Shots are an exclamation point!
Mar 7, 25
Shots get a bad rep.
They're often associated with youth, cheap alcohol, and rowdy nights out. But there’s another side to shots that many overlook—one rooted in tradition, connection, and shared experiences.
Mirroring and Trust
Whether you’re a CIA interrogator, a poker player or someone trying to make a good first impression, one common thread you’ll find, is that mirroring body language is a powerful tool. By mimicking someone else’s movements, you can build trust, establish a connection, and demonstrate empathy. In many ways, taking a shot together is the ultimate act of mirroring.
When you take a shot with someone, you both reach for the same cup at the same time. You drink the same spirit, at the same time, and place the cup down together. It’s a synchronized dance, a simple yet profound act that brings people together in a unique way.
The Rhythm of the Shot
There’s something different about taking a shot with someone compared to sipping a cocktail or enjoying a glass of wine. With wine or cocktails, the rhythm is more drawn out—you’re drinking at your own pace, possibly with different drinks in hand, the flow of conversation taking priority over the drink itself. A shot, on the other hand, has a clear rhythm: you pick up the cup, you raise it, you drink it, and you place it down. It’s an immediate experience.
A shot is like an exclamation point in the middle of a conversation. It’s a punctuation mark that’s often preceded by a toast, a shared memory, or a word of congratulations. It’s a verbal bookmark before you experience something together. And when you take that shot, you both live in that moment for just a second, perfectly synchronized.
A Universal Tradition
Shots are not just a modern phenomenon, they are a global tradition. Whether it’s vodka in Russia, soju in Korea, tequila in Mexico, or aquavit in Scandinavia, shots are a way of sharing a moment with someone, marking something important, or celebrating life. This shared tradition exists in many forms, and no matter the drink, the intent remains the same: connection, camaraderie, and celebration.
Zakuska Vodka: Made for the Moment
I started this brand, in part, because one of my love languages with my dad is sitting down together, having some shots, talking about the mundane with as much passion as we can muster and listening to him remember old jokes. I made this vodka with that in mind. It’s crafted with a unique blend of soft red winter wheat and corn, Zakuska offers a smooth, flavorful shot that enhances the experience. It’s not just about the act of drinking; it’s about the experience—the connection, the shared moment, and the ritual that turns a simple shot into something meaningful.
