by Lauren Kruchten | Jun 29, 2023 | Eat, July/August 2023
Our fave four shots of summer
Whether you’re going “shots, shots, shots” a la LMFAO and Lil Jon to run a wheel off or you just need some liquid courage without all the calories, these four unique local shots with backstory to boot are, well, worth a shot.
Front to Back Shot | The Cardinal
Think of this tangy shooter—a shot of the dive bar’s own pepperoncini-soaked vodka followed by a gulp of bloody mary mix—like pickleback’s cool older cousin. Reminiscent of Papa John’s pizza (those that get it, get it), it’s sure to spice up your evening—literally. @thecardinalbar
Tootsie Roll Shot | Hummingbird
Dessert in shot form? Say less. This sweet treat is made with Cathead honeysuckle vodka, Kaluha, orange and lemon—and will instantly make you feel like a kid in a candy store. Getting chip-faced for the win! @hummingbirdral
Cherry Bounce | Tap Yard (*returning fall 2023)
Rooted in Raleigh history (it’s literally the reason the City of Oaks is the capital of NC), the Cherry Bounce is making a comeback on Tap Yard’s menu this fall (!). First debuted at Isaac Hunter’s Tavern, the cherry-infused bourbon shot can also be enjoyed as a cocktail with a splash of soda water.
@tapyardraleigh
Blueberry Hibiscus Mini Marg | Killjoy
When you don’t want to be a killjoy but also aren’t in the mood for a full bev, turn to this mini margarita made with tequila, blueberry, hibiscus aqua fresca, lime and sugar that’s just as flavorful and refreshing as a full-size version—but much easier to cheers with. @killjoycocktail
by Kate Turgeon Watson | Sep 24, 2015 | Eat, October 2015
Are those 21-and-up celebrating? Do they love the taste? Are they just too busy to commit to a cocktail? Or is it a “look- what-I-can-do” situation? There’s no elegant answer. But we came close at Fox Liquor Bar. “It kind of brings everybody together for a second . . . drinking the same drink,” Matt Coleman, general manager, says about a group shot.
Not surprising: Some folks are looking for tipsy at a fast clip. (We trust that they’re looking for an Uber, too.)
So, we’ve scoured the local nightlife scene to find some of the best shots at Raleigh bars. For sippers, shooters and even “I-would-never” onlookers, here’s a glimpse at what’s happening in some tiny glasses around town.
WHISKEY SMASH (pictured above)
It starts with two lemon wedges, a dash of simple syrup and mint simple syrup. Up next: fresh mint sprigs smacked for flavor and muddled in the shaker. Finally: Bulleit Bourbon; otherwise known as “frontier whiskey.” What hits you first? The lemon flavor, says Raleigh Times bartender Cameron Burns says. “And you should get little mint pieces in there, too, if I did it right,” he laughs. “The simple syrup cuts the bourbon. You can taste the bourbon, but you don’t get that bite.”
JACK HONEY
There’s music, the clank-clank of air hockey and patrons in baseball caps. Inside Boxcar Arcade on West Davie Street, there are also shot specials such as the caramel-ly Jack Honey on Saturdays. Suggested chaser? Coca-Cola. (P.S. Any purchase on a Monday gets you two free game tokens.)
3. FERNET-BRANCA (in the picture below the Fernet-Branca is on the left, the Raspberry Daiquiri on the right)
Often ordered with a beer, the Fernet-Branca shot is known in restaurant culture as a “bartender’s handshake,” Fox Liquor Bar manager Matt Coleman says. “If I was in New York and they found out I was a cocktail bartender, they’d probably send a shot of Fernet-Branca.”
4. RASPBERRY DAIQUIRI
Fresh lime juice, simple syrup, white Rum, muddled raspberries and bitters make this Fox Liquor Bar shot. It’s shaken with Kold-Draft ice, strained into a shot glass and served with a fresh raspberry. No chaser.
5. BISON BOMB
This $25 dollar, multi-step shot is the thing. And it’s happening, albeit less frequently than a Miller Lite, at the Bison on Whitaker Mill Road. Ask the barkeep for a Bison Bomb, and he’ll start building with a one-ounce Fireball shot. In another glass: grenadine, more Fireball and Sprite. And in another one-ounce shot glass: Jameson Irish Whiskey and Bailey’s Irish Cream. In still another glass: four ounces of Guinness. Finally, it’s a pitcher with 8.5 ounces of Red Bull and a shot of vodka. (We know. You and your stomach barely made it through the written description, right?)
The pitcher, two glasses and two shot glasses are stacked together in Jenga-like fashion.
“I’ve seen people ages 21 to 88 try this . . . it’s a novelty,” manager Scott Alexander says.
The order of events:
1. Pick up fireball (which sends the Jameson mixture into the Guinness) and consume;
2. Slide grenadine mixture into the Red Bull in pitcher;
3. Drink Guinness mixture;
4. Then, have what’s in the pitcher.
