The Tipperary Cocktail

Being the good Irishman that I am, I've downed my share of celebratory Car Bombs over the years, mostly while listening to the 8th round of "Whiskey In The Jar" on St. Patrick's Day. But finding myself more in cocktail bars these days, I'm guessing my greenish drink of choice will instead be a slow-sipper, preferably whiskey-based, followed separately by a healthy pint of Guinness.

Irish whiskey is not an easy friend of the cocktail, and though the spirit is making a comeback in the US, it is usually consumed in a glass on its own (I'm personally a big fan of a vintage Knappogue, served neat). However, there are delicious cocktails such as a Cameron's Kick, though it also uses Scotch for balance, and the Emerald, a cousin of the Manhattan that replaces American whiskey with an Irish one (and orange bitters, as well).

Another well-documented choice is the Tipperary, named for a small country in Ireland, which pairs both Irish whiskey and Green Chartreuse. Note that since Irish whiskeys tend to be milder in flavor than bourbon or Scotch, try using a Redbreast 12 year, which gleans stronger character from its pure pot still production. Though the Tipperary usually gets a brandied-cherry, if you can manage find a four leaf clover for a garnish, the novelty it brings will undoubtedly be appreciated. Sláinte!