Since way before LMFAO released the smash hit, shots have been an iconic way to consume alcohol all over the world. Shots were quite simple - usually just a quick pour of a single type of liquor like whiskey, tequila, or vodka. People would take shots as a way to quickly consume alcohol and get the party started. It was all about the efficiency and the kick it provided.
As time went on, bartenders and mixologists started getting more creative with shots. They began experimenting with different combinations of liquors and mixers to create something unique and flavorful. This led to the rise of cocktail shots, where ingredients were carefully mixed to create a delicious and sometimes colorful concoction.
Then, came the era of specialty shots that were not only tasty but also visually appealing. Bars started incorporating techniques like smoking, flaming, and even using glowing ingredients to make shots more exciting and Instagram-worthy. These special shots became a hit among customers looking for a fun and memorable drinking experience.
3BR Distillery has released a plethora of different shots since our doors opened in 2021. The spirits line up includes two unique products that are perfect for shots.
The Spirit of the Shot
MENDEL vodka, made from peas, is not your typical neutral spirit. The yellow split peas provide an earthy, vegetal, almost sweet finish, drastically cutting and undesirable burn you may get from typical vodkas. At our tasting room, you always get a couple pickles to chase a MENDEL shot.
Our agave distillate, SOCHNY, meaning “juicy” in Cyrillic, earns its name from the citrus note it gets from the orange peel added during the mash process. SOCHNY is also fermented with hops, adding another floral layer of complexity to its taste.
Both spirits regularly surprise guests in tastings due to the contrast these products have to their counterparts on the market.
But we do not stop there! Bottoms up, let’s go round two!
From Aperitif to Backyard BBQ
The production and bar team have teamed up countless times leading to the creation of several liqueurs that have become popular shots in our tasting room in downtown Keyport. In 2023, LIMECELLO was the top selling shot served to our guests by far - providing a fun twist and a lime-forward, tart alternative to classic limoncello. It's fantastic aperitif before a meal or a celebratory shot at your next party. Many of our fans say they love enjoying refreshing, ice cold shots of LIMECELLO right out of the freezer at home on a hot summer day. LIMECELLO always seems to be the staff’s top choice whenever celebrating our business and personal accomplishments!
An Eastern European Tradition
The tradition of making nastoiki - an Eastern European liqueur, usually vodka infused with fruits, berries, spices or roots - has inspired 3BR in numerous ways. One of the most significant results of this practice has been the Honey Horseradish shot! Horseradish infused MENDEL vodka provides a spicy, bitter foundation to balance sweet honey simple syrup. Prior to taking the shot, the guests are provided a dash of chat masala - a surprising pairing to this sweet, spicy and savory shot.
The bar staff of 3BR distillery seems to have taken this new ear of creating unique speciality shots as a personal challenge. Over the seasons, the bar staff has released shots with tasty garnishes like the Reeses’s peanut butter cups on the PB&J shot or a slice of an apple cinnamon donut from the local favorite, Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck, NJ.
A Proper Toast is a Must
Whether a quick toast to everyone’s health or take the time to recognize a person or event, shots have been adopted all over the world in all tastes and sizes. Of course, you can simply raise your glass and say “cheers” but a tradition of the 3BR staff is to look each person independently in the eyes when you clink their glass. I am not sure if you can imagine it but it is a tedious and humorous process, but essential!
And remember: “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!”
Nostrovia!
Thanks for reading!
Some of my personal favorite to make are to acknowledge the simple things in life - like something that sparked joy that day or week. Here at 3BR, between the team and the brand, we find joy in the little things everyday. Come in sometime to experience it with us some time! Click here to see what's coming up in the tasting room.
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