Kiss Me, I’m Cheeky!

For those of you looking to partake in classic Irish festivities or if you want to try something new, like an Irish-inspired beer, bacon and maple cupcake, I’ve rounded up a couple o’ lucky events, parties and food offerings. Because on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish.

For the River Dyer

Fulton’s On the River (315 N. LaSalle) is hosting their first annual St. Patrick’s Day ‘Dye the River Green’ Party on Saturday, March 14^th from 9 am to 4 pm. With a centralized downtown location and great views of the Chicago River, Fulton’s is a prime spot to partake in the annual Chicago tradition and celebrate. Bag Pipers will echo across the river as guests watch the water transform into a festive emerald green on the veranda, fully equipped with space heaters, festive food and beverages to keep everyone nice and toasty. Revert to your college days and go for Kegs N’ Eggs – egg sandwiches served with corn beef hash ($6) for breakfast from 9 until noon. Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day is complete without Green Beer. Specials include Green Miller Light Drafts ($4) Guinness Drafts ($5) and Irish Coffee ($3). A special St. Patrick’s Day cocktail menu will also be available. Remember, the river officially goes green at 10:45 am, so arrive early!

For the Party Girl

Think St. Pat’s is all about t-shirts, jeans and beer encrusted chuck tailors? Think again. For all your scenesters out there, party it up at Enclave where their master mixologist, Anne, has created a yummy spring themed cocktail perfect for this party weekend. The Spring Thyme is made with Grey Goose Citron, fresh lemonade, a splash of club soda and is topped with fresh thyme sprigs and a lemon.

For the Historian

Following the downtown St. Pat’s parade on Saturday, March 14^th (starts at noon on Balbo and Columbus and ends on Monroe), head north to the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) to warm up and keep celebrating with music, food and Irish dancers.

For the Jokester

You all know that viral video that was circulated around the holidays where you could “elf” your friends? Well, think of that, but with an Irish twist. Killian’s Irish Red Beer is sending the warning “Beware of the Green Beer” and if you drink too much, alas, you may end up like this. Click here for a little luck o’ the Irish viral fun.

For the Diva

Kit Kat Lounge’s mixologists are shaking up half-price martinis (only $5.50!) and green cocktails in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17^th. Sip on the Big Apple Martini (vodka, triple sec and sour apple schnapps) or the Mint Chip Martini (vodka, white chocolate, coconut cream and green mint liqueur) as you watch live performances by the legendary Kit Kat Divas that will take place throughout the evening, beginning at 7:30 pm. If you’re in the mood for Irish inspired cuisine, try Chef Matt Stovey’s truffled Yukon gold potato pancakes with apple compote and crème fraiche with chive ($9).

For the Sweet Tooth

From now until St. Patrick’s Day, pop into more, (‘forever more cupcakes’ is their tagline) for a creative take on a sweet and savory treat. Owner, Patty Rothman, has teamed up with culinary leaders Gale Gand and Henry Adaniya to create this hot boutique bakery with a rotating lineup of more than 40 options. Gand, a James Beard Award-winning pastry icon, created some of the recipes for the unique cupcakes, while restaurateur Adaniya developed the business concept of the Gold Coast takeout-only bakery. Channel your inner Irish and try one of the following cupcakes ($3.50 each).

Sweet:

Chocolate Bailey’s

Irish coffee

Chocolate Guinness

Savory:

Potato sweet pea

Beer, bacon, maple

For the North Siders

For everyone who has been dying to whip out their green gear and jam to some Irish music from the Sugar Beat Band, head to the Mystic Celt on Southport on Tuesday, March 17^th at 6 pm. It’s the official Red Eye bash, so expect beads, beer, shamrocks and lots ‘o kissing.

For the Authentic Irish

If you’ve got the stamina, you can party on Saturday on the North Side, then head to the South Side Irish Parade on Sunday. The parade officially starts at noon on the corner of 103^rd and Western and continues down the Irish pub laden street (hello, you MUST go to Cork & Kerry) until 115^th. The parade, which has been in existence for over 30 years, attracts over 250,000 people and nearly 15,000 participants. Last year was my first time at the South Side Parade in Beverly, and it was one of the best St. Patrick’s Day memories to-date. It was decidedly authentic and there’s just something about being in a neighborhood other than Lincoln Park and in a bar that’s not McFadden’s or any of the typical pubs on Clark. Buy a ticket for a ride down on a party bus. Click here for bus trips.

For the Hostess

If you’re looking to break out of a green beer rut, graduate to an authentic alternative this year and serve Jameson at your Irish party. Whether served neat, on the rocks or mixed in cocktails like the classic Jameson and Ginger or the more innovative Jameson McCree (recipe below!), this whiskey is as Irish as it gets. And for all of you drink divas out there eager to impress your party-goers or your man, mark the event with the most exclusive release from Jameson: Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve ($250 a bottle). Produced in limited quantities, the rare Irish whiskey is the joint creation of the four Jameson Irish Whiskey Masters and showcases delicious flavors of toasted wood and dark chocolate.

Jameson McCree

1.25 parts Jameson Irish Whiskey

.75 part raspberry purée

.5 part lemon juice

.5 part simple syrup

.5 part raspberry liqueur

1 part cranberry juice

4 fresh raspberries for garnish

1 mint leaf for garnish

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake over ice. Pour into a tall Jameson glass (12 oz. highball) filled with crushed ice, and garnish with fresh raspberries and a mint leaf.