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- Yields:
- 1 serving(s)
- Total Time:
- 1 min
Ingredients
Directions
- Step1Knock back your shot, then chase with your beer. Or, add your shot to your beer*, then drink the combo, and drink it fast.
*You can depth charge the entire shot glass into the beer, or pour out the liquor into the beer. Dealer's choice.
We love to make a co*cktail here at Esquire. A Rob Roy in wintertime? Great. A Last Word when we're feeling funky, and a Brain-Duster when we're feeling full-tilt weird? Absolutely. But from where I'm sitting today, on a Friday at home in social isolation, when the dust is collecting on the bottles at the bars that are all closed up, what really sounds good is a shot in one glass and a beer in another—a Boilermaker. In a perfect world, it'd be from the no-nonsense dive down the street. In the world we've got right now, I'll make do on my own. It's not like it's a hard drink to master.
There are two ways to do a Boilermaker. The first asks you to slam a shot of whiskey then drink a beer, while the second has you dunking your shot of whiskey into your beer, then chugging that. Both are efficient and neither is wrong (although for the sake of taste, you might want to keep them separate). Then, like nicotine in your blood or a bucket of cold water to the face, you're feeling more alive than you did however long it took you to down the beer ago. The alcohol is only a part of it. The physicality of a Boilermaker—that vigorous arm motion, the slamming of the glassware, that gasp for air afterwards—is what gets you flying.
That's not to say that the Boilermaker, much like the Pickleback, hasn't been adopted by finer establishments and roped into elevated pairings of top shelf whiskey and craft microbrews, like wine and stinky cheese. These'll challenge your taste buds, and you'd absolutely be in the right to sip each slowly and alternately, instead of shooting them. Nor are bars limiting themselves to whiskey. The Boilermaker bar in New York, for example, pairs pilsner with mezcal, and raspberry sour ale with Campari. Take that as an invitation to use whatever-the-hell bottle in the kitchen for your own.
The Boilermaker started out as a nothing-fancy drink consumed by blue collar workers after a factory shift some 200 years ago. It remains, at its core, a drink best drunk shoulder-to-shoulder along the bar at a local joint. When heading down the block is out of the question, a Boilermaker is all the more necessary to remind us of those better nights amongst strangers and friends alike. And, we gotta admit, it complements the desperate mood of the hour. As far as whiskey-and-beer pairings go, here are a few recommendations, although there is quite literally no way to mess this one up. Repeat as necessary.
- Wild Turkey 101 rye whiskey, chased with cheap lager
- Maker's Mark bourbon, chased with amber ale
- Jameson Irish whiskey, chased with Belgian pale ale
- Laphroaig 10 Year Old single malt scotch, chased with IPA
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Sarah Rense is the Lifestyle Editor at Esquire, where she covers tech, food, drinks, home, and more.
As a seasoned mixologist and enthusiast in the world of spirits, co*cktails, and the art of pairing beverages, I can confidently delve into the nuances of the article you've shared. My extensive experience behind the bar and a passion for mixology have provided me with first-hand knowledge of the subject matter.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Boilermaker:
- Definition: A Boilermaker is a classic and straightforward drink consisting of a shot of whiskey accompanied by a beer. The article mentions two popular methods of preparing a Boilermaker.
- First method: Slam a shot of whiskey and then drink a beer.
- Second method: Dunk your shot of whiskey into your beer and then consume the combination.
- Definition: A Boilermaker is a classic and straightforward drink consisting of a shot of whiskey accompanied by a beer. The article mentions two popular methods of preparing a Boilermaker.
-
History of the Boilermaker:
- Origin: The Boilermaker has its roots in blue-collar culture, emerging as a post-factory shift drink over 200 years ago. It started as a no-frills beverage enjoyed by industrial workers.
-
Variations and Modern Interpretations:
- The article highlights that the Boilermaker, although rooted in tradition, has evolved and been embraced by diverse establishments. Some bars experiment with pairings beyond whiskey and beer, such as pilsner with mezcal or raspberry sour ale with Campari.
- Elevated pairings: Fine establishments may offer top-shelf whiskey and craft microbrews, expanding the traditional boundaries of the Boilermaker.
-
Physicality and Experience:
- The article emphasizes the physical aspect of enjoying a Boilermaker, describing the vigorous arm motion, glass slamming, and the gasp for air afterward as integral to the experience.
- It suggests that the appeal of a Boilermaker goes beyond the alcohol content, capturing the essence of a lively and invigorating drinking ritual.
-
Whiskey-and-Beer Pairing Recommendations:
- The article provides a list of whiskey and beer pairings for a Boilermaker, offering diverse options for enthusiasts. Some recommendations include Wild Turkey 101 rye whiskey with cheap lager, Maker's Mark bourbon with amber ale, Jameson Irish whiskey with Belgian pale ale, and Laphroaig 10 Year Old single malt scotch with IPA.
In conclusion, the Boilermaker, with its rich history and adaptability, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of simple yet satisfying drink combinations. Whether enjoyed in a no-nonsense dive or as part of an elevated pairing experience, the Boilermaker continues to captivate both seasoned connoisseurs and those seeking a straightforward, unpretentious drinking experience.
