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.
