When it comes to nights out with friends, there’s one word/question that can send chills down anyone’s spine: “Shots?” The suggestion elicits memories of low-quality alcohol that burns on its way down, and subsequently fuzzy nights out. But a few London bars are turning this idea on its head by offering shots that are just as tasty and enjoyable as the rest of their drinks. With that in mind, we decided to round up some of the tastiest, most unique, and downright strange shots in London. But please, drink responsibly – these shots are made to enjoy!
1. One Sip Martini at Tayer + Elementary
Image: @tayer_elementary, via IG
The shot that started it all (if by ‘started it all’ you mean inspired this article…). A visit to London’s vaunted Tayer + Elementary is not really complete without trying out the One Sip Martini. The drink takes everything that we Londoners love about a dirty martini and distils it into the perfect drinking experience. It stays ice-cold, refreshingly saline, and bright. Don’t be scared of the blue cheese olive, either, it’s an integral part of the drink’s balance and leaves only the faintest hint of funk on the finish.
📍 Tayer + Elementary, 152 Old Street, EC1V 9BW.
🚇 The nearest station is Old Street.
2. The Pickleback at The 411
Image: @the411london, via IG
A classic of the shot-drinking community, The Pickleback was popularised in New York in the 00’s – so the best place for it is a NYC-inspired bar, right? The Pickleback is two shots, as opposed to one, comprising a shot of whiskey (typically bourbon or rye) alongside a shot of pickle brine. They should be done in quick succession, without pausing, starting with the whiskey and chasing with the brine. The vinegary pickle brine counteracts the burn of the whiskey, leaving you with a pleasantly sweet and savoury finish. It doesn’t make sense until you’ve tried it for the first time – after which you’ll be ordering one for all of your friends.
📍 The 411, 411 St John Street, EC1V 4AB.
🚇 The nearest station is Angel.
3. Seoul Pickleback at The Natural Philosopher
This cult cocktail bar, hidden away in the back of a Mac repair store, serves up an entire menu of different Picklebacks. These range from the Traditional shot(s) to those inspired by Mexico and Bolivia. Be sure not to miss the Seoul Pickleback, which replaces the bourbon with Jinro Soju, and swaps the pickle brine out for kimchi brine.
📍 The Natural Philosopher, inside The Macsmiths, 489 Hackney Road, E2 9ED.
🚇 The nearest station is Cambridge Heath.
4. Tequila Verdita at Red Hand
Speaking of shots with chasers, here’s another delicious shot combo that uses strong flavours to cut through the harshness of alcohol. The Tequila Verdita swaps out the typical lime wedge chaser for a shot of spicy, herbal, and sweet green juice made from pineapple, mint, coriander, sorrel, lime, and jalapeno. It’s bright, zingy, refreshing, and the perfect shot to spice up a night out.
📍 Red Hand, 36-38 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XJ.
🚇 The nearest station is Dalston Kingsland.
5. Garlic Vodka at Garlic & Shots
Image: @garlicandshotslondon, via IG
Infamous for its garlic-filled menu, the garlic invades the drinks menu almost as much as it does the food at Garlic & Shots. And no, this isn’t some bait-and-switch drink with a silly name. There really is garlic in the Garlic Vodka shot. And it’s not even the only shot with garlic in it at this venue! There’s also a Bloody-Mary-emulating shot, the Bloodshot, which is perfect for warding off vampires with its combination of vodka, tomato, garlic, chili and spices. And those are just two shots from their 101-long list of wild shots, ranging from the Liver Massage to the Quicker Thicker Liquer Picker Upper (try saying that after a few shots), the Caipirinha Shot, and more.
📍 Garlic & Shots, 14 Frith Street, W1D 4RD.
🚇 The nearest stations are Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square.
6. The Habanero shot at A Bar with Shapes for a Name
Image: @a_bar_with_shapes_for_a_name_, via IG
At A Bar with Shapes for a Name (aka 🔶🟥🔵), you can order the popular martini-style Habanero in a shot-sized 40ml serving. It’s perfect for those who just want to sample the intimidatingly-named cocktail (which they promise has all the flavour but none of the spice) or those after a quick fix of an old favourite. Either way, it’s a no-brainer addition to this list of London’s tastiest and most intriguing shots.
📍 A Bar with Shapes for a Name, 232 Kingsland Road, Whitmore Estate, E2 8AX.
🚇 The nearest stations are Haggerston and Hoxton.
7. Mystery Shot at Rasputins
This popular addition to East London’s drinking scene serves up five-olive martinis, dive bar hot dogs, perfectly-poured Guinness and all manner of wonderful drinks. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to ask for a Mystery Shot. From personal experience, it seems to be a different randomly selected bottle every time – but it’s always well worth the paltry £3.
📍 Rasputins, 171 Mare Street, E8 3RH.
🚇 The nearest station is London Fields.
Now, these may not technically be shots, but these mini drinks are designed to be supped pretty quickly. Indeed, they’re arguably closer to a shot than a full cocktail – which also allows you to sample widely without getting as much of a buzz. After all, five mini cocktails are far easier to stomach than five full drinks!
8. Dill Pickle Martini at Little Mercies
At the top of the cocktail list at Little Mercies, you’ll find a convenient section of Mini Drinks – perfect for “when you are still thinking about what to drink”. And obviously (if you haven’t guessed already from my clear love of martinis and savoury sips) I’m going to suggest ordering the Dill Pickle Martini. You might find yourself tossing it back so fast that you’ll need to order another one as you ponder what else to drink!
📍 Little Mercies, , 20 Broadway Parade, N8 9DE.
🚇 The nearest station is Hornsey.
9. Mini Martini at Rita’s
What can we say? The martini format clearly lends itself to tiny drinks! After all, when your drink is at its best ICE-COLD, you don’t want to waste any time letting it warm up. Be sure to accent your Mini Martini with the optional jalapeño popper gilda. Because let’s be honest – it’s not really optional is it? It’s a must.
📍 Rita’s, 49 Lexington Street, Carnaby, W1F 9AP.
🚇 The nearest stations are Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus.
So, there you have it: London’s strangest, tastiest, and most intriguing shots. Whether you’re trying to get the party started, or just a very small drink, we’ve got you covered. But again, remember to drink responsibly!