Mike's Mix: St. Patrick's Day, 2 Ways
Every Friday, Mike Augustyniak picks up a new cocktail recipe from a local mixologist. This week, he headed over to The Liffey for a couple drinks that will definitely get you in the St. Patrick's Day spirit.
Big Ginger
In a 16 oz glass filled with ice, combine:
- 2 oz 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey
- Ginger ale to fill the glass
Garnish with a lemon and a lime wedge
The Liffey's Irish Coffee
In a 9 oz mug, combine:
- ½ oz Guinness simple syrup*
- 1 ¼ oz 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey
- Hot coffee to fill the mug
Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream float
(To make the Guinness simple syrup, heat equal parts brown sugar and Guinness in a saucepan until sugar dissolves and mixture reduces slightly.)
Taste Test
Cocktails made from Irish Whiskey tend to be light, simple, and easy to make… and these offerings from the Liffey in downtown Saint Paul are no exception.
The Big Ginger's 2 ingredients make for a well-balanced, bright & sweet cocktail that's bartender Derek Sivula says is "great for people who are scared of Irish whiskey."
The Liffey's take on an Irish coffee infuses the deep, rich flavor of Guinness Stout into a St. Patrick's Day morning staple. Floating sweetened whipped cream on the top of the finished drink almost brings a dessert-y flavor to it, as well as a cool visual effect as the cream slowly descends to the bottom of the glass, in an almost rain-like effect.
The Liffey, which means 'life' in Irish, is also a river that runs through the center of Dublin. It's only fitting that we name our river town establishment after this great Irish landmark, to commemorate our long heritage and bring a wee piece of the Emerald Isle to our patrons.
Located on West 7th street, it is at the epicenter of St. Paul's St. Patrick's Day celebrations.