Congratulations! You’re finally legal, and the drink choices are endless. We surveyed nine Kent bars to bring you the six most requested 21st birthday shots. Cheers!
Traditional
Tequila
This clear liquor is distilled in Mexico from the blue agave plant, a relative of the lily. The drink is named after the town of Tequila, located in west-central Mexico.
“People think they’re tough when they take a shot of tequila,” says Tony Dodds, a bartender at Ray’s Place. “It makes them feel like a man or a strong woman.”
Three Wise Men
Any name works in this trio shot. Select equal parts of Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam and Johnny Walker, or substitute in Jose Cuervo tequila or Yukon Jack.
How it’s mixed depends on where you’re from, says Benjamin Jentes, general manager at Buffalo Wild Wings. But any way you fix it, this combo is high in alcohol content and burns all the way down.
Tasty
Red-Headed Slut
This shot varies from bar to bar but generally contains one ounce of peach schnapps and one ounce of Jägermeister mixed with cranberry juice.
“It’s pretty much like cranberry juice, but a little more fruity because of the peach schnapps.” says Sarah Messaros, a bartender at Mugs.
Jäger Bomb
German spice meets Austrian tonic. This drink contains a shot of Jägermeister herbal liqueur dropped in half a can of Red Bull.
“You have to chug it,” says Jeanette Santiago, a bartender at Panini’s. “When people go out, they want to get hyper, so that’s what they drink.”
Totally disgusting
Grecian Urn
A specialty at The Loft, this shot is a mix of unusual flavors like banana, peppermint, Bailey’s and lime juice. After it’s mixed, the bartender shines a flashlight through the glass to reveal its layers, says Angie Gerbasi, a bartender at The Loft.
“We don’t tell everything that’s in it because people get scared and won’t do it,” she says. “It’s like a challenge.”
Horny Scoutmaster
Glory Days won’t reveal the secret ingredients in this revolting concoction.
“When you turn 21, your friends just want to get you something that’s nasty,” bartender Brett Sinning says. “It’s warm. The liquors don’t mix or complement each other.”
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