The last shot of alcohol from a bottle has several different names that people use. Some of the most common names for the final shot in a bottle include the end shot, bottom shot, last call, and kill shot.
The Origins of Last Shot Names
Calling the final shot in a bottle the “end shot” or “bottom shot” is pretty self-explanatory. These names just refer to the fact that it is the last bit of liquid left in the bottom of the bottle. The terms likely originated simply as literal descriptions of what the shot is.
The “last call” name has roots in bar and pub culture. Bartenders will announce a “last call” to customers, giving them a final chance to order drinks before the bar closes for the night. The last shot from a bottle at the end of the night became associated with this “last call” announcement.
No one is quite sure about the exact origins of the “kill shot” name. It may be related to the idea that the last shot will “kill” off the bottle by finishing it. Another theory is that it refers to the strength of the final shot being strong enough to “kill” or heavily intoxicate the drinker. So in effect the expression means it will kill off the person or the bottle.
Reasons for Drinking the Last Shot
There are a few key reasons people will specifically drink the last shot from a liquor bottle:
- Tradition or ceremony – Friends may always ritualistically offer the last shot to a certain person or have a tradition of toasting with the end shot.
- Perceived strength – Some believe the last shot will be extra strong in flavor because it is more concentrated from sitting with the alcohol.
- Completeness – Finishing the bottle signals successfully completing the drinking experience.
- Value – Not wasting leftover alcohol demonstrates frugality.
- Inebriation – Taking the last shot means maximizing inebriation from a bottle.
The sense of ceremony or tradition is a big part of why last shots are celebrated. It gives a sense of communality and closure to the social drinking experience.
Should You Avoid the Last Shot?
There are some potential reasons why avoiding the last shot may be wise:
- Higher alcohol concentration – The alcohol may be more concentrated which leads to higher intoxication.
- Unappealing taste – The end shot might taste unpleasant if dilution has decreased over time.
- Sediment – Bottle aged spirits may have sediment accumulate that gets stirred up.
- Hygiene – Multiple people drinking from the bottle can spread germs.
For these reasons, some people recommend avoiding the last shot. However, others argue proper precautions can mitigate these issues. For example, rinsing the bottle to deal with sediment or using shot glasses instead of drinking from the bottle directly.
Traditional Last Shot Rituals
Taking the last shot is often accompanied by rituals and customs:
- Offering the shot to the guest of honor or person celebrating a special occasion.
- Proposing a toast before taking the shot.
- Clinking glasses together with all participants.
- Overturning the empty bottle on the table after completion.
- Kissing the bottle.
- Breaking the bottle.
These traditions emphasize the symbolic significance of finishing the bottle. They build a sense of camaraderie and commemorate a good time.
Fun Tactics for Deciding the Last Shot
When drinking in a group, there are lots of fun ways to determine who gets the coveted last shot:
- Youngest person drinking.
- Oldest person drinking.
- Person with the upcoming birthday.
- Person who purchased the bottle.
- Winner of a game (cards, dice, darts, etc).
- Person chosen by a random generator app.
Making an event out of giving away the last shot helps add excitement and engagement to the drinking experience.
What Drinks Work Best for End Shots?
Certain types of liquor are better choices than others for final shots:
- Whiskey
- Rum
- Tequila
- Brandy
- Vodka
These distilled spirits tend to have bold, concentrated flavors that give a strong final shot. Their alcoholic strength also lends itself well to being a finishing drink.
On the other hand, liqueurs and cocktails tend to be too diluted or unfavorably balanced for taking as end shots. For example, heavy cream liqueurs may curdle or taste unpleasantly thick when consumed straight as a last shot.
Fun & Creative Toasts for the Last Shot
When proposing a toast before downing the end shot, consider these fun phrases:
- “Bottoms up!” – The classic drinking toast.
- “Here’s to finishing strong!”
- “May our livers forgive us!”
- “To old friends and new beginnings!”
- “One for the road!”
- “Death before decaf!” – For coffee drinkers.
- “Huzzah!” – For the sophisticated boozer.
Getting creative with toasts makes the last shot tradition more lively and entertaining for everyone.
Should the Last Shot be Savored or Slammed?
Opinion differs on whether the last shot is best slowly savored or quickly slammed. Each approach has its rationale:
Savoring the Last Shot
- Allows you to enjoy the complex flavors as the bottle’s contents become more concentrated.
- Builds suspense and ceremony for the big finish.
- Lessens the urge to chase the shot if you drink it slowly.
Slamming the Last Shot
- Creates excitement and a sense of reckless abandon.
- Adds dramatic impact to finishing the bottle.
- Enables drinking the shot quickly if the taste becomes undesirable.
There’s merit to both approaches. Savoring may be better for fine, aged spirits, while slamming works for party shots. Choose based on the occasion and your mood!
Making the Last Shot Count
Regardless of what you call it or how you drink it, the last shot is a beloved drinking ritual. Follow these tips to make your bottle’s end shot truly count:
- Use a premium liquor – Don’t let bottom shelf swill ruin the last shot experience.
- Drink from a shot glass – For hygiene and avoiding an overly boozy shot.
- Rinse sediment from the bottle – Prevent any grittiness in the final shot.
- Toast your drinking companions – Add pomp through a final toast or speech.
- Infuse the shot with meaning – Dedicate it to someone or for celebrating an occasion.
The last shot is more than just cleaning out the final drops of a bottle. With purpose and panache, you can turn it into a treasured bonding experience!
Creative Ways to Use the Empty Bottle
Once you’ve finished the final shot, the empty bottle can gain a second life through creative reuse and repurposing. Consider these ideas:
- Turn it into a decorative lamp by inserting fairy lights.
- Upcycle it into a soap dispenser for the kitchen or bathroom.
- Craft it into a unique vase with artificial flowers.
- Reuse it to water plants by cutting the bottom off.
- Create penny or coin banks from liquor bottles.
Giving used bottles another chapter rather than just recycling them adds an extra layer of purpose to finishing the last shot.
Last Shot Alternatives
While tradition dictates finishing off the bottle with a final shot, there are creative alternatives if no one wants to take that last drink:
- Mix it into the first cocktail ordered next gathering.
- Pour it into a communal punch or sangria blend.
- Use it in cooking to flavor sauces or baked goods.
- Combine it with bitters and vermouth for a complex cocktail infusion.
Doing something unique with the last shot besides taking it straight provides a refreshing change of pace.
Conclusion
Whether you call it the end shot, kill shot, bottom shot or last call, the last sip of alcohol from a depleted bottle carries ritual significance and mystique. It provides closure to the drinking experience while building camaraderie through shared tradtions. With careful selection of the booze and shot recipient along with crafting a memorable toast, you can make the last shot truly momentous. Just be sure to drink responsibly and celebrate the end of the bottle in style!