I love St Patrick's Day. I'm not a hardened Guinness drinker, and I am normally partial to a Disaronno in the evening rather than a Baileys, however on 17th March all rules go out of the window. This is pretty much how my breakfast is looking today!
I love seeing people celebrate all across the world, putting so much effort into their celebrations. I love seeing how the New Yorkers party each year, and the tradition where the citizens of Chigaco turn the Hudson river green. This has happened for over 50 years, and unknown to many it was actually initially started with chemicals intended to detect illegal sewage dumping. The bright green hue is now make from using an orange vegetable dye, and takes a small boat 5 trips up and down the river to unload enough for the vivid glowing green!
Of course, while there are lots of places you can visit to raise a glass to Paddy, the Holy Grail of destinations has to be Dublin. I was lucky enough to spend March 17th there a few years ago and it was fantastic.
The parade is so much fun and the people around you are all there for a good old fashioned day of fun. There wasn't drinking in the streets during the day, which contributed to a wonderful family atmosphere.
I can honestly say that if you get a chance to experience this you really must ensure you do - it is a definite contender for a bucket list top 5, Heck, even this guy was getting in on the action...
The parade is so much fun and the people around you are all there for a good old fashioned day of fun. There wasn't drinking in the streets during the day, which contributed to a wonderful family atmosphere.
I can honestly say that if you get a chance to experience this you really must ensure you do - it is a definite contender for a bucket list top 5, Heck, even this guy was getting in on the action...
Of course we can't all flock to dublin every year, so the next best thing is grabbing some friends and raising a glass (or two) with them.
In my case I always like to take some cakes along with me when I visit friends (admittedly, said friends are often being used as guinea pigs for my cake experiments) and Paddy's Day is a great opportunity for me to make themed cakes.
I am particularly lucky as I have an incredibly talented friend who makes the most sensational cocktails. Trust me, as a traditional G&T drinker it takes a LOT to turn my head; yet Karen manages to do this every time.
Last weekend I handed over some of my St Patrick's Day inspired cupcakes to Karen, and within seconds I could see the cogs turning as she created a perfect cocktail to be served with them. The end result didn't disappoint, I think the perfect colour match was achieved!
Introducing the Tequila Mockingbird...
In my case I always like to take some cakes along with me when I visit friends (admittedly, said friends are often being used as guinea pigs for my cake experiments) and Paddy's Day is a great opportunity for me to make themed cakes.
I am particularly lucky as I have an incredibly talented friend who makes the most sensational cocktails. Trust me, as a traditional G&T drinker it takes a LOT to turn my head; yet Karen manages to do this every time.
Last weekend I handed over some of my St Patrick's Day inspired cupcakes to Karen, and within seconds I could see the cogs turning as she created a perfect cocktail to be served with them. The end result didn't disappoint, I think the perfect colour match was achieved!
Introducing the Tequila Mockingbird...
What's more, Karen is happy to share this cocktail with you all!
I strongly suggest you head over to her blog where the recipe for this green wonder is posted for you - I would also recommend visiting it often, as she updates with details on how to make our favourite cocktails on a regular basis.
Karen gives us a back story to cocktails and ingredients, so you can be sure you will not just be reading a recipe for a sugar laden synthetic tasting drink - these are the real thing.
I strongly suggest you head over to her blog where the recipe for this green wonder is posted for you - I would also recommend visiting it often, as she updates with details on how to make our favourite cocktails on a regular basis.
Karen gives us a back story to cocktails and ingredients, so you can be sure you will not just be reading a recipe for a sugar laden synthetic tasting drink - these are the real thing.
So there we have it, I hope that you all have a fabulous day - do let me know how your recreation of the goes! Also watch this space, Something tells me there may be some more pairings of cocktails and cupcakes to come!
Happy St Patrick's Day everyone! Lots of love and "cheers"!
Bu x
Happy St Patrick's Day everyone! Lots of love and "cheers"!
Bu x