Shamrock cocktail
Find your lucky clover with this cocktail special, the Shamrock.
Looking for a little green in your cocktail today? Crème de Menthe is the perfect additive to turn your cocktail a little green with a hint of mint.
There are a different recipes for a Shamrock cocktail, but this one is a bit more classic, appearing in the 1964 edition of Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender’s Guide. One interesting ingredient I’ve seen added to this mix is green chartreuse (either several dashes to a teaspoon). That particular liqueur isn’t cheap, and it’s rather strong with a blend of spices that are a pungent mix of sweet and spicy.
What you’ll need: Irish Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, and Crème de Menthe
In a shaker over cracked ice, pour 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey and 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth. Add in a tablespoon of the green crème de menthe. Then shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an olive (or alternatively–and preferred–a sprig of mint).
How I like it: The original recipe calls for only a mere teaspoon of crème de menthe, but I added a full tablespoon. It works quite well with that amount. For the whiskey, use an Irish one–or your favorite–or try Irish Mist. It’s flavored with honey and spices and adds a touch of sweetness. And again, like the Irish Whiskey cocktail, I can’t quite understand why an olive was chosen as a garnish. It seems such an odd choice. With a hint of mint flavor from the crème de menthe, it makes far more sense to use a few mints leaves or just serve it up as is.
Sláinte and drink responsibly!