Yesterday evening, Kim called and told me to come meet her in the Breslin, in the Ace Hotel, for a pickle back shot. I worked as a bartender at Southern Hospitality (which is famous for pickle backs because of J.T.’s well-known affinity for the things) for exactly one day last September, and ever since then have been dying to try one.
All a pickle back consists of is a shot of Jameson followed quickly by a shot of (top-quality or homemade, hopefully) pickle juice. I’m an enormous pickle fan (I’ve been known to eat entire jars in one sitting, and am presently crushing hard on McClure’s Garlic Dills), but even if you’re wary of this idea, don’t be: it is G-O-O-D. The pickle juice immediately neutralizes the “burn” of the whiskey, saving you from having to make that terrible holy-s-i-just-swallowed-fire face. You’re left with a slightly sweet, slightly sour, and very delicious aftertaste that only makes you want…well, OK, just one more.
This is Kim and me post-pickle backs. See how happy we look? Try one: it’ll make you happy, too.
A few other NYC-area establishments known for serving up the little lovelies: The Rusty Knot, Bushwick Country Club, Death & Company, and The Randolph.
H&M Romper ($9!).
