Ah, the luck of the Irish! Or, shall we say, the luck of the Drink of the Week team, to walk into Dargan’s when bartender Patrick Owens was tending to his flock. Indeed, to impress a birthday girl over at a corner table, we watched him fold up a napkin and tuck it under his black shirt collar, making him look like a vicar. We knew right then that this witty man would rise to our St. Patrick’s Day challenge of an appropriate cocktail.
Usually, a car bomb or a shot of Jameson is about as adventurous as bars get for the holiday; they’re just moving booze as fast as they can. But, instead, Mr. Owens had a long think, and, after a few aborted attempts, came up with the patriotic drink you see here. Representing the colors of the Irish flag, the cocktail is a carefully constructed layering of green (creme de menthe), white (Baileys Irish Cream) and orange (an equal mix of orange juice and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey).
Patrons applauded at the finished drink. But would it taste good? And how to drink such a cocktail? We used straws like slant drills and sucked a bit up as we moved the straw down to the bottom, that’s how, ensuring a little bit of everything. And we’re here to say this is the tasty equivalent of a Girl Scout Thin Mint.
Now Patrick Owens will make this for you, but beware: It’s a time-intensive drink. St. Paddy’s Day may not be the best time to ask. For then, just say cheers and order a pint!
PATRICK’S PRIDE
1/2 ounce creme de menthe
1/2 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
1/2 ounce orange juice
1/2 ounce Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey
In a cocktail glass, pour in creme de menthe.
Slowly pour in the Baileys over the back of a spoon and against the inside of the glass, layering the Baileys on top of the creme de menthe.
Premix the orange juice and whiskey and do the same method on top of the Baileys. Garnish with lime wedge if desired.
Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
18 E. Ortega St. 568-0702 orwww.dargans.com