Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with McConnell’s Whiskey [COCKTAIL TIME]
![Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with McConnell’s Whiskey [COCKTAIL TIME]](https://luxebeatmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/McConnells-Bottle-Shot-1-1250x640.jpg)
In 2020, after a nearly 90-year absence, McConnell’s, one of the most famous and storied names in Irish whisky, was reintroduced to a grateful—and thirsty—market by Conecuh Brands. Just one year later, according to a new report by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), sales of Irish whisky experienced double-digit growth, making it the third-fastest-growing spirits category overall. And it is now forecast to overtake Scotch in the U.S. as even more discerning drinkers discover the subtle complexity and strength of character that distinguishes top-shelf Irish whisky, and in particular McConnell’s—originally established in Belfast in 1776—from the pack.
Being the oldest whisky brand ever to come from Ireland (spelled without the extra “e” as it was nearly 250 years ago) doesn’t negate innovation. Next year, McConnell’s will open a new distillery, blending traditional techniques and state-of-the-art equipment in a historic building in Belfast near its original home. And cocktail enthusiasts have meanwhile discovered that McConnell’s’ iconic and award-winning blend of 5-year-old Irish malt and grain whiskies, aged in select bourbon casks—which is smooth and robust with hints of vanilla, nutmeg and other spices—has endless possibilities when combined with other premium ingredients.
In time for St. Patrick’s Day, author and photographer Natalie Migliarini of Beautiful Booze (@beautifulbooze) has created two delicious cocktails that showcase the range and personality of this legendary spirit, which comes in a beautifully-designed bottle with a cork stopper and distinctive dark-green label: the McConnell’s Smoked Honey Old-Fashioned, and the McConnell’s Irish Buck. McConnell’s Irish Whisky (@mcconnellsirishwhisky, SRP $34) is available via Reserve Bar, among other selected retailers.
“The Old Fashioned is one of the best cocktails to mix for allowing a spirit’s profile to be the star,” Migliarini says. “My first sip of McConnell’s was eye-opening, and while the profile is super-elegant, my taste buds just loved the lingering honey and spice. Before I mixed it in a cocktail, I decided to sip it a little more, and found that the lightly smoky finish was something I also wanted to emphasize. This led me to smoking my glass with rosemary, accentuating the smoky finish, while adding a wonderfully herbaceous element.”
As for her version of the Irish Buck, “We have visited Ireland a number of times in our travels and whenever we are there, we just have to order a drink with cloudy apple juice,” Migliarini relates. “The acidity and sweetness of the fresh apple juice pairs so deliciously with the profile of a great Irish Whisky like McConnell’s. Using it as the primary modifier in this Irish Buck gave the cocktail a unique and delicious finish that complimented the spicy ginger beer.”
McConnell’s Smoked Honey Old-Fashioned
2 oz. McConnell’s Irish Whisky
0.5 oz. Monin honey syrup
2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
2 dashes orange bitters
1 sprig rosemary
Smoke double Old-Fashioned glass with torched sprig of rosemary
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
Stir to mix and chill ingredients
Strain into the smoked double old-fashioned glass over fresh ice
Garnish with orange twist
McConnell’s Irish Buck
1.5 oz. McConnell’s Irish Whisky
1 oz. cloudy (unfiltered) apple juice
0.5 oz lemon juice
2 oz. ginger beer
1/2 an apple
1 sprig mint
Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake to mix and chill ingredients
Double-strain into a highball glass over fresh ice
Garnish with a mint sprig and apple fan
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Please drink responsibly.
