Shaken Baileys – the Best Cocktail for St. Patrick’s Day
Even when I was drinking heavily, I never drank as much on St. Patrick’s Day – or at least never drank more than I did on any other day. However, I love the theme and Baileys Irish Cream is delicious. Instead of fiddling with the sadly named “car bombs”, I prefer to have my Baileys shaken and fluffed up. In fact, I think this is one of the best themed drinks to enjoy on March 17th.
While I prefer to stir martinis, even I am usually amazed at what shaking can do to a sip of ethanol. Yes, it’s cooling, but it also aerates, making the drink lighter on the tongue and revealing some flavors that you might not have experienced when pre-shaken. The syrup becomes pleasantly sweet, the sharp bite of ethanol is tamed, and you get a one-ingredient drink that sips like a whole-ass cocktail.
This applies to the shocked Campari as well as the shocked Baileys. When you shake Baileys, the taste of alcohol almost disappears and you get a fluffy, creamy milkshake-like drink that drank (too) quickly and (too) lightly. It’s almost too easy to do.
To make a Baileys Shake, simply add 3 ounces of Baileys to a shaker filled with crushed ice and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Strain in the compartment and enjoy. If you don’t want to up the Irish factor, you can rinse the compartment with smoky peat whiskey beforehand. You can also sprinkle some cocoa powder on top of the foam if you want it to look and feel a little more special. After all, this is a holiday.