Clover!I love it when one of my favorite holidays falls on a weekend - er, well at least a "close-to-the-weekend" weekday, anyway. ;) I myself will be partying it up in style at Mad Myrna's with some awesome karaoke belters, but if you're looking for some fun try some of the best local establishments for an Irish good time. Also, get some fun and funky Irish whiskey facts to disperse between pints and Bushmill backs. Whatever strikes your fancy. ;) Slainte, and remember - be safe!
McGinley's Pub - Anchorage's downtown Irish pub is sure to be bringing in the green cheer (and green beer) 'till the wee hours. If you haven't yet been, you can't miss it - look for the enormous, neon Guinness pint glass.
Reilly's - (317 West Fireweed Lane) This is my favorite Irish haunt. Ask the bartender to "surprise you," and you're guaranteed a fun night. ;) Best place in town to meet interesting and full-of-stories locals.
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Irish Whiskey Roundabout
Ireland currently only has three working distilleries; Midleton, Cooley and Bushmills, and all Irish whiskies come from one of these distilleries. Both Midleton and Cooley distilleries produce both pot still and grain whiskey, while the Bushmills distillery produces only pot still whiskey (they do, however, source grain whiskey from the Midleton distillery). Traditionally, Irish whiskies are distilled three times for extra smoothness (Scotch whiskies by comparison are traditionally double distilled). Find more interesting whiskey facts from Colleen Graham at cocktails.about.com.
Wondering where Jameson falls in? It's produced by the Midleton distillery, and is actually a blended whiskey (blended whiskies make up about 90% of overall Irish whiskey production).
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St. Patrick's Day Cocktail Recipe (Slainte again!)
The Leprechaun Leap
Ingredients:
1 oz Ketel One Vodka
1 oz Domaine de Canton
1 whole Kiwi, peeled
1 small Egg White
5 oz fresh Lemon Juice
.25 -.5 oz Simple Syrup
Preparation:
In a mixing glass muddle Kiwi until pulpy. Add remaining ingredients (use less simple if your Kiwi is sweet and slightly more if tart) and give a vigorous dry shake. Add Ice and shake again for 30 seconds. Strain into a V-glass and garnish with a slice of Kiwi. Enjoy!
