Three Wise Men Shot

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Follow that star and give yourself the gift of a Three Wise Men Shot.

Some of us grew up having to go to church, and in my family, it was usually like an episode of The Simpsons. A lot of kids ended up in the Christmas pageant that was put on every year during the holidays, either because we wanted to or sometimes we got suckered into it. My memories of these are always nice, though, especially the one time in junior high that I got to be Joseph, and the girl playing Mary was in high school, and very, very attractive. My fake beard didn’t impress her, though.

Another time I remember quite vividly was in elementary school, when I played the “gruff” shepherd that promptly barfed all over the Baby Jesus and the manger, causing the crowd to erupt in screams while the Holy Family yacked all over each other. I kept telling everybody I wasn’t feeling well, and was dismissed by each adult with “you’re just nervous.” Well, that showed them, didn’t it?

I have to say that my favorite Christmas pageant was the one that we put on at the Armed Forces Staff College when I was in high school. My buddies and I volunteered to be the Three Wise Men, and recruited our younger siblings to march behind us with coconuts—à la Monty Python—as we made our entrance. To this day, my father refers to our performance as the Three Wise Guys, and honestly, that’s probably the most apt description of our obnoxiously charming demeanor ever. We were well-liked, despite being pests. Or because of that.

Anyway, tonight’s shot recipe honors those Three Wise Men who came from afar. Rubber cigars not included.

What is the best alcohol to use in a Three Wise Men Shot?

This is basically a whiskey blend shot, melding a bourbon, preferably from Kentucky, a Tennessee whiskey, and a Scotch whisky. Now, since this concoction is cheekily named the Three Wise Men Shot, I can only assume the spirits that we’ll need will be some Jim Beam for the bourbon, Jack Daniel’s for the Tennessee whiskey, and Johnnie Walker for the Scotch. Wise men indeed.

What glassware and garnish are used?

For a crisp and extra cold experience, you can chill some standard shot glasses in your freezer about 30 minutes before imbibing.

Isn’t this a Three Musketeers Shot?

No. If it’s the Three Musketeers Shot you’re looking for, that recipe is comprised of coffee liqueur, dark crème de cacao, and cream.

Other shot recipes worth trying

So now that the holidays are getting nearer, you’re probably thinking about other themed drinks you can serve at the upcoming parties that are certain to call for your talents. Maybe you’re wondering if there are any other Christmas-like shots that you can serve alongside the Three Wise Men. Allow Twist & Toast to satiate your curiosity.

• Apple Pie Shot – Christmas dinner isn’t complete without a little bit of apple pie.
• Salted Nut Roll Shot – Here’s another little treat you can have for dessert.
• Oatmeal Cookie Shot – Leave a few of these out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
• Champagne Jell-O Shots – Ring in the New Year with these jiggly and sparkling shooters.