For the past several months I've turned down offers to work with most brands on the cocktails I want to share here. The reasons are mostly practical. Not only do I have enough liquor and liqueurs in my home to start my own small bar, but I've wanted to avoid the obligation that comes with brand work.
It's no surprise if you follow this blog for any amount of time in the summer that I'm a bit of a fanatic about my yard. This was my 5th summer here (absolutely impossible to believe!). While I left a magnificent yard at my old home, I thought I was ready for less work and more play. Funny how if you love gardening, you enjoy the work and it is a form of play and I should have known better than to think I would just quit doing something I loved much less stare at rock, sod, and a couple of pathetic plants and be happy.
So I've taken a lot of time off. It is pretty amazing considering how small this plot of land is just how much time I've devoted to it over the course of these five summers; and in doing so I've had to make some choices. Create, photograph, and get a blog post done...or, for instance, dig up a new area, surround it with river rock and plant some tomatoes, zinnias and perennial herbs in it.
Guess what won? Hands down, every single time it's been the garden. It's not that I crave the hard work so much (although it's a great feeling) but by now I just want it done; I want to switch into maintenance mode. So this spring I gave it a good push and I quit doing anything sponsored and it's been nice. So nice that I realize my days of sponsored posts and paid gigs may just fall by the wayside; I love not owing anyone anything!
So what changed for this post today. I love, love, love Irish Cream Liqueur. When I was asked if I would like to share a cocktail made with this gorgeous product from Ireland, my hand was up before I could speak. I remember fondly when I was just old enough to start drinking how much I enjoyed a simple cocktail consisting of nothing but chilled Irish Cream Liqueur and nothing has changed...until now.
Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur was awarded the Chairman's Trophy at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, the premier spirits competition in the world. The 97 score awarded to Five Farms is the highest that an Irish Cream Liqueur has ever received in this prestigious competition, signaling the arrival of a brand that is poised to elevate the category. How could I possibly pass up this opportunity?
The Tasting Notes from The Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2018 - "An inviting nose of butterscotch, caramel fondue, and vanilla bean jumps from the glass. The lush palate coats the mouth with flavors of coffee with fresh cream, dulce de leche, coconut, maple, and Belgian waffles. An intensely satisfying after dinner sipper in place of dessert."
As much as I love all things cocktail, I have the same issue with liqueurs as I do with wines; I never really get all of that information on my palate from one sip. My judgement is simpler; was it good. Yes, this is VERY good; my new favorite Irish Cream Liqueur!
So what has changed? The Irish Toast combines Irish Cream with Irish Whiskey. Oh my. While the brand assured me that the most popular way to serve this drink is simply chilled and straight up (and some friends did chose that easy preparation) I have to admit I'm sold on this. Both rich and mellow and with that extra touch of whiskey; it's an absolutely fantastic and oh so easy drink I know you and your guests will love. Don't you dare wait until St. Patrick's Day; this cocktail will warm your heart all winter long!
PIN 'The Irish Toast - Irish Cream with Irish Whiskey Cocktail'
