Enjoyed: Sunday, April 2, 2023

Listed on the menu: No, but the bar boasted of its whiskey collection and creative–yet classy–cocktails, so making an Old Fashioned was not a burden. The bartender at first suggested bourbon, but I wanted an Irish whiskey while in Ireland.

Ingredients: Jameson Select Black Barrel Irish whiskey, Aperol, simple syrup, twist of orange peel.

The occasion: On our first full day in Dublin, we started with a crammed itinerary: full Irish breakfast, Trinity College, the Book of Kells, the Irish Whiskey Museum, and Christ Church Cathedral. We had afternoon tea at the Shelbourne Hotel booked for 5 pm, but we purposely arrived early, to scope out the historic hotel (where the Irish Constitution was drafted in 1922) and to visit the iconic Horseshoe Bar, which opened at 4 pm. We were the first patrons, and the handsome bartenders gave us their full attention. Husband wisely selected the El Greco Madness (Redbreast 12 whiskey, Aperol, Cocoa Vermouth made in house, orange bitters, and nutmeg) which was recently featured in Wine Enthusiast magazine. (The tea ended up being marvelous, by the way. So much care went into every little canape and every dessert item.)

My rating: **** out of 5. The Aperol was an interesting substitute for bitters, which together with the orange oil from the peel, gave the spicy whiskey a decidedly citrus note. The drink was not too sweet nor too bitter, with no muddled fruit in sight, so better to enjoy the gorgeous amber color.

Final thoughts: The Horseshoe Bar has hosted many famous people (like Pavarotti and the Rolling Stones), as well as a multitude of Ireland’s politicians, musicians, and authors, so that gave me a little thrill. The bar’s entrance is tucked off the main lobby, with only a little sign to label it. The horseshoe-shaped marble counter, the crimson couches, and the dim lighting all add to the glamour. There are no TV screens here, no piped in music, and no food: the focus is on the the drinks and the conversation, as it should be.