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Today is St. Patrick's Day and if you live in Florida and think you have the luck of Irish, think again as Florida is the least lucky state in America.
St. Patrick's Day, the day of the Irish and the green, is a time for celebration, joy, and good luck. When you think of lucky charms you probably think of leprechauns, rainbows, and pots of gold, not to mention that delicious cereal. But is there really something special about this day that brings good luck to those who celebrate it?
Here in Florida we'll definitely need it. A new study conducted by Floridabet.com shows that Florida is the least lucky state in America. They compared stats on things like life expectancy, mortality, divorce and disasters. Florida has the highest score of 64.7 out of 100 with the 6th highest percent of divorces and the highest number of lightning fatalities since 1952. Oof. West Virginia, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Arkansas round out the top 5.
So what can we do today to increase our luck?
Well, many people believe that wearing green on St. Patrick's Day can bring good luck. The color green is often associated with the lush Irish countryside and is said to represent growth, harmony, and balance. According to Irish folklore, wearing green will make you invisible to leprechauns. So, if you're wearing green on St. Patrick's Day, you're less likely to be pranked by these little rascals.
Another thing to look out for today are four-leaf clovers. According to legend, each leaf of a four-leaf clover represents something: the first leaf is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.
While our state as a whole might be unlucky, I hope the luck of the Irish is with you!
The Spirits Of The Irish For St Paddy’s Day
Happy St Patrick's Day. Whether you are hosting a party or going to one today or this weekend, it's highly likely that you will be enjoying the spirits of the Irish for St Paddy's Day. Regardless of what your genealogy tests say, everyone is suddenly Irish for the day. The Irish love their whisky. Americans do too. Therefore, lots of it will be flowing this weekend.
And let's be honest, who really wants to be bloated from guzzling pints of green beer all day long. Whiskey is where it's at. There are so many ways to enjoy it and so many kinds to enjoy.
Last week I got this cool gift set from Proper No Twelve. It's an apple flavored whiskey that came with shot glasses and a fancy tool that cores apples. The 70-proof whiskey goes down way to easy. It's a bit tart, a bit sweet, good in cocktails and even better solo over a big ice cube. $24.99
You don't have to overthink this one. It's great with ginger ale and a lime wedge for a garnish and a little acid. I've got some more recipes below.
To help you enjoy the spirits of the Irish for St Paddy's Day, here are a few whiskeys to look for and recipes to try them in. Sláinte!
Proper Bit O' Green
This cocktail is for anyone who wants to at least make an effort to be healthful on St. Paddy's Day. It has green tea for antioxidants and coconut water for hydration.
1.5 oz Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
1 oz Chilled Green Tea
1 oz Coconut Water
Squeeze of Lemon
Top w/ Soda Water
Directions: Shake Proper, Green tea. Coconut water & Lemon with ice and strain over fresh ice into rocks glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with Lemon Wedge.
Gold Rush
METHOD AND MADNESS is an ultra premium single grained whiskey which recently introduced this limited edition Rye And Malt Irish Whiskey to the U.S. market. $55
2 parts METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Whiskey
3/4 part lemon juice
3/4 part honey syrup
Build in tin. Add ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Irish Espresso Martini
If there is one Irish whiskey that almost everyone has heard of, it's Jameson. It dates back to the mid 1700's. If you like beer, chances are you will like the stout edition here.
If you want to get fancy, how about a whiskey martini. For this one you need:
1 1/3 part espresso
1 1/2 part Jameson Stout Ediion
1/2 part Kalua
1/3 part simple syrup
nutmeg
Add first four ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coup glass. Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg.
