
A lot of what we refer to today as “shots” are actually “shooters.” A shot is straight liquor poured into a shot glass, while a shooter is mixed with liqueurs, juices, or other ingredients. Somewhere along the way, the word “shot” evolved into the term we use today for both. Sure, technically they’re shooters, but let’s be real, nobody is walking up to the bar like, “Hit me with your best shooter!”
My philosophy? A good shot should be savored, not survived. These days, it’s less about getting the alcohol down as fast as possible and more about taking the time to appreciate what’s in the glass. So, remember to enjoy the moment, and always drink responsibly.
Recipe:
½ oz Irish Whiskey
½ oz Peach Schnapps
½ oz Sweet & Sour Mix
Splash of Lemon-Lime Soda
Pour the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice, shake, and strain into your shot glass, top with a little bit of lemon-lime soda (Sprite/7-Up).
