Across the world, innovative bars are transforming the humble shot into an art form, elevating quick sips into thoughtfully crafted experiences. Gone are the days of hastily downed liquor—these establishments are introducing creativity, technique, and storytelling to their shot menus, proving that small drinks can deliver big flavours.
From lacto-fermented infusions to nostalgic jell-o creations and bold food pairings, these bars are redefining what it means to take a shot.
Silver Lyan
Washington DC’s Silver Lyan has reimagined shots as an immersive experience. The bar’s Tots & Shots offering is a playful twist that combines crispy tater tots with a rich buttermilk ranch dressing, served alongside a self-poured shot in a rotating selection of flavours. Choices range from a lacto-fermented lemon drop to a green tea shot crafted with lemon balm-infused Japanese whisky, all presented with a miniature spinning disco ball for added spectacle. The ever-changing Shot du Jour keeps guests returning for new surprises.
Quattro Teste
In Lisbon, Quattro Teste, a Basque-Italian bar, takes inspiration from its regional roots to create refined yet bold shots. Founders Marta and Alf emphasize that a shot should be something to savour rather than regret. Their Basoko Lampone blends Branca-Menta with house-made lacto-fermented raspberry cordial, evoking the rich tartness of a lambic beer. Meanwhile, the Dirty Limoncello shot balances the sweetness of homemade limoncello with the briny complexity of pippara pepper brine, creating a unique depth of flavour.
Niseko Confidential
In Hokkaido, Niseko Confidential embraces the après-ski spirit with inventive shot combinations. The Dashi Back presents a bold pairing of Hokkaido whiskey with a chaser of bell pepper pickle brine, dashi, and sake. Meanwhile, the Hot Shot layers pear liqueur, cloudy apple juice, and sherry with a topping of chilled Hokkaido cream. Guests looking for a bit of fun can opt for a shotski, where shots are served in custom-made sake cups attached to a ski for a shared drinking experience.
Midnight Rambler
Dallas’s Midnight Rambler, hidden within the Joule Hotel, takes an avant-garde approach to shot culture. Its Miami Granny shot mimics a deviled egg, with coconut-infused rum forming the ‘egg white’ and a Piña Colada-inspired ‘yolk,’ topped with a Strawberry Daiquiri garnish. This culinary-meets-cocktail experiment was created by the bar’s expert mixologists to surprise and delight guests with its visual and textural play.
Belly of the Beast
Belly of the Beast in Amsterdam fully embraces the concept of interactive drinking. Every Wednesday, the bar hosts Jell-O-Shot Checkers, where players engage in a game using shots shaped like sea creatures. Options include Pornstar Martinis, Mango Mezcal Margaritas, and Espresso Martinis, making for an entertaining and flavourful competition. For those not inclined toward games, shots can also be enjoyed on a lavish fruit de mer platter, reinforcing the bar’s deep-sea theme.
Milady’s
New York’s Milady’s infuses nostalgia into its shot offerings, reinventing classics with whimsical elements. The Peach Pit Jell-O shots, crafted by Brooklyn-based Solid Wiggles, are served on scallop shells and complemented by bubbles, making them a sensory delight. The Uncrustable shot, a peanut butter and raspberry liqueur concoction, is paired with a sparkling crémant wine chaser, recreating the childhood PB&J experience in an elegant, grown-up format.
Bar Spirit Forward
Bangalore’s Bar Spirit Forward has incorporated cinematic storytelling into its shot program with a menu titled Season 1, Episode Two. Under the category Trailers, the bar offers a shot version of its signature cocktail, the Southern Star, featuring a lacto-fermented mix of plums, guava, jalapeños, and tequila. The bar’s most inventive creation, Aglio-e-olio, captures the essence of the beloved pasta dish by infusing olive oil, chili, and toasted garlic into a fat-washed spirit, served with a parmesan foam topper. For non-drinkers, the Ginger Rodgers shot delivers a refreshing alcohol-free alternative.
w. www.zomato.com/bangalore/bar-spirit-forward-lavelle-road-bangalore
These bars are proving that shots are no longer just about speed—they are about flavour, craftsmanship, and creativity. Whether infused with unique ingredients, designed for playful interaction, or inspired by culinary traditions, these reimagined shots offer a new way to experience the world of mixology in just one sip.
