Buzz
Tomorrow, March 17, also known as 'St. Patrick's Day,' 'St. Paddy's Day,' and 'amateur hour,' will arrive. It’s that time when people who don't typically drink indulge a little too much, and it’s the absolute worst day to be in a bar.
However, it's the perfect opportunity to stay in and whip up some themed treats—both edible and drinkable. Predictably, I've gathered a collection of such delights. Mostly drinks, as expected, but be sure to fill up with one (or both) of the suggested casseroles to make it through.
Achieve Perfectly Tender Corned Beef with Sous-Vide Cooking
Whether you’re preparing your own corned brisket or buying pre-corned beef from the store, sous vide cooking is the most foolproof way to guarantee juicy, tender results. The magic of combining papain (the enzyme used in commercial corned beef tenderization) with sous vide creates a beef so tender, it almost falls apart on its own.
Prepare a hearty corned beef casserole loaded with carbs to soak up whiskey
Corned beef, cabbage, mashed potatoes, and a generous amount of butter and sour cream combine to create this indulgent, savory, and hearty dish. It’s easy to put together, and even easier to devour after a few shots of whiskey, but it’s delicious enough to savor completely sober.
Prepare your stomach with a cheesy, savory potato skin casserole
The overall vibe of this particular casserole is ‘St. Paddy’s Day at TGI Friday’s,’ and I’m not mad about it. While this casserole may not be authentically Irish, it absolutely supports you belting out 'Danny Boy' after too many green beers, and it provides a solid base for all those beers to settle on.
Whip up some homemade Irish cream
I came up with this recipe a few Christmases ago, but deliciousness doesn’t have a season, and it’s Irish cream, not Christmas cream. My recipe is well-tested, but feel free to experiment with the extracts, the amount of chocolate, or even the base spirit (although for this holiday, I recommend sticking with Irish whiskey).
Then stir it into your pancake batter
After preparing your homemade Irish cream, or picking up a bottle of pre-made from the store, consider adding a splash (or more) to your pancake batter. The result is sweet, nutty, and perfectly boozy (for breakfast, of course).
Or blend it with Fernet
Given the heritage of my current boyfriend, I can confidently say that I have a taste for things that are half Italian, half Irish, and this cocktail is no exception. Fernet and Irish cream might seem like an odd pairing, but as I’ve mentioned before, they belong together:
One is sweet, creamy, and universally appealing; the other is bitter, herbal, and often described as an “acquired taste.” But it’s their opposing qualities that make them a perfect match. When combined, the bold characteristics of each are balanced by the other, creating an incredibly delicious, well-rounded, and outrageously flavorful dessert drink.
Combine them in equal parts in a shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously until chilled, then strain into a coupe glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Make your exit with an Irish Goodbye
This Jeffrey Morgenthaler cocktail is one of my top three favorite drinks with just three ingredients, and by far my favorite Irish whiskey concoction. It’s fruity, earthy, strong, and absolutely perfect for March 17.
Or kick things off with a classic (proper) Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is like a Red Bull and vodka combo, but actually tasty. Crafting a proper one takes a little effort, but it’s totally worth it. (If you’re feeling lazy or not into hot drinks, you can always go with this iced version.)
