This is one of those drinks that make me wish my blog could have "smell-o-vision." I went to the Difford's Guide site looking for a new gin-and-cucumber cocktail recipe and found this one, which calls for four (count 'em, four) inches of cucumber. That sounded like a lot, but it turns out to be exactly … Continue reading The Cumbersome Cocktail
Recipes
Review: Agave Gin (I know. I was shocked, too.)
If gin flew to Mexico and had a fling with mezcal, this would be their love child. Stick with me, because this love story takes a little explanation, starting with a 30,000 foot review of how gin is made before we get into the particulars of Gracias a Díos (GAD) Agave Gin. “Daddy, where does … Continue reading Review: Agave Gin (I know. I was shocked, too.)
Tipperary No. 1
It’s a Tipperary Twofer! Just in case any of you are celebrating a little late this evening. A bonus recipe (not that you paid for the first one, of course) on St. Patrick’s Day 2022. This one isn’t completely green, but my color consultant tells me it’s amber ... much closer to the color of … Continue reading Tipperary No. 1
The Parlez-vous Irish Cocktail
Continuing the Franco-Irish theme from yesterday’s Brotherhood cocktail, here’s a great recipe that actually does include Cognac alongside the Irish whiskey. It’s up to you whether to go full Franco-Irish and use Hennessey Cognac or select your favorite other Cognac. I happened to use Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey for this one, but use your … Continue reading The Parlez-vous Irish Cocktail
The Brotherhood (Aye, but sisters like it, too.)
On this St. Patrick’s Day Eve, we offer a liquid tribute to the centuries-old bond between the peoples of Ireland and France. There is a history of commerce between the two nations dating back to the 12th century and beyond. Even before 1796, when France sent an expedition to support an Irish rebellion against the … Continue reading The Brotherhood (Aye, but sisters like it, too.)
The Broadmoor
When I came across this recipe last year, I though it might be named after the famous Broadmoor resort hotel in Colorado Springs, which has a fairly noted bar—The Golden Bee. But no. It turns out this cocktail originated in London, England, around 2001 and is named for the high-security Broadmoor psychiatric hospital west of … Continue reading The Broadmoor
The Irish Blonde
Enough with the Irish coffees and car bombs; there are a lot of delicious, less traditional ways to enjoy your Irish whiskey. This cocktail was created by Dale DeGroff, a noted American bartender—most famously the chief bartender at New York City’s Rainbow Room from 1987-1999—and author of two best-selling cocktail books: The Essential Cocktail and … Continue reading The Irish Blonde
Bloody Rock of Sages
Everyone sing along: "Rock of ages, bled for me ... " Blood orange juice and sage in the house? Strike while the ice is cold! A note on technique first, prompted by how much crushed cherry and sage will be floating around in the shaker after you shake this mixture well with ice. You’ll see … Continue reading Bloody Rock of Sages
The Dubliner
As long as you're stocking up on Irish whiskey for St. Patrick's Day, consider this easy-to-make variation on the classic Manhattan. Instead of bourbon or rye, use your favorite Irish whiskey, and instead of a full ounce of sweet vermouth, use half-ounces of Grand Marnier or another curaçao and a hearty sweet vermouth. It's an … Continue reading The Dubliner
Of Irish Maids and Dead Rabbits
What penance does the Archbishop of Dublin prescribe for a supplicant who makes a drink called “Irish Maid,” using Irish whiskey, but incorporating an English cucumber?? Asking for a friend. Okay, don’t answer that. Anyone who has a drop of Irish blood in them—or who lives within 100 miles of anyone who does, which is … Continue reading Of Irish Maids and Dead Rabbits
The Libation Lounge 