Saint Patrick’s Day History and Celebratory Cocktail Recipes

The global celebration of St. Patrick's Day is happening today, March 17 and this celebration is usually done so with a bit of green beer, at least here in the US. But, who was St. Patrick and why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Patrick, whose birth name was Maewyn, was born in Wales in 385 AD. He was sold into slavery at the age of 16 and converted to Christianity. After escaping slavery, Patrick became a monk and eventually was appointed second bishop of Ireland. St. Patrick served in this capacity for 30 years, until his death on March 17, 461. St. Patrick’s Day the saint's religious feast day and the anniversary of his death, which has been celebrated for over 1,000 years.

For the Irish, this day is observed by attending church in the morning and feasting in the afternoon. While St. Patrick’s Day falls during the Christian season of Lent, it is a day where the consumption of certain foods is waived. The people of Ireland dance, drink, and feast on the traditional meal of bacon and cabbage. We Americans tend to consume that funky green beer and whatever overly fried food is available at our favorite watering hole.

We wouldn’t expect readers to whip up a batch if cabbage and bacon, however a few delicious cocktails may just hit the spot. Courtesy of Compass Box Whiskey, from the brand’s Great King Street blend, we’ve procured cocktail recipes that truly celebrate St. Patrick … with style!

Compass Box Great King Street Highball

• 1 1/4 oz Great King Street's Artist's Blend
• 2 oz good quality soda water/club soda
• 2 dashes bitters

Method:  Fill highball glass with lots of ice, combine all ingredients, and then add lemon zest. Stir well until cold and let the drink sit one minute for the flavors to integrate.

Around The Corner (created by Pam Wiznitzer, NYC Mixologist)

• 1.75oz Compass Box Great King Street
• .5 oz lillet blanc
• .5 oz benedictine
• .5 oz yellow chartreuse
• 2 dashes lemon bitters

Method:  stirred and served straight up