One Drink, Five Ways: Punch

Double Down Saloon | The Hibachi

The Double Down Saloon is a delightful slice of sleaze. Serving radioactive-green shots of Ass Juice and bacon-infused Bloody Marys and martinis, punch seems unlikely option at this shots-and-vomit saloon. However, the sassy bartender is adamant. "You want punch? I'll give you punch," she says. She fills an aluminum pie tin with ice and sets a rocks glass in the middle, which is then filled with a shot glass. Into it goes rum topped with Sambuca. She lights the liquor on fire (extinguishers are nearby, FDNY) and hands us a Slim Jim. "Cook it," she says, as processed beef fat drips into the liquor. (Price: anywhere from free to $25, depending on the bartender's mood.)

Verdict: 2 stars. Though high on production value—everyone loves fire!—the fatty drippings add little to the awkward anise-rum mash-up. Still, them Slim Jims are mighty tasty.

Double Down Saloon (14 Ave. A, between First and Second Sts., 212-982-0543)