Liquid Inspiration

Debonair drinks

While we can’t travel abroad just yet, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate every day by enjoying a few of the most popular cocktails served at Kilkea Castle in Ireland.

One of Head Bartender Andrew Ewing’s favorite drinks is a tasty cocktail inspired by the classic Negroni. In this version, a sweet, woody bourbon is used instead of gin, giving the drink a smooth and earthy flavor. Finished with an orange peel and a little bit of flame, this beverage is sure to impress.

INGREDIENTS: 2 oz. Bourbon. 3/4 oz. Campari, 3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth, Orange Peel for garnish PREPARATION: Stir bourbon, Campari, and vermouth in an ice-filled shaker and then strain into a cocktail glass filled with fresh ice. Flame the orange peel atop the drink. Squeeze the peel side toward the cocktail to express the oils and light a match in between the peel and the drink and then drop the peel into the cocktail.

Another of the master mixologist’s preferred cocktails is the Anglo-Norman. Inspired by the history of the 12th-century fortress, this delicious drink is slightly sweet and easy to drink.

INGREDIENTS: .75oz Absolut Citron, .75oz Cointreau, .75oz St. Germaine, .75oz Lime Juice, .75oz Sugar Syrup PREPARATION: Chill a rocks glass. Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain over ice into the glass. Top up with cranberry juice and garnish with a lime twist.

(Images: Kilkea Castle)

Both concoctions are served at the luxury hotel, resort and golf club which is located in County Kildare, Ireland and is just 45 minutes from Dublin International Airport.