Top Irish Whiskey Cocktails In Philadelphia

They say that everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day. And with March 17 just two weeks away, why not start celebrating now. If you're looking to go beyond the cliche green beer, visit one of these Philadelphia spots for creative cocktails featuring Irish whiskey.

The Twisted Tail
509-511 2^nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 558-2471
www.thetwistedtail.com

The Twisted Tail is Society Hill's southern-inspired bourbon house and juke joint, serving creative twists on charcoal-grilled comfort food. Owner George Reilly got his start in hospitality bar-tending in English pubs at 18. Today, he's considered one of Philly's most trusted cocktail masters with The Twisted Tail featuring more than 120 whiskeys on the menu. Currently, Tullamore Dew Phoenix is featured in the cocktail called "Phoenix Rising." It's a $10 hot toddy with a unique presentation involving a mug, "hot toddy cube" and a teapot of hot water that causes a rising spiral of steam.

Related: Ask A Philadelphia Chef: Top Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipes

Garces Trading Company
1111 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 574-1099
www.garcestradingcompany.com

Garces Trading Company is Chef Jose Garces's love letter to the cafes of Western Europe. The Iron Chef has put together a menu that highlights his favorite dishes from his travels, and the full-service bar offers wine, beers and cocktails to match. Named after the river that flows through Dublin, the "River Liffey" features Jameson Irish whiskey and Drambuie that is flavored with honey, Regan's orange bitters and rosemary for $11.

McGillin's Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562
www.mcgillins.com

As one of the country's oldest Irish taverns, McGillin's is an excellent spot for Irish drinks. The Irish coffee is made with hot coffee and a shot of Tullamore Dew whiskey and served in a wine glass with whipped cream on top. For another option, order the Irish hot apple cider, a mug filled with hot apple cider, a shot of Tullamore Dew whiskey and a cinnamon stick. Both drinks are offered at $6 and best enjoyed by the toasty fireplace.

Related: Top Spots To Get An Irish Coffee In Philadelphia

Bank & Bourbon Bar
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 231-7300
www.bankandbourbon.com

Whether or not you're a guest at the Loews Hotel, Bank & Bourbon is worth a visit to enjoy small plates, an entrée or just to sip a cocktail. The "Secret Knock" is the signature cocktail, priced at $12. The unique drink makes a statement at first glance, as it's served in an individual apothecary bottle along with a glass of ice. The cocktail is made with a mixture of Irish whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, water, clarified milk and loose green tea. It might sound strange, but the near-clear drink is surprisingly refreshing and pleasing in flavor.

Cooperage Wine And Whiskey Bar
123 S. 7^th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 226-2667
www.cooperagephilly.com

Located inside The Curtis Center, Cooperage is a gastropub featuring more than 75 whiskeys, scotches and bourbons. The "Lassie's Langered Café" is a $14 dessert cocktail that combines so many favorite flavors: sweet, refreshing mint, chocolate, coffee and warm whiskey. It's made with muddled mint and simple syrup, La Colombe cold-brew coffee and Red Breast 12 year Irish whiskey and topped with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed Thin Mint cookies.

Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer husband would love to open.
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