St. Patrick’s Day Toasting Alternatives

When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, no self-respecting foodie has ever dreamed of finding a green beer at the end of the rainbow. So we’ve tapped some top mixologists and an award-winning pastry chef to offer a few elegant toasting alternatives that are pure liquid gold. Their concoctions are sure to inspire even the most jaded-green palates to raise their glasses (or spoons) in a hearty “Sláinte!”

 

1. On the heels of winning Food Network’s 2016 Christmas Cookie Challenge, pastry chef Brittani Szczecina has turned her attention to yet another holiday with this smooth, sophisticated St. Patrick’s Day treat.

 

Bailey’s Irish Cream Panna Cotta
Brittani Szczecina, pastry chef, 3800 Ocean, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa

Ingredients:

• 4 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup sugar
• 6 gelatin sheets
• 4 oz. Baileys Original Irish Cream
• Pinch of salt

Method:

Bloom gelatin in ice water for five minutes or until soft. Remove from ice water and squeeze; set aside on a dry towel. Bring the remaining ingredients to a simmer and stir in the gelatin. Pour into desired glasses and let set in the fridge for at least two hours. Garnish with your favorite toppings: crushed chocolate cookies, chocolate sauce, St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles, or even a mini cupcake. Get creative!

 

2. Legend has it that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. True or not, Ireland’s favorite three-leafed clover is the inspiration behind this cocktail with three distinct spirits.

 

Trinity
Zachary Blair, lead mixologist, KANU, Whiteface Lodge

Ingredients:

• 2.5 oz. Irish whiskey (Westbrook)
• 1 oz. elderflower liqueur
• 1 oz. sweet vermouth
• .25 oz. lime juice

 

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a glass with ice, stir, and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime twist.

 

3. For fans of the “Black Stuff,” this Guinness-infused cocktail is genius in a glass.

Luck of the Irish

Eddie Garcia, lead mixologist and manager, jade bar, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

 Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Redbreast whiskey
• ¾ oz. Guinness simple syrup (see recipe)
• ¾ oz. lemon juice
• ½ oz. apple juice

 

Method:

Make Guinness simple syrup: Heat 16 oz. Guinness in pan and cook down to 8 oz.; add 8 oz. raw sugar and stir to dissolve. Set aside to cool.

 

Combine ¾ oz. of the Guinness simple syrup and all other ingredients in a shaker. Shake and pour into a stemmed cocktail glass.

 

4. A gemstone of a cocktail – no blarney!

Emerald Martini

James Kruecher, director of food & beverage, McCoy’s Oceanfront, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Absolut Lime
• ½ oz Sour Apple Pucker
• ½ oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• ½ oz lime juice, fresh squeezed
• Dash of house-made orange bitters

 

Method:

Combine all in a mixing glass and top with ice, shake 20 times vigorously, and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.

We hope you enjoy these St. Patrick Day toasts and have a happy and safe day. If you indulge to much, be sure to take Lyft or Uber. It’s a safe alternative.

Cheers.