Shots are the bar scene’s greatest equalizer. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a fancy craft cocktail spot serving $20 Negroni riffs or a seedy dive bar with sticky floors and the faint smell of urine wafting through the air: Shot glasses are always on hand, waiting to be filled.
That’s because a shot is more than a quick blast of liquor to lips. Its purposes vary: It can be a celebration of good news, a bartender’s friendly handshake, or an efficient means of catching a buzz before or during a night of revelry (and then responsibly ordering a ride share). This means shots are always in vogue.
What’s in the glass ebbs and flows, depending on trends and guest preferences. It could be a slug of something good, bold, or, in the case of something like Malort, a challenge. It can also be a build of two spirits that cohabitate rather well in cramped quarters. Of course, some shots are more popular than others.
Here, we asked 10 bartenders which shots are capturing the most attention in their bars.
The trendiest shots right now, according to bartenders: Fernet Branca Hard Start Mezcal and Amaro Angelino Rye-Nar Forghetti Dickel whiskey and shot of au jus Vermouth Green Tea Bourbon Tequila Amortized wine Bottled-in-bond rye St. Theresa 1796 and Amaro Montenegro Mezcal, Branca Menta, and a dash of chocolate bitters Cold Choke
“Shots are usually left up to us when ordered. But if folks are specific, I’d say it’s
