Red Snapper Shot

Catch a few Red Snappers this evening for a strong, smooth and tart shot of flavor.

It was during one of those unforgiving winters that covered all the lands with a crunchy and frosty crust, when I tangled with the legendary Red Snapper. As crispy and delicious as that might sound, my fingers, toes and other extremities begged to differ. Why I decided to go ice fishing in the Arctic Circle instead of visiting Legoland was still beyond me. Must be my adventurous streak. And boarding the wrong flight.

My guide was wild-eyed and covered from head to toe in faux fur, giving the impression of an 18th-century trapper. We had poured ourselves into a rickety canoe, and were currently sliding across the face of a vast frozen lake. Overhead, the night sky was filled with the hallucinogenic dance of the Aurora Borealis. As hypnotic as the sight was, the high-pitched icy wind screamed into my ears and made me wish for a roaring fire and a few Vesper Martinis. Instead, my nostrils were covered in frozen goop. I had originally hoped this adventure would excite my senses, but at the moment it’s not.

That soon began to change as we found a spot on the ice that seemed to satisfy my grizzled host. After some huffing, puffing and chopping with an ice pick, we were soon huddled together over a hole in the frozen water, a heavy-duty fishing line disappearing into the murky and black depths beneath us.

An hour went by with nothing happening. The cold seeped deeper into my soul. My shivering was soon becoming involuntary. There had to be a bottle of something among our gear that could warm me up.

“Duh-duh-duh-do wuh-wuh-wuh-we huh-huh-have suh-something to duh-duh-drink?” I managed to stutter out through chattering teeth. As if in answer, the fishing line began to jerk around, pulling the pole into the water. We both grabbed at it and began to wrestle. What insanely strong sea beast were we about to meet?

We pulled the line hard. Out of the water and ice splashed an ancient-looking chest. Hauling it toward us, I stared at this strange old object, wondering what could be inside. My guide had told us earlier the prize we sought was a Red Snapper, but perhaps this was better…. Perhaps this was sunken treasure.

The lid creaked and cracked open. A thick, cold cloud of vapor emerged from within. We waved it away, champing at the bit to see what was inside. My guide’s eyes widened in delight as he reached in and pulled out… a frosty shot glass filled with red liquid.

My brow furrowed. I opened my mouth to speak but was soon halted by a quick gesture of my guide’s gloved hand.

“This is what we came for… a Red Snapper…,” he whispered. I was a little confused.

“That’s the Red Snapper?” I asked, still pining for the warmth of Legoland.

“Aye. One for me, and one for you.” He reached in and pulled out another red-filled shot glass and handed it to me. With a shrug, I clinked my glass to theirs. We both slammed our shots back in one gulp. Immediately I felt a warmth in my belly and bones. I tasted a smooth and spicy whiskey, the nutty sweetness of amaretto and the tart tang of cranberry juice. My energy was returning and my spirits were lifted.

“Hey,” I began. “Can’t we just make these back at the lodge or at a hotel bar? Someplace warmer? Might be easier, too?”

My guide looked at me as though I had fallen to Earth from outer space. “Where’s the fun in that?”

What is the Best Whiskey to Use for a Red Snapper Shot?

These simple, three-ingredient shooters will taste best if you make them with your favorite brand of whiskey. I like to advocate trying out a new bottle from time to time, but there’s also something to be said for going with a familiar and faithful spirit that’s always been on your shelf. You know it will never let you down.

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Similar Drinks to the Red Snapper Shot

You don’t have to travel the world or trudge over dangerous landscapes to find the cocktails, shooters, and other mixed drinks you might fancy. All you have to do is check out Twist & Toast for a plethora of delicious elixirs to make your cozy, housebound adventures memorable ones. Start your next boozy bout by giving some of these a shot.

• Jell-O Shots – Red, jiggly, and a lot of fun to slurp down, these Jell-O Shots will bring back your wild college years.
• Duck Fart – Despite the silly name, these creamy, whiskey-filled shots are sure to satisfy.
• Blowjob – Insert any joke you want, but these are very good and you’ll have a hard time having just one. It’s a shot, by the way.
• Green Tea – Whiskey and peach schnapps make up this sweet and strong shooter.