The cocktail has had a pretty interesting history behind it. However, what about their cousins, the shooters? Shooter history is a bit more modern, but just as interesting. In fact, you might just get a newfound appreciation for this mini-mixed combinations…
Shooter History: Mini-Mixed Drinks
Compared to shots
It’s important to know what a shooter exactly is when compared to a shot. That way, it becomes a bit easier to understand the shooter history. A shot is pretty straightforward. It’s a single ounce of a liquor, usually in a shot glass, which you quickly drink. A shooter, on the other hand, is a bit more intricate.
Shooters tend to also be drank from one or two-ounce glasses. However, they usually have another kind of mixer in them. Often times, these mixers tend to be on the sweeter side. Plus, shooters are a much more recent invention than shots. Odds are, shots have been around ever since people began drinking liquor, especially at bars or saloons.
Shooter origins
Shooter history starts back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. In fact, they owe their creation in-part to cocktails. During this time period, the mini-boom that cocktails experienced after World War II was ending. These types of drinks were falling out of style, as younger generations turned to recreational drugs rather than mixed drinks.
As a result, liquor companies looked for a way to re-inspire interest in their drinks while not breaking their budgets. Their solution was pretty simple: combine simple spirits with sweet mixers and syrups, and create catchy names to market them. This helped to turn the image of drinks from something your parents did to something the you do when you want a quick buzz.
Modern image
The modern shooter history is relatively simple. In fact, there hasn’t been any major “breakthrough” or push of shooters like their used to be. Mainly, this is down to a couple reasons. First, cocktails have re-surged and become as popular as they’ve ever been. Plus, the connection between shooters and fast drinking makes some a bit dubious of the drinks.
That isn’t to say shooter don’t exist anymore. You can still find them regularly ordered at places like bars. The issue, of course, is the same with any drink. It’s important to understand your limits, and to treat these drinks like any other alcoholic beverage.
