| FOOD PAIRINGS |

2 oz. Glendalough Wild Botanical gin ½ oz. Dry vermouth ½ oz. Elderflower liqueur ½ oz. Water ½ oz. Cardamaro( Italian amaro) by MELISSA DOWLING

When you think of Irish whiskey, craft cocktails don’ t always come to mind, since many people enjoy the spirit straight or as a shot. You also don’ t typically think of pairing such cocktails with a multicourse dinner.

But Glendalough Distillery recently demonstrated some of the pairing possibilities at a“ Woodlands of Wicklow” whiskey dinner at Peasant restaurant in New York. Head distiller Ciaran“ Rowdy” Rooney came all the way from the distillery’ s home in Wicklow, Ireland, to host the event.

In addition to paired cocktails, the evening included a guided whiskey tasting of Glendalough’ s Double Barrel, Pot Still, and Mizunara Irish Whiskey expressions.

The family-style dinner began with passed hors d’ oeuvres and a welcome cocktail called The Boothby, made with Glendalough Double Barrel Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, orange bitters, Angostura bitters and brut sparkling wine. The first course, French Onion Ravioli and a Chicory Salad, was paired with the Freezer Wild Rose Gin Martini, a batched cocktail made with the brand’ s Wild Botanical gin.

The second course of Strip Steak, Branzino, Pumpkin Polenta and Cabbage, went with The Orchard, an Irish Whiskey cocktail made with apple brandy, honey syrup, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.

The final course, Tiramisu infused with Glendalough Double Barrel Irish whiskey, matched with Bluth’ s Irish Coffee, a riff on the original with banana liqueur and chocolate bitters.

The seasonal menu showcased how the restaurant’ s handmade pasta, wood-fired meats and fish and rustic sides could complement the whiskey’ s depth of flavor. Here are the cocktail recipes if you want to try pairing with your own feast or enjoy them on their own.

Combine all ingredients in a sturdy bottle and seal. Place in the freezer for at least a few hours, until thoroughly chilled. To serve, pour into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

2 oz. Glendalough Double Barrel Irish whiskey ½ oz. Laird’ s Bonded apple brandy ½ oz. Honey syrup( 1:1 parts honey to water) ½ oz. Fresh lemon juice ¼ oz. Simple syrup( 1:1 parts sugar to water)

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

1½ oz. Espresso ½ oz. Banana liqueur 1½ oz. Glendalough Double Barrel Irish whiskey 4 dashes Chocolate bitters Banana cold foam Orange oils, peel

Add all liquid ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold, then double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with banana cold foam. Once the foam settles, garnish with orange oils.

2 oz. Glendalough Double Barrel Irish whiskey 1 oz. Sweet vermouth 2 dashes Orange bitters 1 dash Angostura bitters 2 oz. Brut sparkling wine, chilled

In an ice-filled mixing glass, combine the first four ingredients and stir to chill. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a skewered cherry.

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