best shots at the bar

Ever walked into a bar, ordered a shot just ‘cause your buddy dared ya, and suddenly you’re the life of the party—even if you’re coughin’ like you swallowed a ghost pepper? Yeah, that’s the magic of best shots at the bar. They’re not just booze in a tiny glass—they’re time machines, mood lifters, social glue. Whether you’re in Brooklyn raisin’ hell on a Friday night or chillin’ at some dive in Austin yellin’ “Y’all better not skip me!,” best shots at the bar have this uncanny knack for turnin’ strangers into confidantes and bad days into stories you laugh about later. There’s somethin’ poetic ‘bout the ritual—the clink, the head toss, the “damn, that burned good.” And let’s be real: nobody ever cried over a shot of tequila and meant it for more than five minutes.

When folks ask, “What’s the most popular shot at a bar?” more times than not, someone slams a bottle of Jameson or Jack on the counter like it’s sacred scripture. Whiskey—especially in its American form—has soul. It’s got grit, smoke, and that “I’ve seen some things” vibe that pairs perfectly with a jukebox playin’ Springsteen. Whether you’re sippin’ it neat in Kentucky or shootin’ it blind in Chicago, whiskey remains one of the best shots at the bar for its versatility and emotional range. A single shot can mean celebration, mourning, or “I’m about to text my ex… wish me luck.” Statistically, bourbon and rye dominate over 60% of all spirit shots ordered in U.S. bars, according to a 2024 National Bar Association survey. Ain’t nothin’ basic ‘bout that.

Sometimes, you don’t need bells, whistles, or neon sugar rims—just good liquor and good company. That’s the beauty of best shots at the bar that keep it simple. Ever tried a well-chilled shot of Fernet-Branca? No? Then you’re missin’ out on a bitter, herbal punch that’ll wake up your tastebuds like an alarm clock set by your grandma. Or how ‘bout a clean, crisp shot of reposado tequila served with a side of sangrita? That’s not just a drink—that’s a tradition wrapped in citrus and fire. The charm of simple shots lies in their honesty. They don’t hide behind mixers; they say what they mean and mean what they say. And in a world full of filters and facades, who wouldn’t appreciate that?

Let’s not pretend we haven’t all ordered a flaming B-52 just to look cool in front of a date. Some best shots at the bar aren’t just about taste—they’re about theater. Think Jägerbombs, Lemon Drops with sugar rims, or even that ridiculous—but oddly satisfying—Boilermaker (whiskey + beer back, for the uninitiated). These shots walk the fine line between “I know what I’m doin’” and “I have zero shame,” and honestly? That’s why we love ‘em. They’re impressive yet simple, flashy but accessible. You don’t need a degree in mixology to pull off a classic Irish Car Bomb (though maybe don’t order that one in certain parts of Boston). The key is confidence—and maybe a bit of liquid courage beforehand.

You might be surprised how many of the best shots at the bar actually hail from outside the good ol’ U.S. of A. Ever had a Sambuca with three coffee beans (la mosca)? That’s Italy tellin’ you life’s sweet, bitter, and lucky all at once. Or tried a chilled shot of soju in a Koreatown basement bar while belting out K-pop with strangers? That’s Seoul’s version of “we’re all family now.” Even Mexico’s beloved tequila, sipped properly with sal y limón, isn’t just a party trick—it’s a ritual older than your granddaddy’s flannel. These global shots remind us that while bars might look different from Tokyo to Tennessee, the joy of knockin’ back a quick one is universal. And honestly? It makes the world feel a little smaller—and a lot friendlier.

Did you know the shot glass was originally used to measure medicine? Yeah, somewhere in the 1800s, someone looked at a tiny glass of liquid courage and thought, “Hmm, this could also fix my heartbreak.” And just like that, the best shots at the bar got their official vessel. Early American apothecaries used 1.5-ounce glasses to dole out tinctures—and when Prohibition hit, bootleggers kinda borrowed the idea. Fast-forward to today, and that little glass is a symbol of spontaneity, rebellion, and questionable decisions made at 2 a.m. The evolution of the shot glass mirrors our relationship with alcohol itself: once medicinal, now mythical. And ain’t that just like life?

Here’s the real tea: a “good” shot ain’t just about flavor. Sometimes it’s about the burn that reminds you you’re alive. Sometimes it’s about the smooth finish that goes down like velvet lies. But more often than not, the best shots at the bar are defined by the moment they create. That time you and your crew toasted your friend’s new job with chilled vodka shots? Perfect. The night you tried mezcal for the first time and cried a little (but in a good way)? Iconic. Liquor snobs might argue over proof and terroir, but real folks know it’s about the laugh that follows the slam of the glass. So yeah—taste matters, but soul matters more.

Not every bottle belongs in a shot glass. Sorry, craft gin—nobody’s shootin’ you unless they’re mad at their therapist. The best shots at the bar usually come from spirits that can stand alone without apology: tequila (añejo or blanco), whiskey (bourbon, rye, or Japanese), vodka (iced and crisp), and rum (overproof for the brave). Even amaro, that bitter Italian digestif, has earned its place in the shot pantheon for those who like their medicine with a side of existential dread. A 2025 BarTrends Report noted a 34% rise in amaro shots among Gen Z—proof that the kids are alright, and maybe a little dramatic. Choose your fighter wisely, ‘cause your liver’s keepin’ score.

Look, we’ve all been there—drunk, exuberant, maybe a lil’ too loud. But there’s a fine line between “fun drunk” and “please never come back.” When orderin’ best shots at the bar, remember: tip your bartender, don’t shotgun shots like it’s a frat house, and for the love of god, don’t mix tequila with energy drinks unless you wanna meet your maker before last call. Also, if you’re doin’ a group shot, wait for everyone. Nobody likes the dude who knocks theirs back before the “1-2-3!” A little respect goes a long way—especially when you’re askin’ for another round at midnight with bedhead and yesterday’s shirt.

Some bars don’t just serve shots—they curate ‘em. In New Orleans, you’ll find Sazerac shots that taste like jazz and humidity. In Portland, bartenders infuse their own mezcal with smoked chilies just for the hell of it. And in NYC? Well, that’s where you’ll stumble into a speakeasy beneath a laundromat and get handed a shot of house-made walnut liqueur that costs $12 but feels like a secret handshake. These spots remind us that the best shots at the bar aren’t mass-produced—they’re hand-poured with intention, history, and a wink. If you ever find yourself in the East Village, don’t sleep on the mezcal flight at that place with the red door. You heard it here first.
And if you’re lookin’ to dive deeper into the world of libations, check out Auction House NYC for the latest buzz. Explore more in the Drinks section, or brush up on your game with our guide to Best Shots to Order at a Bar Tips.

References

• https://www.nationalbarassociation.org/spirits-consumption-report-2024
• https://www.bartrendsinsight.com/gen-z-amaro-surge-2025
• https://www.historyofalcoholmuseums.edu/shot-glass-origins