St. Patrick's Day

A plethora of boisterous activities and traditions are associated with St. Patrick’s Day: green beer, a shamrock painted on one’s cheek, Irish car bombs (the drink), green clothing, Guinness, public drunkenness, and the cult-like hunt for the Shamrock Shake (which incidentally is available at the Ithaca McDonald’s). Since St. Patty’s is on a Monday this year, the Lounge is closed so you’ll find Felicia avoiding the drunken barhopper shenanigans and sitting at home by the fire with her favorite Irish drink, Jameson and Ginger with a couple of dashes of bitters. Felicia met this swell couple and their bitters sidekick three years ago at a Jameson tasting and subsequently introduced them to all of her friends. They were a hit and have been the talk of the town ever since. The tough whiskey edge of the Jamo gets softened by the sweet ginger ale, and the bitters add some character and depth. Better than a Shamrock Shake? If you run into Uncle O’ Grimacey, offer him one of these Irish cocktails and see what he thinks.

Bitter James and Ginger

1 ½ ounces Jameson
2 dashes of bitters
ginger ale

Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add Jameson and bitters. Top with ginger ale. Kiss the Blarney Stone.