Thursday, March 11, 2010

Thirsty Thursdays: Irish Edition

Coming up with an Irish themed cocktail for the week has thrown me for a loop. The grim prospect of Bailey's Irish Cream, and noxiously green drinks made with creme de menthe, nearly put me off the whole idea altogether. And heaven knows you don't need a recipe to make green beer. I wouldn't drink it and I'm not going to post about it either.

I don't know that I've ever even had an "Irish" cocktail. I know they must exist, but none have come my way and when I'm in Ireland, I usually stick to Jameson Irish Whiskey. So Whiskey it is today ... and none of its going to be green.

Irish Creamsicle:
  • 2 oz. Irish Whiskey (Jameson or Tullamore Dew)
  • 1 oz. Navan (vanilla cognac)
  • 3/4 oz. fresh orange juice
  • dash or two of orange bitters
  • orange peel for garnish
Fill a martini shaker with ice and over it pour the whiskey, Navan, fresh orange juice and bitters. Cover and shake well until the outside of the shake frosts. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with some strands of orange peel. Serve and enjoy, repeat as necessary!

Ok, so I know there's no cream in my creamsicle, but the vanilla notes of the Navan combined with the oj, really do put one in mind of a creamsicle. A decidedly adult creamsicle, at that, since the whiskey lends a nice punch. Be forewarned, this little beauty goes down smooth so it might just sneak up on you. I loved it and I hope you will too.

If you're not in possession of the Navan, and don't want to buy it, I'll offer a simple classic ...

Jameson and Ginger:
  • 2 oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey
  • ginger ale
  • wedge of lime
Fill a highball glass with ice and over it pour the Jameson. Top up the drink with ginger ale and squeeze in the juice from a wedge of lime. Stir. Garnish with a wheel of lime. Serve and enjoy, repeat as necessary!

Armed with these two recipes, you're sure to be celebrating St. Patty's Day in fine fashion next week. And, bonus, not a green drink in sight!

So, what are you planning to drink next Wednesday? Have any Irish cocktails of your own to share? Thirsty Diva wants to know.

Sláinte!

12 comments:

Mo Diva said...

You always make me thirsty on thursdays!

and I love how you refused to go with the stereotypical bevvys. I like the thought of an Orange alcoholic beverage... there will be lots of alcohol this weekend. haaaaay

Christina said...

Ohh it looks super pretty! I'm w/ you and the green beer opinion. NO THANKS! hehe

Dianne1216 said...

Mmmmm....looks so delicious! I haven't had a cocktail in ages.

pixelgal said...

Next Wednesday I'll be in the big city as you know chowing down at what sounds like a Spanish Restaurant....but since it's a bus trip I can drink whatever I like! So maybe I'll try a little Jamieson too. We'll see. Normally we just have beer with our corned beef....those who like Guiness (not me) will have that.

Sook said...

Love the color!!

words...words...words... said...

This looks delicious! You can probably tell by now I have a thing for orange.

Would it be poor form to point out that you could have posted a good recipe for Irish coffee? :p

The Diva on a Diet said...

Thanks everyone! I'm sorry I've been rather absent this week, I'm getting ready to go on a little trip and crazed with last minute stuff.

Thanks for the lovely comments and cheers!

p.s. - words words words, I thought about Irish coffee ... but I don't drink coffee and worse than that, don't know how to make it! LOL

Deb in Hawaii said...

Love all the ingredients you have in this one--such a pretty drink too!

Charmian @Christie's Corner said...

This sounds lovely. I adore orange and vanilla together. You always come up with interesting cocktails.

Jewels For Hope said...

I absolutely LOVE the fact you didn't go with green or baileys... both of which I'm not a fan of! Love it!

Daily Spud said...

You've outdone yourself, Diva - the creamsicle is making me feel very thirsty indeed!

Tangled Noodle said...

We regularly imbibe Jameson and Ginger (alternating with your Moscow Mule) and now your Irish Creamsicle has to go on the bar menu! It's been a while since we've had a bottle of Navan on hand, but it's well worth it for this drink.