For any Irish American, St. Patrick’s Day is not just about celebrating when St. Patrick drove the snakes from the Emerald Isle. It is the day that all come to celebrate the rich, amazing, and beautiful culture and history of Ireland. And what better way to celebrate any nation’s pride than through food and beverage? You see, I have always believed that food is one of the great uniters in our world. After all, throughout history, many a peace treaty, alliance and merger have come together over a meal. Granted I am a little biased in that opinion given the subject matter I often cover! And since it is St. Patrick’s Day, I decided to put together a few cocktail recipes for you from some of the best and most talented mixologists in our fair city to help you celebrate one of my favorite days of the year!
HORSE’S NECK
By Heaven’s Door
Ingredients
2 oz. Heaven’s Door Ascension, Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Top with Ginger Ale
Method
Build in a Collins glass and garnish with a lemon peel.
Leprechaun’s Elixir
By The Regency Bar & Grill at Loews Regency Hotel New York
Ingredients
2 oz. Jameson
1 oz. Guinness reduction
1 oz. lemon juice
¾ oz. aquafaba
2-3 dashes bitters
Method
This sophisticated cocktail combines 2oz of smooth Jameson whiskey with a rich 1oz Guinness reduction, balanced by the tartness of 1oz lemon juice. The addition of ¾ oz aquafaba creates a velvety texture, while 2-3 dashes of bitters add depth and complexity. Dry shaken initially for a frothy consistency, then cold shaken and strained into a martini glass, this drink is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, sure to elevate any occasion. Cheers to an enchanting cocktail.
GLENDALOUGH VERY OLD FASHIONED
By Glendalough
Ingredients
2 oz. Glendalough Double Barrel Whiskey
1/3 oz. simple syrup
2 dashes of Bitters
Fresh Orange Peel
Method
Add all the ingredients to a tumbler and stir. Add ice and stir again. Garnish with a twisted orange peel
IRISH JULEP
From Off Hours Bourbon
Ingredients
3 oz. Off Hours Bourbon
½ oz simple syrup
6 mint leaves
1 mint sprig
Method
Grab a rocks glass and add simple syrup, mint leaves crushed to release oils and 1 1/2 ounces of Off Hours Bourbon. Top with crushed ice and stir. Add another 1 1/2 ounces of Off Hours Bourbon and more crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
BOSS MOLLY COFFEE BOULEVARDIER
By Boss Molly Bourbon
Ingredients
1 oz. Boss Molly Bourbon
3/4 oz. Campari
3/4 oz. Red Vermouth
1/2 oz. Coffee Liqueur (Mr. Blacks)
Method
Stir all ingredients well with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
THE IRISH ELEVENSES
By Free Spirits/Non-Alcoholic
Ingredients
2 ½ oz. The Spirit of Bourbon
1 ¾ oz. strong brewed Irish breakfast tea
¾ oz. lemon juice
2 tsp of peach preserve (or jam of your choice)
Mint garnish
Method
Shake all ingredients in an iced cocktail shaker.
Empty into a tall glass and garnish with lemon, mint and serve with a biscuit!
For me, Irish Soda Bread is sacrosanct on March 17th. And I have been making this version of it for decades. It is one of my all-time favorite recipes, especially when accompanied by a pint of Guinness!
Ingredients
4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
4 tablespoons of butter
1 cup raisins
1 large egg lightly beaten
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Preparation • Preheat oven to 425-degrees.
• Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda into a large mixing bowl.
• Work the butter into the flour mix using your fingers or a wooden spoon until it thickens. Then add raisins.
• Using a large spoon, dig a well in the center of the flour mix. Add beaten egg and buttermilk. Stir with a wooden spoon until all liquid ingredients are absorbed.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few quick turns just to even out the dough. Note: Do not overwork the dough. Now form into a mound.
• Transfer the dough to a large baking sheet. Score the mound with a cross or an X using a serrated or bread knife. This will help the dough receive enough heat internally to bake properly and evenly.
• Bake for about 35-45 minutes until bread is golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. You can easily check for doneness by inserting a thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your Irish Soda Bread is done!
• Let cool a few minutes.
Remember, you can always have a slice of Irish Soda Bread with your favorite aperitif. Personally, a pint of Guinness or a snifter of Jameson’s always does the trick! Sláinte!