Sips and Shenanigans: Crafting Irish Inspired Cocktails with a Dash of Mischief

Ah, St. Patrick’s Day, the one day of the year when everyone becomes Irish by choice and green becomes the new black. The world transforms into a vibrant kaleidoscope of shamrocks, leprechauns, and questionable fashion choices. It’s a day where rivers run green, Jameson flows like the gift of gab from the Blarney Stone, and everyone suddenly develops an insatiable craving for corned beef, cabbage, and Guinness,… even if they can’t quite locate Ireland on a map. So, grab your lucky charms, dust off your best green attire, and get ready for a day filled with more shenanigans than a leprechaun convention at the end of the rainbow! 

Shenanigan #1: Yes, I am completely aware that St. Patrick’s Day was last week. No, I do not care. Yes, I’m going to post another fun St. Patrick’s Day article that I hope at least half of you will enjoy. No, I’m not optimistic that you will. LOL

Shenanigan #2:   What better way to enjoy a day or a month of shenanigans than with some fantastically funky and funny drinks. Join me as I dive into some fun Irish themed concoctions that is sure to be the favorite at any party.

Shenanigan #3:   Irish Car Bomb

A drink with a name that is as explosive as the reputation of the person drinking them. Ordering one of these is like screaming to your friends, “Hey, I’m here to party, and I’m not afraid to make questionable choices!” It’s a concoction that combines the smoothness of Baileys with a kick of Jameson, all topped off with the dramatic flair of a Guinness. But beware, like its namesake, this drink should be handled with care and a side of laughter. Because if you’re not careful, you might find yourself in a situation more chaotic than a leprechaun’s attempt at a fireworks display. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. Jameson Irish whiskey
• 1/2 oz. Baileys Irish cream
• 1 Guinness beer

Directions

1. In a pint beer glass, add three quarters of Guinness to it. BONUS POINTS: if your glass actually says Guinness on it!
2. In a regular shot glass, add the Baileys and Jameson. ANOTHER BONUS: Slowly poor to layer both liquids….. come on, do it for the “Gram”!
3. Drop the shot into the Guinness.
4. Drink immediately….. BOTTOMS UP!!!

Shenanigan #4:   Leprechaun Fart

Come on! Who doesn’t like the sound of a Leprechaun Fart

A drink with a name that raises eyebrows faster than finding a pot of gold. It’s the kind of concoction that makes you wonder why you would ever want this in your life but at the same time know that you do. A fun play on the drink the “Duck Fart”. This drink is a blend of Irish whiskey, Irish cream, and coffee liqueur that somehow manages to taste better than it sounds.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey (If you don’t have that, any whiskey will do. You don’t have to be picky.) 
• 1/2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1/2 oz. Kahlua

Directions

1. In a shot glass add the Kahlua for the bottom layer.
2. Pouring over the back of a spoon, slowly add the Bailey’s.
3. Last, pouring over the back of a spoon again, add the whiskey for the top layer.
4. Make sure to layer each level slowly and carefully so that your Instagram photo looks fabulous! 

Shenanigan #5:   Irish Dingle Berry

With this last drink we will need to tread carefully through this minefield of double entendre! Picture this: a Dingle Berry, not the fruit you’d want to find in your evening cocktail, but rather a cheeky little concoction that’s more mischievous than a leprechaun with a stolen pot of gold. It’s the kind of drink that makes you wonder if someone dropped a dollop of humor into your glass along with Irish whiskey and club soda. It’s best to approach this drink with caution and a good sense of humor. After all, in the world of cocktails, sometimes the names are just as strange as the drinks themselves! 

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Dingle Irish Whiskey
• 3 oz club soda
• 2 oz simple syrup
• 6 fresh blackberries (Save the largest for later)
• 2 mint leaves
• 2 lime slices

Directions

1. In a large rocks glass, add 5 blackberries, simple syrup, mint leaves, 1 slice of lime.
2. Lightly Muddle 4 or 5 times
3. Add in the whiskey.
4. Top with club soda and stir.
5. Add ice.
6. Garnish with a lime slice on the rim of the glass.
7. Place the last blackberry on top of the ice…. It makes for a nice floater!

So, whether you’re sipping on a Dingle Berry, braving an Irish Car Bomb, or simply enjoying a Leprechaun’s Fart, Irish cocktails offer a taste of the Emerald Isle with a side of shenanigans. Just remember, when it comes to enjoying these spirited libations of mischief, it’s not just about the drink itself, but the craic and laughter shared with good company. So, as they say, “May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide. And may your pockets always have a coin or two inside.” 

Lets chat!!! What did you think about this article? I would love to know. Which of these cocktails do you think you would like most? Put it in the comments. Good conversation, good cigars, and good whiskey is why we are here. As always, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Until next time, if you’re going to enjoy a little smoke & oak just remember, “Life’s too short, enjoy the good stuff”…. and do it responsibly! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @smoke_n_oak_tn. 

INSTA-CHALLENGE!!! I would love to see you all make one of these and let me know your thoughts. If you do, take a photo, and post it to your Instagram and use the hashtag #Smoke&OakTN and #CigarPublic. I will repost them on my social media as well.