Just look how happy that pickle is.

In my old age (22) I am now rather reluctant to take shots, so volunteering to test out the Boylan “pickleback” shot was a pretty dumb move on my part. At 3 o’clock in the afternoon (don’t judge, this was for science) I put on a brave face and ordered the pickleback, a shot and chaser combo, and proceeded to glare at it upon arrival with a look of intense hatred and reproach.





Jameson in the foreground with the pickle juice chaser behind it.

The pickleback ($6) is a shot of Jameson accompanied by a chaser of pickle juice. For me, the shot of Jameson was the worst part of it all. I find pickles to be delicious so I didn’t mind tossing that back, especially since it quenched the burning sensation resonating in my throat and general insides that the Jameson left behind.

Overall I’d say it wasn’t too bad–especially in terms of taking a shot in general–but there are things I’d rather challenge my liver with. Those who are still in prime shot-taking age/not a big baby like me (how oxymoronic) should definitely give it a try, it’s certainly…unique.