Food & Drink
St. Patrick’s Day Drink Ideas Out and In
Whether you're planning a night out on the town or staying in at home, cocktail critic AJ Rathbun has a drink for you
By AJ Rathbun March 17, 2017
Today is St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration of the history and influence of Irish people and culture—and a day beloved by drinkers. Too often, the celebration turns to artificially-colored beer and a focus on consumption as opposed to reverence. This year, honor the Irish by having a drink that tastes terrific and actually highlights products from the Emerald Isle. I have some great ideas below, both to have out and about and one if you’re celebrating at home.
Chaplin, at Mulleady’s Irish Pub: This welcoming spot in Magnolia is an ideal place to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. It has an expansive selection of Irish whiskies if you’re in a sipping mood, you can even get flights if you want to taste a few and find your favorite. But if you’re looking for a mixed drink, try the Chaplin, with what may be the best-known Irish whiskey, Jameson, mixed with Fino sherry and Italian amaro Ramazotti, which adds agreeable herbal notes.
The Damned If I Dew, at Witness: This bar is inspired by the American south, but its embracing and friendly staff makes it a suitable place to celebrate any holiday. St. Patrick’s Day is no exception, especially when having the Damned If I Dew. Featuring Tullamore Dew, a triple distilled and triple-blended Irish whiskey, alongside Avèze (a French liqueur), lemon juice, celery bitters and ginger beer, this is a refreshing and flavorful pick.
The Blackthorn, at Your House: Want to have shindig for the Feast of St. Patrick at home and looking for a tipple that fits the day, tastes memorable and will make your party stand out from the rest? Try the Blackthorn (sometimes Blackthorne, as happens with cocktail names). It’s an old drink that has had multiple variations, some not as worthy. But the below I am rather fond of, and have been making with The Quiet Man Traditional blended Irish whiskey, which is accessible and delivers vanilla, honey, apple, spice and oak highlights. Other Irish whiskies can work well, too; you could even try it with a few different ones and see which you like best!
The Blackthorn
2 ounces cracked ice
The Quiet Man Traditional blended Irish whiskey
1 ounce sweet vermouth
1/4 ounce absinthe
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Lemon twist, for garnish
1. Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker halfway full with cracked ice. Add the Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, absinthe, and bitters. Stir well.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass. Twist the twist over the glass and let it drop in.
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