Whether you’re trying to find a way to use up the last few drops of whiskey, tequila, or vodka in your liquor cabinet, or you’ve just received your latest Shots Box and are feeling creative and hungry, the following boozy treats and drinks are sure to please. Read on to learn about several recipes that you can make with just one shot.
Tequila Salsa
If you’re hosting a party or are just snacking with close friends at home, add an extra kick to your array of snacks by preparing a salsa with a splash of tequila. Take any standard salsa recipe—you know, one that has tomatoes, chiles, onion, cilantro, and lime—and add about one-third of a cup of reposado or blanco tequila to the mix. Add salt and pepper to taste, then feel free to drink it—we mean, eat it up.
Bourbon Peach Tea
If you’re into southern comfort food, then you’ll definitely want to try this amazing twist on traditional peach sweet tea. Just like tequila salsa, this refreshing beverage is simple to make.
Take a traditional glass of peach tea and simply stir in a single shot of bourbon. The bourbon will bring out more of the natural sweetness of the peaches without making it seem too rich.
Tequila-Spiked Caramel Popcorn
Impress your guests at your next cocktail party with a snack that’s sweet and spiked. To make this delicious treat, combine brown sugar, butter, agave and corn syrup in a bowl and bring the ingredients to a boil, then take the bowl off the heat and let it cool for bit before adding in a shot of tequila. Once your tequila is mixed into the syrup, pour it over a bowl of popped popcorn and stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
Bourbon and Maple-Glazed Donuts
The sweet, flavorful combination of bourbon and maple glaze will make these donuts a treat for any time of day. Choose any recipe to make plain or classic donuts, then prepare a glaze with maple syrup, brown sugar and a couple of tablespoons of bourbon. Keep these ingredients over medium heat until they come to a simmer, then remove from heat and add confectioner’s sugar until smooth and thick. Once the glaze is the consistency that you’d like it to be, drizzle it over your donuts and leave them be or sprinkle pecans or other toppings of your choice.
Whiskey Steaks
Whiskey and steak are a match made in a hungry man’s heaven. The key to a great tasting pan-fried steak is to make sure that you sear your cut of meat evenly on all sides. When you get to the point of putting the finishing touches on your steak, ad a shot of whisky to the butter in your pan, stir it up quickly and sear away. This will allow you to get that amazing whiskey taste in your steak without the big bite of the alcohol. There is some debate about what kind of whiskey pairs best with red meat, but we recommend a single malt whiskey.
Vodka Melon Salad
This refreshing recipe is perfect for warmer weather. Because of how porous they are, melons are great at soaking up whichever flavors or juices they’re placed in over time. Mix a shot of vodka with lemon juice, lime juice and sugar and pour that mixture over chopped pieces of watermelon. Feel free to top with freshly-chopped mint.