If you’ve ever heard someone say “I need a chaser for that,” or watched a friend wince after a shot of something strong and immediately reach for another drink, congrats—you’ve witnessed the art of chasing liquor in action. As someone who’s made her fair share of “what was I thinking?” spirit-related decisions, I know exactly how important a good chaser can be. But chasing isn’t just for the faint of heart or shot-night amateurs—it’s also a useful trick for maximizing flavor, minimizing burn, and making spirits more approachable.
What Does “Chasing Liquor” Mean?
“Chasing” liquor simply means following up a shot or sip of a spirit with another beverage—usually one that softens the harshness, improves the aftertaste, or complements the flavor. Think of it as a palate cleanser or a rescue plan, depending on your tolerance. The chaser helps ease the intensity of high-proof alcohol, whether it’s to kill the burn, mask bitterness, or just make things go down easier.
We’re not talking cocktails here. Chasing is different. You’re not mixing drinks together—you’re taking a shot, then immediately taking a sip or bite of something else. Kind of like the tequila-salt-lime ritual, minus the theatrics (unless you’re into that—no judgment).
Why Use a Chaser?
If you’re savoring a well-aged single malt scotch, you likely don’t want—or need—a chaser. But if you’re sipping high-proof rum that feels like it might light your throat on fire, a chaser can be a game-changer. Here’s why people chase:
- Neutralize strong alcohol taste: Some spirits go down with a punch. A chaser dulls that blow.
- Reduce aftertaste: Burnt caramel? Rubbing alcohol? Not everyone loves the lingering flavors of harsher spirits.
- Control the buzz: Sipping water or juice between drinks can slow your pace and keep the night manageable.
- Ease newcomers in: Great for beginners who aren’t used to straight liquor.
I’ll be real—I’ve chased my fair share of cheap shots in college, but I also learned how to elevate the experience later. Pairing a well-chosen chaser with even luxury spirits can enhance the overall flavor journey.
Best Spirits to Chase—and What to Chase Them With
Not all spirits demand a chaser, but some absolutely benefit from being followed up with something smoother or more flavorful. Here’s a breakdown of popular liquors and the best chasers to use with them.
Tequila
When to chase: Cheap blanco tequila or anything that makes your tongue recoil.
Best chasers:
- Lime juice: Classic, tangy, and cuts right through the alcohol burn.
- Orange juice: A sweeter chaser that balances earthy agave flavors.
- Beer (a.k.a. the « training wheels » combo): Think tequila + cerveza—popular in Mexico for a reason.
Story time: My first trip to Oaxaca taught me the real magic was in sipping good mezcal slowly with slices of orange dusted with sal de gusano (yes, worm salt). No chaser needed. But for the party-variety tequila? Bring the lime.
Vodka
When to chase: Especially common with lower-tier vodkas that burn going down.
Best chasers:
- Cranberry juice: Tart, easy to drink, and masks vodka’s bite perfectly.
- Tonic water with a splash of lime: Crisp and refreshing.
- Pickle juice: Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it—it’s weirdly tasty and a bar-world favorite (hello, pickleback).
I tested the pickleback craze on a dare and ended up chasing a shot of vodka with half a pickle spear. Zero regrets. It’s weird. It works. It’s iconic.
Whiskey
When to chase: Harsh bourbons or young whiskies that haven’t mellowed through age.
Best chasers:
- Coca-Cola: A classic for a reason; the sweetness balances the spice.
- Ginger ale: A bit lighter, still cuts through smoky or peppery notes.
- Lemonade: Especially good with rye; the tartness plays well with clove and cinnamon vibes.
I once tried to impress a date by sipping neat rye whiskey. Two seconds later, I gently (read: not-so-smoothly) reached for ginger ale. Still got a call back, though.
Rum
When to chase: Particularly white or unaged rums with aggressive burns.
Best chasers:
- Pineapple juice: Sweetness that’s right at home with rum’s flavor profile.
- Coconut water: Smooth, hydrating, and a natural flavor partner.
- Coke: Hello, Cuba Libre without the lime!
If you’re downing shots of overproof Jamaican rum, brace yourself. That stuff is no joke. Chasing with coconut water saved me from a full-on mouth meltdown at a beach bonfire in Negril.
Gin
When to chase: Not very common, but sometimes needed for people new to gin’s botanical hit.
Best chasers:
- Tonic (surprise!): Still the classic case for gin—some prefer to chase it rather than mix it.
- Lemonade or citrus soda: The tart-sweet combo helps beginners adjust to gin’s unique flavor.
- Cucumber water: Especially with floral or cucumber-based gins—pure elegance.
One of my first mixology fails was thinking gin shots were a good idea. If you find yourself in that situation, do yourself a favor: lemon soda. Trust me.
Liqueurs and Other Sippables
To be honest, if you’re chasing something like amaretto, Baileys, or Grand Marnier, you’re probably doing it wrong. These are meant to be enjoyed slowly, if not in a cocktail format. But let’s say you’re sipping something like bitters or Fernet for the first time…
Best chasers:
- Ginger beer: Bold enough to match bitterness and cool things down.
- Club soda with mint: Clean and refreshing palate reset.
- Dark chocolate square: Especially after sipping amaros or herbal liqueurs. You’re welcome.
Tips for Chasing Like a Pro
Whether you’re hosting, bar-hopping, or just experimenting at home, here are some quick do’s and don’ts to keep the chase pleasant—and keep you in control.
- Don’t overdo it: Chasers aren’t a green light to drink more. A chaser doesn’t cancel out alcohol.
- Hydrate in between: Alternate with water to stay fresh and avoid rough mornings.
- Match flavor intensity: A strong chaser may overpower delicate spirits. Keep balance in mind.
- Get creative: Try fruit slices, sherbets, or even herbal bitters as chasers. This is your sandbox.
- Don’t force it: Some spirits are meant to be chased, others are meant to be savored. Know the difference.
If you’re hosting, set up a « shot & chaser » station—with suggested pairings next to each bottle. It turns your party into a tasting experience and avoids a lot of post-shot complaints.
When to Skip the Chaser
Not every drink needs a sidekick. If you’re investing in premium spirits—aged tequila, single-barrel bourbon, or gin with complex botanicals—sipping slowly gives you the full experience. Sometimes a chaser distracts from the complexity rather than enhances it. Save the chase for spirits that bite back hard or when flavor pairing is part of the fun.
So the next time someone hesitates over a shot of whiskey or makes a face after tequila, you’ll know just what to serve on the side. Is chasing liquor necessary? Not always. But when used with intention, a good chaser doesn’t just make things easier—it makes them better.
And if you’re still unsure what to pair? Reach for cranberry juice. It’s the Swiss Army knife of chasers and has saved more than one happy hour in my life.
Cheers, and as always—chase wisely.