When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, it’s easy to lean on the standard fair of Guinness and Jameson as the go-to drink of choice. But, there’s a world of options out there, and Ireland is being underserved if all you know of their craft alcohol is those two brands.
So in honour of St. Patrick’s Day here are a few different options, no matter your drink of choice, to celebrate the holiday with a bit more authenticity.
Irish Beer: O’Hara’s Irish Stout
Yes you could default to the classic Guinness, but O’Hara’s is a fantastic alternative and is in fact still a craft brewer. If you are feeling a little more adventurous than stout, you can also try their Hop Adventure Series which is playing with different hops and styles.
Irish Cider: Magners Cider
While not necessarily “craft”, Magners is easy to find and a good representation of the growing cidery industry in Ireland. If you can find more niche cider from Ireland then great! Otherwise this offers a medium sweet taste with lively carbonation and juicy yellow apple flavours lingering on the finish.
Irish Whiskey: Red Breast 12 Year Cask Strength
This bottle won best Irish Whiskey of the year for 2018, and it’s easy to see why. Bright amber in the glass, it has aromas of toffee, figs, citrus, toasted nuts and baking spices. On the palate it is full and warming, delivering flavours of caramel, dried fruit spice and citrus leading to a finish that is long and balanced.
Irish Cocktail: Dingle Mingle
A perfect apertif-style cocktail made with classic Irish flavours.
Ingredients:
- 1oz Dingle Irish Gin
- 2.25oz chardonnay wine
- 2 bar spoons of peach jam
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1 for garnish
Method: Chill a coupe glass with some crushed ice. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice; shake hard for 10 seconds. Remove ice from glass and strain the cocktail. Garnish with a thyme sprig.
Ale/Sessions 