Chaser
Also known as: back, wash
A milder drink consumed immediately after a shot of liquor to ease the burn or cleanse the palate.
A chaser is a milder drink consumed immediately after a shot of liquor to ease the alcohol burn and cleanse the palate. This practice makes strong spirits more approachable and is common in drinking cultures worldwide. The chaser follows the shot within seconds, washing away the intense alcohol sensation and replacing it with something gentler. Common chasers include beer, fruit juice, soda, or even pickle brine. The choice often depends on the spirit being chased and cultural traditions. Beer chasers are perhaps the most widespread tradition. A shot of whiskey followed by a beer - sometimes called a boilermaker - appears in American, Irish, and Eastern European drinking cultures. The beer refreshes the palate while adding to the social experience of the ritual. Citrus juice works particularly well as a chaser. Orange juice after tequila is classic. The acidity cuts through alcohol while the sweetness provides contrast. Lime wedges sucked after tequila shots serve a similar purpose. Pickle juice has gained popularity as a chaser, especially for whiskey. The salt and vinegar of pickle brine cuts the alcohol burn remarkably well. Some bars serve pickleback shots - whiskey followed by a shot of pickle brine - as a signature offering. Russian and Eastern European traditions include various chasers. Zakuski (small snacks) accompany vodka. Pickle brine is traditional. The idea is to chase with something that complements rather than masks the spirit. The sangrita tradition in Mexico involves chasing tequila with a spiced tomato-citrus mixture. Unlike a chaser that merely washes away alcohol, sangrita is meant to complement fine tequila, highlighting its flavors. Preparation matters for effective chasing. Have your chaser ready before taking the shot. The sequence should be rapid: shot, then chaser within a few seconds. Waiting too long allows the alcohol burn to settle in fully. Some chasers work better with certain spirits. Beer suits whiskey and bourbon. Citrus juice pairs with tequila and vodka. Pickle juice works surprisingly well with whiskey. Experimentation reveals personal preferences.
💡 Pro Tips
- Have the chaser ready before taking the shot
- Pickle juice is surprisingly effective for whiskey
- Beer chasers create the classic boilermaker combination
- The chaser should follow the shot within seconds
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long between shot and chaser
- Using a chaser that clashes with the spirit
- Taking the chaser before the shot
- Choosing chasers that are too sweet or strong
