You know the drill. Incorporating shots into your night out means one of two things.
Either you’re about to embark on a high-octane night of legend, or this is where the night takes a downward turn that ends with your head in a toilet.
So whether you’re ready to fire all cylinders or just want to drown out an awful day, these are the places that will get you to inebriated bliss on the express track.
1. Barcelona Bar (923 8th Avenue)
Hailed as the shot mecca of Manhattan, this after-work spot in Hell’s Kitchen does much more than serve up kamikazes. With a menu of over 100 different and eye-raising shots, it’s pretty much all bottoms up here.
Novelty shots such as the Monica Lewinsky, which entails you wearing a wig, holding your arms behind your back and swallowing a whipped cream-topped White Russian, are all the rage here.
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Among the most famous ones is the Harry Potter, where your bartender will clad themselves with a “sorting hat” and a Gryffindor scarf before they enflame a shot of citrus vodka with a cinnamon “magic wand.”
Take that, Butterbeer.
2. The West End Lounge (955 West End Avenue)
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Parked on a picturesque corner of the Upper West Side sits The West End Lounge, a hybrid hotspot that combines a neighborhood dive with a sultry cabaret bar (with way above average bar food to boot).
Among the signature inebriates offered here is The Woo-Girl shot, created by rising mixologist Alexay Cooper.
Sweet Stoli Vanilla and tart lemonade topped with a Grenadine float will have you puckered up and twirling your top in the air in no time.
3. Double Down Saloon (14 Avenue A)
It’s a mystery what’s inside the Double Down’s Saloon sketchy sounding shot, Ass Juice.
If you can stomach the name and hand over $4, it’s actually surprisingly sweet and tastes much like a NOLA Hurricane.
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But don’t let the fruity flavors fool of this East Village shot you. Just a few of these without proper precautions will have you feeling, well, like ass.
And if you need to hurl, do so outside. One of the saloon’s rules is “You puke it. You clean it.”
4. The Shanty (79 Richardson Street - Brooklyn)
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Tucked inside the New York Distilling Co., one of the country’s leaders in craft beer, you’ll find the cozy brick walls and large white-oak-and-steel bar of The Shanty, complete with a decent view into the distillery itself.
What puts this Williamsburg bar on the hot shot list is their Pink Gin shooter, a concoction of the distillery’s own Dorothy Parker Gin, Campari and angostura bitters, which is served from an antique still right on the bar.
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5. Mehanata (113 Ludlow Street)
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A curious sign is posted at this Bulgarian downtown dive: “Get Naked, Get A Free Shot.” As random as that may be, they make good on their promise at least a couple of times a night.
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If you dare to go bare, or if you can pay like a normal person, try out The Gypsy Bitch shot, a tropical island delight of coconut liqueur, peach schnapps and vodka.
Those channeling their inner Eastern European can venture into the sub-level Ice Cage for $20 to don Soviet military uniforms and chug vodka from ice shot glasses for two whole minutes.
6. One Stop Beer Shop (134 Kingsland Avenue - Brooklyn)
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A deceivingly simple façade leads you into a 1920’s-esque watering hole.
Surrounded by reclaimed brick and under a Mason jar/Edison bulb chandelier, you can find over 100 different beers to discover, not to mention a number of signature shooters.
But when it comes to being different, nothing here tops the Mean Bean shot, a different take on the pickle back where instead of using a pickle juice back to help wash down your Jameson, you get a glass of green beans.
Who says drinking is unhealthy?
7. The Stanton Social (99 Stanton Street)
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This gastronomical experience is a New York City foodie’s wet dream.
But unique food isn’t the only thing being innovated in this Lower East Side hidden gem. The mixologists here are known for their beyond creative cocktails.
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If you’re looking to end your meal with something sweet, save room for their Root Beer Milkshake Shot, hidden at the bottom of the dessert menu.
Made with caramel sauce, Michter’s bourbon and whipped cream, this creamy concoction is the perfect cap to end a fabulous night on the town.
Check out 7 Gorgeous Bars That’ll Take Your Breath Away in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]