This is a guest post by Lydia Johnson. Lydia likes wheat beers and malbecs and whiskey, primarily. I’ll try anything. Except hops. I hate hops. Blech.
Creative Commons Photo Credit: &y
Tis the season for margaritas, coladas and chilly lagers. Sweet and refreshing, the only hint of salt perhaps lining the rim of a stemmed glass.
However, flying far, far under the sunny radar are the savory shooters to be had around Columbus. Salty, spicy, tangy- reminiscent of a sandwich fixin’ – often these shots aren’t even listed on a menu. Be bold. Ask for them.
The first time I ever had a Dill Thrill I was puzzled, intrigued, in love and … suddenly not. Served up at Bodega (with Jury Room boasting its own rendition), you take the shot as you would a shot of tequila, with a few changes in ingredients. First, shake a couple drops of Tabasco sauce onto the back of your hand near the thumb. Now lick it. Shoot your favorite vodka. And chase with a dill pickle. Repeat between PBRs and you’ll be sure to leave your iPhone in a cab and find yourself on hands and knees, bowing before porcelain the next morning. (Okay, maybe that’s just me.)
Delicious and inviting at first, savory shots are for enjoyment and not overindulgence. For instance, the Frenchie was, one night at Havana, thrust upon me with fervor and excitement. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I was pleasantly surprised, and learning from my Dill Thrill mistakes, left well enough alone. The Frenchie is a shot of vodka with drops of mustard and sriracha. The best part about it is a pretzel rod which has been soaking in the tangy concoction, which you eat immediately after shooting the Frenchie.
Often used in Bloody Marys (the most savory of all savory cocktails), Bakon vodka is as it sounds: bacon flavored vodka. You can get creative by downing a Prosciutto Wrapped Melon Shot, which is comprised of 3 parts Bakon vodka and 2 parts melon liqueur. Or, for the bold, head over to Meister’s or Surly Girl and ask for a shot all on its own. At brunch, perhaps?
