Shake The Winter Blues And Paint The Town Green!

Yes,that precious time of year is upon us.St Paddys Day looms and like most years people are like"I'm gonna go to the parade and see what happens from there...".Error!Dont go out without a specified plan.Dont go out without a map.Dont go out without a buddy(not so much for if you run into trouble,but in case you run out of $$$).And most importanntly dont go out without having a rudimentary knoledge of what is actually in some of those special drinks that are advertised on table top promos.

The first culprit is always the famous Irish Kiss.Fairly straightforward.1 1/2 oz. Bushmills,1oz.Peach Schnapps,2oz.OJ,and 5oz. of gingerale.Not too overpowering but the OJ might not mix with the beer.Usually priced pretty good.Keeps the ladies occupied so you can get some pints down.

Next a sweet temptress I met a couple of years ago.The lady is called Irish eyes.1 oz.of Kilbeggan(or any Irish Whiskey) 1/4 oz. of green creme de menthe,2 oz. of heavy cream.Shake with ice and strain.Good sitting around with the family or friends the night before drink.

Then we'll get around to the real drinks boyo.A Dublin Handshake combines 1/2 oz. of Baileys,1/2 oz.of Irish Whiskey and 3/4 oz.of Sloe Gin.Go slow or they seem more like a backhand to the head.And...they definitley hurt a bit the next day.

In the freaky department,I present the Green Monster.Get ready for this 1 1/2 oz.each of Cointreau,Melon Liquer,Peach Shnapps,Southern Comfort and Vodka.add a 1/2 pint each of Beer and Apple Juice.I know,it sounds like a projectile recipe that would cover the real Green Monster at Fenway.If anyone makes it out the other side,let me know.This recipe fits pretty good in a Big Gulp cup for the parade.

As far as sophisticated drinks í've found this jem For a Chilly Irishman you will need:1 scoop of ice cream, 1/2 oz.each of Baileys and Coffee Liqueur,1 oz.Irish Whiskey,1 dash of sugar syrop and 3 oz.of cold Espresso.Pour in blender over 4 cups of ice and make party!This is a showoff piece and you are not likely to find this in bars.Mucho impressive for a small get together after the parade.

Lastly my favorite.I was introduced to this drink by the burley men of the Montreal Erin Club Rugby Team.This is for real drinkers.Combine 1 oz. of Baileys,1 oz of Jameson in a beer glass.Now fill it up with Guiness.Stir,and dump it down in 2 or 3 shots.No pussy sipping.You have just had your first Irish Car Bomb.Not for the feint of heart or any one wearing nice clothes.Also real easy to explain to a bartender.If you are sober.Order this while already drunk and you'll get tossed out.Trust me.
The most important thing to remember during your St. Patricks Day revelries is the Maritime drinking credo.'Licker to Beer ,yer in the clear,Beer to Licker,ya never been sicker'.Start out with the hard stuff and finish with the beer.Only go serious boozing with people you know well,and for Gods sake,if Erin goes Bra-less dont tell everyone at work on Monday morning.Save it for blackmail later.
Happy St. Paddy's everyone.If you find some other nice drinks send them to my email above.