© John Biehler
Vagabondish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read our disclosure.
The Sourtoe cocktail is a Yukon bar’s claim to fame, consisting of a shot of whiskey with a bonafide pickled human toe in it. The Downtown Hotel in Dawson City reuses the toe from drink to drink, so it was somewhat of a loss to the establishment when a man ordered the drink and consumed it toe and all.
The patron willingly paid the $500 penalty for eating the toe and apparently this is the first time the toe has been swallowed on purpose. Eight other toes have gone missing in the past, but those instances were unintentional. The man is said to have been on his way out of town and decided to go out with a bang and blow the money he’s received back on his damage deposit for the privilege of having the full Sourtoe cocktail experience.
The bar’s signature drink is still available, with another toe that was kept on hand in reserve, however the fine for not returning the toe has been raised fivefold.
Get the full story from the Alaska Dispatch.