Shots Should Typically Come Straight from One Bottle . . .

But they don’t need to be 151 proof rum. Shots aren’t dares; leave that to the college kids. Same with the crazy mixed concoctions. A good shot is a spirit that you would consider sipping yet is semi-affordable. No gulping top-shelf stuff. That will anger the drinking gods. Here are a few to consider:

LAIRD’S STRAIGHT APPLE BRANDY, 50% ABV

Try this instead of a whiskey. It’s warming, different, and from New Jersey.

DEL MAGUEY VIDA, 42% ABV

The gold standard of fairly priced mescals is fine enough to sip but, at around $40 a bottle, okay to shoot on occasion, too.

BECHEROVKA, 38% ABV

This one from the Czech Republic is an herbal liqueur like Jägermeister, but unlike Jäger, it doesn’t have to come with a trigger warning. It’s delicious served cold.

HEIRLOOM PINEAPPLE AMARO, 30% ABV

Fruit forward, yet not too sweet, as they say.

LEMORTON POMMEAU DE NORMANDIE, 17% ABV

A very gentle shot, like apple juice for those with 529’s and 401(k)’s.