St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday honoring the patron saint who is responsible for bringing Christianity to Ireland; celebrated on March 17, which is believed to be the day he died. 

St. Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates from his home in Roman Britain and made a slave in Ireland. After six years of relying on his faith to help him through his loneliness and misery, he escaped when he heard the voice of God tell him in a dream that a ship would be leaving for Britain. Once back in his homeland, the slave-turned-missionary had another vision telling him he was needed back in Ireland. Following his calling, he went back to the Emerald Isle to share his faith with the pagan population.

Of course, we all know this special feast day was celebrated with corned beef and cabbage, right? Wrong! Back in the day, beef was only available to the very rich, as was cabbage. The meal of choice was actually, inexpensive Irish bacon (made from the back of a pig, rather than the American-made belly version) and readily-available potatoes.

It was only when Irish immigrants came to America that inexpensive beef (brined and corned to make it edible), served alongside cheap cabbage, replaced what was now unaffordable bacon and potatoes. It's also when the Holy Day became more secular, honoring the Irish community.

Green beer is very much a part of America's St. Paddy's Day celebration. For the Irish, not so much. Tomorrow, for those of you who'd like to pass on the hops brew, try mixing up the Irish Whiskey cocktail below to toast Ireland's patron saint.

Sammy's Buy-Rite has everything you need for the 'wearing of the green', no matter your preferred beverage - Irish Whiskeys, Guinness lagers and stouts, and Irish Cream Liqueur, to name a few.

 $39.99/btl     $22.99/btl    $3.99/500ml                                       $13.99/btl                         

Jameson Black Barrel Ginger Sparkler

• 1.5 parts Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey
• 0.5 parts fresh lemon juice                
• 0.5 parts simple syrup                          
• 1.5 parts Ginger Beer
• 1.5 parts Sparkling Wine 

Build all ingredients, except for the sparkling wine, in a shaker. Add ice, shake until the shaker feels cold, and strain into a highball glass. Top with Sparkling Wine. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a rosemary sprig. 

Yields 1 serving.

Sláinte!