If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
Below, we’ve pulled from the shot trifecta (e.g., tequila, vodka, and whisky) to curate a list of spirits for skeptics. Surprisingly smooth and toothsome, these liquors won’t make your stomach lurch or your eyes water—we promise.
Tequila
When you think of shots, you probably imagine some college-aged kid licking salt off their hand like a wounded animal, downing a big gulp of tequila, and then chasing it with a lime wedge. Yikes. Luckily, if you spring for a high-quality tequila, you can skip this charade altogether.
Here are our top picks:
PaQuí Tequila Silvera ($46.99)
PaQuí Tequila Silvera is downright delicious. At first taste, you’re greeted with a stunning sweetness that’s quickly followed by notes of vanilla, citrus, and white pepper. It finishes nice and smooth (i.e., it doesn’t turn your esophagus into a bonfire).
Hornitos Lime Shot Tequila ($22.99)
Infused with a hint of lime and salt, this liquor by Hornitos is the tidier, more civilized version of a traditional tequila shot. When the spirit hits your palate, you’ll notice a pleasing agave-forward profile followed by a quip of acid thanks to the lime. It closes with a subtle sourness that cuts any gag-worthy aftertaste.
Mi Campo Reposado Tequila ($21.99)
Mi Campo Reposado isn’t like any other tequila you’ve tried before. That’s because it’s aged in Napa Valley wine barrels. This gives the liquor a creamy vanilla profile with threads of honey maple, peaches and cream, and white chocolate. Though the finish is a smidge spicy, the burn doesn’t linger for very long.
21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila ($36.49)
Fruity and floral, this grapefruit hibiscus tequila by 21 Seeds just makes sense in a Paloma. However, it’s quite delicious on its own too. Infused with real juice, the liquor is bright and refreshing with a mild heat that fades quickly.
Looking for more uber-drinkable tequilas? Check out our list of the 15 Best Tequilas Under $50.
Vodka
If the thought of vodka makes you shudder, it’s probably because at one point or another you drank too much of the harsh, chemically-tasting stuff that comes in a plastic jug. Talk about a hefty hangover.
By comparison, the vodkas listed below are clean, crisp, and perfect for shooting after a long day at your 9-to-5.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka ($20.99)
Produced by a Texas geologist-turned-distiller, Tito’s is a tried-and-true classic. And with good reason. Unlike some other inexpensive vodkas, this hooch doesn’t leave you dizzy and heaving in your ex-girlfriend’s bathroom. Instead, it’s slightly sweet with a creamy, sumptuous mouthfeel and a black pepper finish.
EFFEN Cucumber Vodka ($21.99)
Cucumber vodka can sound weird, especially if you’re new to this whole drinking thing. However, we promise that this flavored spirit by EFFEN is actually quite tasty. Infused with vine-ripened Spanish cucumbers, it’s cool, crisp, and slightly earthy. The comparatively low ABV also makes it a good choice for beginners.
Wheatley Vodka ($17.99)
Distilled 10 times and triple-filtered, Wheatley Vodka is an ultra-smooth spirit that’s pure and crisp on the palate with a subtle suggestion of creamy vanilla and cinnamon. At 82-proof, this stuff still warms you up on the way down. But it definitely won’t leave you begging for a chaser.
CIROC Coconut Vodka ($34.99)
Beach vacations can be expensive, especially if your company is stingy with PTO. Fortunately, CIROC Coconut Vodka will transport you to the coast for cheap. Offering notes of Creme d’Cocoa and Tahitian vanilla with peekaboos of mango and guava, this vodka is toothsome and tropical.
Whiskey
Whiskey purists recoil at the idea of chugging a high-quality spirit. In their opinion, this dark liquor is to be savored slowly between cool sips of water. Alas, some of us don’t have all night to wax poetic about notes of peat and caramel. We need to get the job done—fast.
For the bar patrons who are hard-pressed for time, we’ve rounded up our favorite shooting whiskies.
Jameson Orange Irish Whiskey ($31.99)
Do you get tipsy off a single glass of Pinot noir? If so, you’ll appreciate this low-proof Jameson Orange. Made from triple-distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey and natural orange flavor, this liquor is gentle on the palate and oh-so-delicious. Expect a citrus-forward profile with quips of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla.
High West Campfire Whiskey ($73.99)
Smoky and woodsy with notes of vanilla, orange cream, and toffee, High West Campfire Whiskey tastes like just that: a cozy campfire crackling somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. At 92-proof, this stuff can be a smidge strong (and expensive). However, whiskey newcomers and veterans alike will appreciate the succulent aftertaste.
Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon Whiskey ($36.99)
Remember that scene in “Elf” where Buddy gets hammered in the mailroom? We’d like to think he was drinking this stuff. Sweet and sumptuous like a morning flapjack, Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon Whiskey is perfect in a steaming cup of Joe. It’s also great for shooting with the buds.
Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey ($13.99)
If you want a dangerously drinkable whiskey, look no further than Red Stag by Jim Beam. Made from black cherry liqueur infused with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, this spirit tastes like a boozy cherry cobbler. There are even hints of vanilla and brown sugar for good measure.
Shots are like an emotional magic eraser. After two or three, worries about your uptight boss or impending work deadlines are long gone.
But if tossing back straight liquor makes you want to puke, be sure to order a shot from this list of spirits. Smooth and perilously palatable, these liquors are liable to make you forget much more than the budget reports that are due on Monday.
