Ireland – “Slàinte”
Our Cheers Around the World series is a celebration to those cultures across the globe and their expression of goodwill through the ceremonial clink. Next stop: Ireland!
Notable Drink: Guinness
Ireland’s rich beer history can be traced back at least 5,000 years, where brewing ale was common throughout Ireland’s Bronze and Iron Ages. It wasn’t until the 18th century, however, that beer making became commercialized – and we can thank Arthur Guinness for that. In 1756, Arthur started his ale brewery after inheriting £100 from his godfather. Just three years later, he took a 9,000-year (yep, you read that right) lease on a property at St. James’s Gate in Dublin, where the Guinness factory stands today.
Guinness has always been on the forefront of innovation. It became the largest brewer in the world by the 1880s, mostly due to Guinness’ ambitious goal to export its beer on a global scale in the early 1800s. Guinness also became the first brewer to hire scientists to continue its quest for perfection. In 1959, Guinness scientists invented the “surge and settle” effect, which is made possible by pairing nitrogen gas with carbon dioxide to create that velvety-smooth texture that’s so famous in Guinness beer today. So, while you’re in Ireland, ask the bartender for a pint of Guinness (then wait patiently for 119 seconds while they properly pour it), and enjoy!
Irish Pubs: Where everybody (really) knows your name.
Pubs are central to the Irish as a “home away from home.” At its core, Irish pub culture is about sharing good company with people from all walks of life. It functions as an extended living room where the drinks – and most importantly, the conversation – are flowing. Their love of conversation doesn’t discriminate, as the Irish are firm believers of “the more the merrier” – inviting anyone to join in a spirited conversation or a good laugh. Moments of joy are so deeply cherished and shared, that this palpable warm and friendly atmosphere is a famous trait of Irish pubs. So, next time you find yourself in an Irish pub, don’t be surprised when locals invite you to sláinte to good times and join the conversation!
Irish Term: Craic (Pronounced “crack”):
A warm word that represents having a fun social time, laughing and telling jokes. Music + Good Conversation + Better Jokes + Beer = Craic. “The craic was good,” means that person had a great night. If “the craic was 90,” they had the time of their lives.
Pub etiquette:
When enjoying a few pints with friends at the local pub, someone may offer to buy a round for the table. Be sure to return the favor! It’s considered bad manners to leave before buying your round of drinks.
In celebration of St. Patrick.
Despite the American St. Paddy’s tradition of giant street festivals and wild parties clad in green clothes, green beer, and green rivers (ok, pretty much green everything), St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is more of a religious holiday where family and friends gather together to attend Mass, watch their town’s local parade, and cook up traditional Irish meals with a couple of (not green) pints of beer.
To the Irish, March 17th honors St. Patrick, who was responsible for bringing Christianity to Ireland, effectively driving out Paganism (while also driving out, apparently... snakes?) Legend has it, St. Patrick would use a shamrock to explain Catholicism using the three leaves to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Today, shamrocks are blessed and given out at Mass on St. Patrick’s Day, and they are often worn on a shirt or jacket lapel, marking the tradition of wearing green on March 17th.
Let's make an Irish coffee!
Chef Joe Sheridan ran an airport restaurant when he invented the Irish coffee in 1942. The recipe became famous after he prepared it for stranded travelers during a winter storm. Travel writer Stanton Delaplane was so enamored by it that he was credited with bringing it to America by sharing the recipe in 1952 with San Francisco's Buena Vista Hotel – a destination still famous for their Irish Coffee.
Ingredients
- 4 oz brewed coffee
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 oz heavy cream (lightly whipped)
Instructions
- Place the brown sugar into a warm Irish coffee glass or mug.
- Add the hot coffee & stir until dissolved
- Add the Irish whiskey & stir again.
- Float the whipped heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Sláinte!
