Irish Cream

I'm so happy St' Patrick's day is here again. The one day a year I can convince a large number of my coworkers to join me in some good Irish cheer. Every year I celebrate at the office by making a large pot of coffee, bringing in some whipping (or whipped) cream and a bottle of Irish Whiskey. I have a feeling that Guinness might make an appearance as well.

This year, in honor of Bushmills 400th anniversary, I wll be making them with Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey. I was considering going with Bushmills Black Bush or Bushmills Malt 10 but settled on the Bushmills Original for economic reasons.Not the least of which is that I can get a full liter of Original for less than a 750ml of the other two. Also just to sweeten the deal a little bit more, I'll bring in the Carolan's Irish Cream. I normally stock Bailey's Irish Cream but I'm out at the moment and the Carolan's was a very good deal at Christmas.

TheMudslide Martini showed up at TGI Friday's some time ago. My wife enjoys it there and the version I make at home. I've made a number of modifications playing with this drink.

The Basics:

• One part Vanilla Vodka
• One part Coffee Liqueur
• One part Irish Cream
• One part cream

Preapre a martini glass with a ring of Hershey's Syrup about 3/4 of the way up. Shake over ice and pour to the level of your chocolate ring.

TGI Friday's uses Absolut Vanilla, Kahlua and Starbucks Cream. Right now I'm using Smirnoff Vanilla, Carolan's Irish Cream, and Starbucks Coffee Liqueur. I also use whole milk instead of cream just to cut down the fat the tiniest bit. Bailey's Irish Cream is a good replacement as well.

You can also mix the ingredients ahead of time and store a bottle of these in the freezer. Be careful though, the milk will freeze and give you a mudslide slushie, which may not be what you're looking for.