Why Whiskey Belongs In Your Next Raw Oyster (Trust Us)

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Raw oysters, whether they're rustically plated at some charming, waterside shack or regally arranged throughout the tiers of a seafood tower, should always impart the fresh, saline taste of the ocean. But they're also fun to sample with a variety of toppings like a simple spritz of lemon, classic mignonette, good old Tabasco, and more. Buying oysters to serve at home opens the door to even more flavor combinations. You can even try pairing oysters with carefully selected cocktails. 

Whiskey, for example, mingles marvelously with oysters. And we aren't just talking about what's in your glass. Alongside the usual condiments in silver cups over ice, the amber spirit offers a warming twist on oysters. If this sounds like the latest questionable social media trend, it's not. Dripping a few drops of whiskey right into an oyster shell is actually sanctioned by Glenlivet itself, which has been distilling the stuff for more than two centuries. The Scottish whisky experts attribute some of that appeal to the classic combination of sweet and salty that has long delighted palates.

Whiskey also has some elements in common with the more expected condiments listed above. It can be as bright and astringent as lemon juice, or as rich and full-bodied as mignonette. And, provided you give it a functional presentation, whiskey will fit right in with all of your other oyster enhancers.

To properly spike your oysters, you'll have to get them open. Learning to shuck oysters like a pro can seem intimidating because, honestly, it kind of is. You need a dedicated oyster shucking knife, for one, which (in our opinion) looks like a desert island dagger if there ever was one. You also have to take precautions to protect yourself before actually popping those suckers open. Once you get the hang of it, you'll get hooked on the DIY seafood snack. The accessories make it even more fun, especially the shiny little cups that showcase your clever whiskey addition.

Stainless steel condiment cups like the 12-pack from the aptly titled Stock Your Home Store on Amazon are a go-to for a reason. They're the ideal size to hold an ounce or so of sauce, garnish, or, in this case, booze. Their conductive material also keeps everything properly chilled. You can tip the liquid right into the shell or spring for little spoons to match.

Dropper bottles are also an elegant way to administer a little whiskey to your oyster shell, and you can wedge them into ice to stay cold. This, of course, will only allow you to add a bit of the spirit at the time. For a truly drunken oyster that goes down like a shot, measure with the titular glasses, then swap 'em for the shell — meat and all.