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According to history (or rather, the internet), the pickleback shot - a shot of whiskey chased by pickle brine, originated in Brooklyn in 2007. It's been wildly popular and a mainstay on happy hour menus ever since, at some of the best bars in NYC and beyond. Here are some of the whiskey bars, down-and-dirty dives and sundry drinking establishments where you can swill a savory pickleback shot in NYC.
Classic pickleback with Bob McClure’s pickle brine at Bushwick Country Club
The alleged birthplace of the pickleback itself, Bushwick Country Club serves up its house specialty with Old Crow bourbon and spicy pickle brine made by Bob McClure (make it a "supersize pickleback" with a PBR tallboy for just a buck more). $6
Spicyback at Whiskey Tavern
A whiskey shot with pepper-infused pickle juice? Slam it down and do-si-do around the spacious bar of wooden banquettes and high-top tables. $7
Custom picklebacks at Crocodile Lounge
There are a variety of picklebacks on offer here, like the Timmaayy, a riff with whiskey and chilled banana-pepper juice, or the Dirty Sanchez, made with Espolon tequila and jalapeño-pickle juice. Upstairs, you can also order up a fifth of Jameson with a jar of McSorley’s pickle brine for another non-traditional take. $8
Traditional shot at the Rusty Knot
Don a grass skirt and try the tried and true pickleback shot at this tiki bar hangout. $10
Housemade pickleback shot at Anchored Inn
Where there are housemade pickles, there are usually pickleback shots. This one will have you saying "ahoy, matey!” (It is a nautically-themed bar, after all.) $5
Bourbon pickleback at Sweet Afton
A shot of Four Roses bourbon with pickle juice for seven bucks at this Irish-owned Astoria hangout will leave you with a daffy grin on your face. $7
$5 Picklebacks at the Belfry
The Belfry’s pickleback is cheap and comes with a kick, thanks to your choice of spicy or sour brine from the Pickle Guys on the Lower East Side. $5
Pico back shot at Chilo’s
This Bed-Stuy shot almost feels Texas-inspired, with its tequila and savory pico de gallo mix makeup, good to swill back at the bar after a dose of the potent Painkiller. $6
Tom Lawless pickleback at Whiskey Town
Whiskey Town is a real place, and while you’re visiting, choose your pickleback regular or spicy with a shot of Tom Lawless whiskey and pickle juice. $7
Irish whiskey pickleback at Boulton & Watt
Tipple up with Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey and traditional pickle juice, or choice of pineapple-mint-habanero or pickled-beet juice. $10