St. Patrick’s Day: Toasting The Historic Holiday With An Irish Icon
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17 to observe the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
However, the day has evolved to become something of an occasion to celebrate Irish culture as a whole, with parades, sharing of food, music, dancing, and plenty of green.
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland?
The reason St. Patrick’s has become such a global celebration – and a perfect opportunity to host a special occasion for your near and dear ones – is in part to the large population of Irish who have emigrated over the years.
In fact, despite being the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick has taken on a whole new life outside of the country with the first-ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade being held in America.
This, while people in Ireland have celebrated St. Patrick since the 1600s, the tradition of a St. Patrick’s Day parade began in America, even predating the founding of the United States. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony, in what is now Florida!
A new twist on an Irish icon for St. Patrick's Day
You’ve heard of Irish coffee; well, this is even better. While not the most immediate connection to St. Patrick’s Day, we love the idea of toasting the annual event with a range of Espresso Martini alternatives.
After all, just like the spirit of the Irish, Espresso Martinis have plenty of kick (and if you really think about it, the dark body with the frothy top shares a resemblance to the classic Guinness pint!)
Tequila Espresso Martini
For a celebratory occasion like St. Patrick’s, it’s the perfect time to try something different – like swapping out the usual vodka for a tequila based Espresso Martini.
This tweaked Espresso Martini adds that signature fiery kick of reposado tequila to the distinct coffee flavours for a memorable serve.
You’ll need:
50ml Don Julio Reposado Tequila
30ml Fresh Brewed Espresso
30ml Vanilla Liqueur
35ml Coffee Liqueur
3 or 4 dashes of chocolate bitters
To make:
Combine all ingredients into a shaker. Dry shake (meaning shake with no ice) for roughly six seconds
Next, add ice, shake vigorously again and strain into a chilled martini glass
Garnish with coffee beans.
Gin Espresso Martini
This gin-based serve for St. Patrick’s is packed full of flavour.
You’ll need:
50ml London Dry Gin (Tanqueray or Gordon's)
15ml Simple Syrup
50ml Fresh Espresso
To make:
Add the ingredients to a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously
Strain into a Coupette glass
Garnish with three coffee beans and a cross section of ginger.
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