Mumbaikars and Melburnians, Wiccans and Rastafarians, Nubians and Gurkhas all have one thing in common. On March 17, everyone is Irish. Canadians across the nation, no matter their background, will be celebrating St. Patrick’s feast day by donning the green and downing a pint of Guinness, or two. Here are our picks for the best places across the country to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day—along with a few tips on how to drink at home in style.
HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT IRISH COFFEE
Nicolas Teygeman, sommelier at Montreal’s DNA Restaurant, makes what is perhaps the best, and certainly the most dangerous Irish coffee in the country. Teygeman’s version is unique in a couple of ways. He caramelizes the sugar rim with flaming liquor and replaces the traditional Irish whiskey with Irish Mist liqueur. The results bring new life to an old classic.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
1.5 oz. Macieira royal old brandy
1 oz. Irish Mist | 0.25 oz. Tia Maria
1 shot of espresso
2 tbsp of whipped cream
¼ cup of sugar for dipping
Photo: Dana Dorobantu
1. Moisten the rim of the coffee mug or glass with water or a little brandy and dip into a bowl of sugar.
2. Pour the brandy into a warm ladle and set it on fire with a long match. Pour the burning brandy into the glass and let it caramelize the sugar rim.
3. Once the fire is out add the espresso.
4. Now pour the Irish Mist into the still-warm ladle. Set it on fire and carefully pour the flaming liqueur into the mug.
5. Top with whipped cream.
6. Drizzle the Tia Maria over the top.
