March 14--Irish cream sometimes gets a bad rap from the mixology set. Thick and sweet, it's not the easiest ingredient to use, with bartenders relegating it to Irish coffees or martinis straight out of early-era "Sex and the City."
That said, when it's made well, a nip of this silky whiskey-based liquor is undeniably delightful as a nightcap or in lieu of dessert.
Just in time for St. Patrick's Day (Thursday, March 17), Whitney Morrow, beverage manager of Drumbar in the Gold Coast, offers her take on Irish cream: a Nutella-inspired cocktail. More potent than your average Irish cream, it's designed to be served straight up. Morrow adds Laphroaig Scotch to amp up the drink's flavors, while Edmond Briottet's hazelnut liqueur contributes a nutty finish.
If you're looking for a version that works as a mixer, we developed a DIY Irish cream inspired by Morrow's cocktail but with a lower alcohol content. Silky and not too sweet, this treat comes together in no time flat, thanks to a quick buzz in the blender. It's also versatile. For a slightly sweeter version, sub brown sugar for demerara. Adding coffee, vanilla bean or even berries would be delicious, too. Enjoy this easy sipper on the rocks, or use it in place of Baileys or Kahlua in cocktails like White Russians.
jbhernandez@tribpub.com
Twitter @joeybear85
Nutella Irish Cream
Makes: 1 cocktail
Recipe courtesy Whitney Morrow, beverage manager, Drumbar
1/4 ounce Laphroaig Scotch whiskey
1 1/4 ounce Powers Irish whiskey
1/2 ounce Edmond Briottet hazelnut liqueur
1/2 ounce Tempus Fugit creme de cacao
3/4 ounce heavy cream
1 dash Bitter Truth chocolate bitters
Put all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, cover and shake until chilled. Double-strain into a cocktail glass.
Hazelnut-Chocolate Irish Cream
Makes: 2 cups
Recipe developed by Joseph Hernandez, Chicago Tribune
1 1/4 cups Irish whiskey, such as Jameson
3 ounces hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons demerara sugar
3 dashes chocolate bitters, such as Fee Brother's Aztec Chocolate
Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Add a shot of resulting Irish cream to coffee or other drinks, or serve on ice. Remaining drink may be bottled and stored in a refrigerator for up to two weeks.
