Quarantine Cocktails with Celtic Whiskey
Amidst turbulent times, we at Celtic Whiskey hope to make things a little easier for you. Having noticed interesting trends emerging around the sales of cocktail ingredients, it has become apparent that despite the nationwide closure of pubs and restaurants, people are clearly shaking and stirring things up at home! And what better time to work on honing your cocktails skills? Your favourite bar may be in lockdown but why not have that drink at home instead? In fact, why not have one with a friend over WhatsApp, Zoom or any other social media network which allows you to socialise while still practising social distancing? So, whether it be ingredients or guidance you’re after, look no further. Have a read, tag a friend, and get crafting.
Shelf Essentials
To begin with, let’s look at some of the shelf essentials. Regardless of whether you’re a veteran of cocktail craftsmanship or a mere novice, here are some long-lasting staples worth having in the cupboard.
Angostura Bitters: An essential cocktail ingredient that goes into many classic drinks such as an Old Fashioned, Mai Tai and Long Vodka. Angostura is a unique concoction that has been infused with rare roots, herbs, spices and fruits. (€18.99)
Buffalo Trace Bourbon: From the distillery of the same name, this is a great Bourbon at a reasonable price. A high amount of corn in the mash bill gives this a soft, smooth and creamy texture with some sweet and fruity notes. An ideal base for any whiskey related cocktail. (€42.00)
Campari Bitters: Made using the same secret recipe since 1860, Campari is a bitter aperitif with flavours of orange, citrus peel, herbs and bitter roots. It is an essential ingredient in Negroni and Americano cocktails and also works well with tonic, soda or orange juice. (€26.99)
Cointreau: A superb orange flavoured liqueur that makes a better-quality substitute for triple sec. Cointreau is the approved orange flavouring compound for a Cosmopolitan and it is said that the original Margarita was made using Cointreau. (€35.00)
Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila: From the world's most renowned tequila brand, Jose Cuervo. An unaged tequila that is incredibly smooth. The essence of fresh agave is complimentary with sweet or tangy mixes. Why not try a Tequila Sunrise and see for yourself! (€26.99)
Martini Bianco: The queen of vermouth, Martini Bianco is recognised by its soft vanilla notes. From Turin, Italy this is a classic, aromatic medium-dry vermouth. (€26.99)
Monin Sugar Cane Syrup: Made with premium ingredients, Monin Pure Cane Sugar Syrup is specially formulated to dissolve instantly in any hot or cold beverage, for fast convenient use with a pure flavour profile and balanced sweetness level. (€8.50)
Teeling Irish Coffee Kit: The perfect kit to guarantee delicious Irish coffees at home! The Teeling Irish Coffee kit includes a 70cl bottle of Teeling Small Batch, two Teeling Irish coffee glasses and a 2 for 1 Teeling Distillery Tour voucher. All you need is cream and sugar and a night by the fire is complete. (€38.99)
Cocktail Inspiration – Get Creative!
Although quarantine will unfortunately prevent a visit to the Celtic Whiskey Bar and Larder in Killarney, the fantastic crew there have decided to bring the inspiration to you! Curated and forged by our own team of adept mixologists and whiskey specialists, the attached menu features some of our finest bespoke cocktails. While some are entirely original conceptions, many are unique twists on traditional cocktails which we hope will inspire you to be creative and daring with your own concoctions.
Our Team’s Top Picks
Attached below are some of our staff favourites made simple, to help make these as approachable as possible to all grades. Just follow these intelligible steps and marvel in the alcoholic goodness!
Bog Warrior
Ingredients:
- 35.5ml Connemara
- 20ml Tawney Port
- 15ml Lemon Juice
- 15ml Simple Syrup
- 3 Dash Orange Bitters
- 1 Dash Angostura
Directions:
- Pre-chill glass
- Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker along with ice and shake hard for approx. 15 seconds
- Strain into your pre-chilled glass and garnish with a Split Orange Wheel!
Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 40ml Dingle Vodka
- 10ml Kahlua
- 10ml Mozart Black Chocolate Liqueur
- 10ml Sugar Syrup
- 1 Shot Espresso
Directions:
- Pre-chill glass
- Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker along with ice and shake hard for approx. 15 seconds
- Strain into your pre-chilled glass and garnish with a crushed coffee bean and 3 whole coffee beans!
The Black Valley (Port Sour)
Ingredients:
- 50ml Noval Black Port
- 20ml Nardini Mandorla
- 25ml Lemon Juice
- 10ml Sugar Syrup
- 1 Dash Chocolate Bitters
Directions:
- Pre-chill glass
- Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker along with ice and shake hard for approx. 15 seconds
- Strain into your pre-chilled glass and garnish with a piece of chocolate (try melting this to the side of the glass, delicious!)
Stuck for ingredients while adhering to social distancing? We are still delivering door-to-door during these challenging times to help make life that little bit easier! For any of the ingredients listed above just visit our online store here and get started on crafting that perfect cocktail. If you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call at 01 675 9744.
Enjoy!
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