Ah, St. Patrick’s Day, that most alcohol-soaked of holidays. In its honor, I’ve collected several bourbon-based cocktails to help you celebrate. Mix them yourself or make a request of your favorite bartender. Just remember this request from The Bourbon Babe: Please don’t press the luck of the Irish and drive home after too much celebrating. Designate a driver or call a cab.
Shamrock Sour (above)
New York bartender Julie Reiner created this seasonal sip with Jim Beam’s Basil Hayden.
2 parts Basil Hayden
1/2 part Green Chartreuse
1/2 part Lemon Juice
1/2 part Grapefruit Juice
1/2 part Agave Syrup (to make, combine equal parts of water with Agave Syrup)
1/4 part Egg White
1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake without ice to blend.
2. Add ice and shake.
3. Strain over fresh ice in a double rocks glass and garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon wheel.
Kentucky Colonel
Famed Louisville bartender Joy Perrine concocted this lovely light green drink, which is featured in her “Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book.”
1 1/2 ounces Kentucky bourbon
1/2 ounce praline liqueur
1/2 ounce green creme de menthe
1/2 ounce white creme de cacao
3/4 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
Combine, shake over ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with 3-4 leaves of mint floating on the top of the drink.
You could also just simplify things and have a shot of Irish whiskey, or a pint of Guinness or Beamish – Harp or Smithwick’s if you’re looking for something lighter. If you’re looking for green beer, well, I can’t help you.
