When it comes to Irish pubs, there is no shortage of drink options to choose from. While Guinness, Jameson, and Baileys may be the most well-known Irish drinks, there are plenty of other options to explore and enjoy. From traditional Irish beers to unique and innovative spirits, Irish pubs offer a wide variety of drinks to suit every taste.
1. Irish Beers:
– Murphy's Irish Stout: Similar to Guinness, Murphy's is a dark and rich stout with a smooth and creamy texture.
– Smithwick's Irish Red Ale: This popular Irish ale has a deep amber color and a malty, slightly sweet flavor.
– Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale: Known for its velvety smoothness, Kilkenny is a lighter alternative to stouts and ales.
2. Irish Whiskeys:
– Powers Irish Whiskey: With a rich history dating back to 1791, Powers is a smooth and flavorful whiskey, often enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
– Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey: This triple-distilled whiskey is known for its smoothness and balanced flavor profile, making it a popular choice among whiskey enthusiasts.
– Bushmills Irish Whiskey: Produced in Northern Ireland, Bushmills offers a range of whiskey expressions, from their classic blend to single malts and aged whiskeys.
3. Irish Gins:
– Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin: This unique gin is distilled with botanicals like gunpowder tea, oriental lemon, and fresh grapefruit, resulting in a complex and refreshing flavor.
– Dingle Original Gin: Crafted in the town of Dingle, this gin features a blend of locally foraged botanicals, giving it a distinct and vibrant character.
4. Irish Vodkas:
– Boru Vodka: Made from the finest Irish grain, Boru Vodka is known for its smoothness and purity, making it a versatile choice for cocktails.
– Glendalough Wild Botanical Vodka: Infused with local wild botanicals, this vodka captures the essence of the Irish countryside, offering a unique and flavorful drinking experience.
5. Irish Liqueurs:
– Baileys Irish Cream: A classic and indulgent liqueur, Baileys combines Irish whiskey, cream, and a hint of chocolate, making it a popular choice for sipping or adding to coffee.
– Irish Mist: This honeyed liqueur is made with a blend of Irish whiskey, heather honey, herbs, and spices, resulting in a smooth and warming flavor.
6. Irish Craft Beers:
– Galway Bay Brewery: Known for their innovative and flavorful brews, Galway Bay Brewery offers a range of styles, from hop-forward IPAs to rich and malty stouts.
– O'Hara's Brewery: With a focus on traditional brewing methods, O'Hara's produces a variety of award-winning beers, including their Irish Red Ale and Irish Stout.
7. Irish Ciders:
– Bulmers/Magners Irish Cider: Crisp and refreshing, Bulmers (known as Magners outside of Ireland) is a popular cider choice, often served over ice for maximum refreshment.
– Stonewell Cider: Made from locally sourced apples, Stonewell produces a range of ciders, from dry and tart to sweeter and fruitier varieties.
In Irish pubs, the atmosphere is often lively and welcoming, making it the perfect place to try new drinks and engage in conversation with locals and fellow travelers. Whether you prefer a classic pint of Guinness or want to explore the world of Irish craft spirits, there is something for everyone in an Irish pub. So, grab a seat, raise a glass, and enjoy the rich and diverse drinking culture that Ireland has to offer.