Breakfast of Champions
I admit was skeptical at first. How could the mixture of two spirits chased by a swig of orange juice and followed by a bite of bacon possibly taste like breakfast? I had heard rumors of such a concoction and had even seen loud revelers making no secret about enjoying its magic a few months back, but I was afraid to sip outside my comfort zone.
The image of the shots had lingered in my mind, so this past Sunday morning, I decided to belly up to the bar and give it a whirl. So there I was, after my first encounter with the Breakfast Shot, tasting a wide array of early morning fare like pancakes with maple syrup, toast, possibly some scrambled eggs and — of course — bacon.
Although its origins are unknown, the shot has been growing in popularity throughout the last few years, and even national chains like Mellow Mushroom have added it to their brunch menu. The ingredients are relatively standard — Irish whiskey (usually Jameson Irish Whiskey), butterscotch schnapps and orange juice — and the shot also is sometimes called the Irish Breakfast and the Pancake Breakfast. As proof of its growing trend, the MyFitnessPal app even lists its nutritional value (155 calories, 14 carbs — if you're wondering).
The preferred method of consuming the drink is to fill a shot glass with Irish whiskey and butterscotch schnapps. The orange juice goes in a separate glass and is meant to be consumed immediately after drinking the shot. A good bar/restaurant will garnish either the shot or the OJ with a piece of bacon, which only adds to the balanced breakfast experience.
A group of friends and I ordered a round of Breakfast Shots at our local Mellow Mushroom. It was the perfect complement for the pizza pub's Bottomless Mimosa special, and I noticed it was also contagious. After we enjoyed our tasty shots, curious barflies wanted in on the action, and soon the bartender was busy concocting Breakfast Shot after Breakfast Shot. With St. Patrick's Day in the near future, I have a feeling zeal for this magically delicious drink will continue to spread.
Next time your Saturday night leads to a round of shots, instead of settling on the same-old, same-old Fireball or chilled Patron, why not suggest the Breakfast Shot? You'll look like a master mixologist with her finger firmly on the pulse liquidy bliss. And remember — Shots: It's not just for breakfast anymore.