The Challenge: Two people, six bars, 12 shots … over what turned out to be two days because of busy schedules and the sudden prevalence of black ice on the road.
The Players: Kerry Leonard, Metromix producer and Thomas Hardwicke, Metromix photographer and contributor.
Shot No. 1: The Nogtini shot at Mudlounge, mixed by Jacob the bartender, enjoyed by Kerry. Important note about Kerry – she will never refer to shots at “shooters.” Never.
Ingredients: White chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, buttershots and cinnamon garnish
Price: $5
What it tastes like: Well, eggnog -- without the icky rum and fear of salmonella, of course. Creamy and luxurious, this could easily be “shot” in the traditional sense – that is, fired back with the zeal of someone who wants to get good and drunk, good and quick. Even though you could shoot it, you might want to enjoy it slowly to experience the different flavors that hit your palate at distinct points. The sweetness of the white chocolate, the spice of the cinnamon and the all-over blanket of tongue-tickling vodka give this shot serious chutzpah.
The shot is actually one of their specialty holiday cocktails pared back into smaller form. As a result, it drinks like a cocktail and not like a normal shot, which is to say, you won't be gagging, slamming your fist to the bar or waking up with your underwear dangling from the ceiling fan. It's just smooth holiday warmth, all the way down.
Bottoms up.
