From a virtual yelp event during the pandemic (March 2021):
We all took a virtual trip to Ireland last night to hang out with Grace O’Malley. Never heard of her?
Grace O’Malley is the famous Irish pirate queen. She was fierce, powerful and cunning. She did have an audience with Elizabeth I as to try to free her son from captivity in England. E1 and Grace had to resort to speaking Latin, their only common tongue. I want to find out more about this strong female!
Obviously, this new whiskey is named in her honor. It’s a blended whiskey and while I did not have any on hand for this event, I wish I had. Anne, our authentic Irish bartender extraordinaire, shared (visually) the aroma and tasting notes. I have to get some of this stuff as soon as I am able.
What else did I learn? Irish Whiskey is aged for three years. Whiskey was invented by the Irish and it’s documented as early as 1324, as “water of life.”
Back to Anne, she mixed up one cocktail using espresso (to keep you partying hardy on St. Paddy’s Day), simple syrup, chocolate sauce, Creme de Menthe, and of course Grace O’Malley Whiskey.
Anne then mixed up Paddy’s Punch, perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day gathering (a safely distanced gathering of course). This one contained a lot of fruit and Anne stated it was better the longer it sets. Here’s the rundown: Place orange slices and plums in a small punch bowl. Add the whiskey, cranberry juice, and something called “cloudy” apple juice. Cut the sweetness with a bit of lemon juice. She then added a bit of rosemary. I love cocktails that utilize herbs. To add a little more depth, add a splash or two of red wine. Serve in a tea cup with a bit of ice.
I could not resist and had to make this last one for a small celebration this evening. Finally, Anne shared an Irish toast with us all to close:
I have no money,
I’ve liked not a few,
I’ve loved one,
I drink to you.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Paddy’s Punch
Double or triple for a crowd
Ingredients
- 6 oz. Irish Whiskey
- 3 oz. Cranberry Juice
- 3 oz. apple cider
- 1 oranges, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 plum, quartered
- 2 T. lemon juice
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Place all in a small pitcher and let it get nice a friendly. Serve over ice in a tea cup or punch cup.
Yield: 2