A Shamrock Drink — The Luck Of The Irish
The expression “luck of the Irish” didn’t originate in Ireland, but in the United States. Its origin is based on Irish miners who struck it rich in the 19th century. The Luck of the Irish will make your taste buds and liver feel quite lucky. Thanks to John O’Connell of West Cork Distillers and Liquor.com for introducing me to this smooth and powerful cocktail.
The Luck Of The Irish
1 ounce Irish whiskey
1 ounce green Chartreuse
1 ounce sweet vermouth
Combine in a shaker or mixing glass with ice, stir with the satisfaction of having good fortune smile on you, and strain into a chilled glass (the original has you pour the drink over a large ice cube).
A true Luck of the Irish must include Irish whiskey. The Liquor.com version specifically calls for West Cork Distillers 10 year old single malt. That is a very good whiskey (I have a bottle), but similar Irish whiskies will work well. If you like Irish themed drinks, you might try the Good Cork, the Intense Irish, and Irish Coffee. While I’m not of Irish descent, I did travel to Ireland once and had a great time. And of course I like a good cocktail.
Liquor.com describes the Luck of the Irish as a variation on a Manhattan. In one respect that’s correct because the drink contains whiskey and sweet vermouth. You could say the same thing about other drinks like the Derby. It’s also similar to a Bijou (which is basically a Luck of the Irish with gin), Negroni, Boulevardier, or Corpse Reviver #1 in that the drink contains equal proportions of three spirits. However, I think the characterization is inaccurate because the Luck of the Irish is significantly stronger than a Manhattan. One uses a couple dashes of bitters, and the other uses a full ounce of green Chartreuse. Big difference. Green Chartreuse, a key ingredient in the Last Word and variations such as the Final Rye, is 110 proof (55% alcohol by volume).
Even though Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams aren’t Irish (they’re French, he’s American), I’m sure they would encourage you to Get Lucky — and have a Luck of the Irish.