Erin Go Bragh: Irish Cocktails Good Year Round

So I know St. Patrick's Day was a full week ago. But everyone's three best Irish friends - Guinness, Jameson and Baileys - can (and should) be enjoyed anytime of year, in a variety of different ways.

The three liquors are Ireland's most famous stout, whiskey, and cream, respectively. Obviously the easiest way to enjoy all three is through an Irish Car Bomb. This is made by dropping a shot (half Bailey's, half Jameson) into a half pint of Guinness and chugging it before the cream causes the Guinness to curdle. But once you get that out of your system, each of these liquors should be appreciated on its own, and can serve as the main ingredient in several other interesting recipes.

Guinness is usually drunk by itself and is a favorite of stout lovers. But if you're in the mood to try something different, go for a Black Velvet. This classy, Guinness based cocktail is one part champagne, one part stout. Though traditionally served in a beer mug, I would use a champagne flute, adding first the stout, then slowly pouring champagne on top. The result is interesting to say the least -- the velvety smoothness and familiar taste of Guinness combined with the light bubbles of champagne. This drink would be perfect for a toast at a wedding....or a funeral. Legend has it that the cocktail was created in London in 1861 to mourn the death of Prince Albert.

Jameson is incredibly smooth and can be enjoyed straight or with water even by those who aren't accustomed to whiskey. I like it with ginger ale (the so-called "London way") or cranberry juice (as is more common in Dublin). Whiskey added to ginger ale is the traditional American cocktail known as the Highball. It is best when garnished with a lime wedge. Jameson w/ cranberry is a good alternative for those who like vodka cranberries.

Jameson can also be used in breakfast drinks. Jameson in orange juice (garnished with an orange slice and cherry, served in a champagne flute) is a great alternative to a mimosa. Jameson and Baileys also combine in an Irish Coffee.

Irish Coffee
1 oz Jameson
1 oz Baileys
6 oz hot coffee
1 tbsp sugar
heavy cream

Add some whip cream and a drizzle of greem creme de menthe on top for a more festive look.

Bailey's tastes like an iced coffee when taken on the rocks. It blends well with ice and can be added to most milk and ice cream-based shakes for a little something extra. Here's one such recipe from a British TGI Friday's menu.

Barnamint Baileys
1 oz Baileys
3/4 oz green creme de menthe
2 oz milk
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1/2 scoop crushed ice
2 Oreo cookies for garnish (crumbled)

Combine ingredients in a blender. Sprinkle cookie crumbs on top for garnish.

Personally, my favorite St. Patrick's Day drink is my own variation of the Barnamint Baileys, which I tried for the first time last year. Since it does not require blending, it is easier to make at parties.

Barnamint Baileys
2 scoops Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
6 oz Root Beer
2 oz Jameson
2 oz Baileys Irish Cream

Enjoy!