The Challenge: Two people, six bars, 12 shots
The Players: Kerry Leonard, Metromix producer and Thomas Hardwicke, Metromix photographer and contributor.
Shot No. 2: The fruitcake shot from Tonic Ultralounge, mixed on the fly by bartender Binh Uebinger, cautiously sipped by Thomas.
Ingredients: Frangelico, Stoli Citrus, Stoli Vanilla and pineapple juice
Price: around $5
What it tastes like: A delicious baked good reminiscent of fruitcake. Hold on! "Fruitcake" and "delicious" in the same sentence? Isn't that one of the signs of the Apocalypse? Do I hear an Aerosmith rock ballad crescendo-ing from the bar speakers? Where is the defiantly self-sacrificial Bruce Willis?
Everyone has their jaded history with this notorious oven monstrosity, whether you received a fruitcake and then regifted it to a bitter relative, or chipped a tooth on a marble-like bit of mystery fruit. But seriously, this was one tasty shot.
I'll admit, when Binh the bartender said he was going to make a new flavor sensation up on the spot, I was incredibly impressed. When he made a fruitcake shot taste like a refreshing semi-sweet morsel, I was floored (and not because I was tasting shots). It honestly tasted like a sweet cake, with hints of crisp fruit. Garnished with cherries and a slice of orange, there is a freshness that is rarely, if ever, found in its namesake. The sweet tartness of the pineapple juice and citrus vodka cuts through the warmth and richness of the hazelnut and vanilla flavor to produce a perfectly balanced blend.
So, enjoy this holiday season with a real treat and leave the emotional, bitter family issues at home.
