The Regent Cocktail Club
In the past, refined St. Patrick’s Day drinks were not always easy to come by. Yet recently, bartenders across the country are mixing up creative cocktails utilizing Irish whiskey in addition to serving classic renditions of Irish coffee and using old recipes to inspire fun, new concoctions. This March 17, raise a glass to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, with one of the following tasty creations.
Overlook, Lantern’s Keep, New York City
One of Midtown Manhattan’s most sophisticated cocktail dens, Lantern’s Keep is a bit of a secret, tucked away from the street in the back of Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Iroquois New York. Reserve a plush seat and sink back to savor the Overlook, a libation created by bartender Matthew Houlihan. Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old Irish whiskey is mixed with an apricot liqueur called Apry, blanc vermouth and angostura bitters. Served over ice with a twist of lemon, this cocktail showcases the pronounced tropical fruit flavors of the whiskey.
The Lion
The Rock of Cashel, The Lion, New York City
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Crown Group Hospitality’s beverage director, Ben Scorah, fashioned a cocktail named after the landmark historic site in South Tipperary, Ireland — the Rock of Cashel. Tullamore Dew Phoenix Irish whiskey is stirred with Campari, Amaro Montenegro and sweet vermouth, and served over one large ice cube in a crystal rocks glass and garnished with orange zest.
Smoked espresso “stout,” Persimmon, Bristol, Rhode Island
The cocktail program at Persimmon matches the sophisticated quality of chef Champe Speidel’s fare. For the Irish holiday, bartender Katie O’Donnell wanted to craft a complex drink that would pair well with chocolate desserts. The smoked espresso “stout” includes one freshly pulled shot of espresso shaken vigorously with smoked sugar syrup and dry black lager. Strained into a Collins glass, once settled, it resembles a pint of Guinness. While many Irish-inspired dessert drinks rely on coffee and whiskey, this concoction moves in a different direction.
Classic Irish coffee, The Regent Cocktail Club, Miami
A night out in Miami might require a little liquid energy. The Regent Cocktail Club at Gale Hotel South Beach serves a classic Irish coffee with Jameson 12 Year Old Irish whiskey, brown sugar and fresh coffee topped with lightly whipped heavy cream. Toast St. Patrick’s Day with one of the most iconic (and widely served) drinks utilizing the smooth flavors of Irish whiskey.
Westport, Grace, New York City
Named after Irish “pirate queen” Grace O’Malley, Grace has a cocktail menu created exclusively by top New York female mixologists. There are several nods to Ireland on the list, including the Westport, a creation by bartender Jane Elkins. It’s a mix of Bushmills Black Bush Irish whiskey, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, egg, Demerara syrup, ruby port, grated nutmeg and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Photos Courtesy of The Regent Cocktail Club and The Lion
