Hallmark designer extraordinaire John Dunne makes a mean cocktail. Fortunately, he’s agreed to share some of his home-bartending secrets with Think.Make.Share. Read on for a delightful March libation.
Here’s the thing: making a Saint Patrick’s day cocktail is a little bit of a misnomer. The last thing you want to do on March 17th is bother yourself with “mixology.” You just want to enjoy your friends and a stiff beverage or two…or three…or four. The point is, you don’t want to fill your day with stressful bartending. So keep it simple: Whisky in the glass, drink, repeat.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But John, aren’t your posts about cocktail recipes?”
Well friend, you’re right. So how about a drink suggestion for March 18th? The Paddy Wallbanger is a wonderful tasting, Irish-whisky-based cocktail. Which is great because you can use the leftovers from the day before…if there are any.
Paddy Wallbanger
- 1.5 oz. Irish Whiskey
- 1.5 oz. Dry Vermouth
- .5 oz Galliano L’Autentico
- 2 dashes of Orange Bitters*
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. No garnish necessary.
—Gerry Corcoran, PDT, Spring 2009
* Bonus Amateur Bartender Tip: You’ll often see that recipes call for a “dash” of bitters. One dash is roughly four drops or two hard shakes if your bitters bottle has a small opening in the cap. If it is an eye dropper, use the drops for your measurement. According to Angostura Bitters’ 1954 Professional Mixing Guide, a dash is technically 1/6 teaspoon (if you really want to know).
Cheers.
Photographs by Jane Kortright.