St. Patrick’s Day has a way of bringing out the Irish in everyone! It’s a widely celebrated holiday, a reason for sipping green beer perhaps, munching on Irish Soda Bread, and enjoying Irish coffees…Ultimately, it’s a day to recognize St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He was actually British born believe it or not. At age 16 he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and sold as a slave to a Celtic priest in Northern Ireland. He eventually made his way back to Britain and returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary. Whether you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for religious reasons or for the whimsy of it all, I invite you to try some of these St. Patrick’s Day ideas and recipes this year!
Put on the Color Green
Why do we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day anyways? The tradition is tied to old folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see. Other believe the color green will bring you good luck, and some wear it to honor their Irish ancestry. Whatever the reason, better put on your green! This year you could consider a green face mask as your chosen green bling!
Whip up an Authentic St. Patrick’s Day Dish
Ireland’s famous quickbread, Soda Bread, is a staple on St. Patrick’s Day, and most love to enjoy it alongside Irish Coffee with breakfast. Be sure to kick off your holiday with this simple staple. Slice it and toast it up for your St. Pat’s celebration! The Horton Hotel plans to serve this traditional toast for breakfast over the holiday week…and we are putting a little twist on this old favorite with citrus zest!
Orange Zest Irish Soda Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 – 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fine zest of orange peel
- dash of fresh grated nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup golden raisins
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup buttermilk!
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a cookie sheet, set aside. In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and orange peel. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
In a small mixing bowl combine the egg and buttermilk. Add all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened – don’t over stir or the bread will be tough.
On a lightly floured surface gently knead dough and form a 7-inch round loaf.
Transfer dough to prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, make 2 slashes across the top of the loaf to form an X, cutting all the way to the edge. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Serve toasted!
Shake up a Drink that makes you feel Irish
We’ve put together some interesting green cocktails and mocktails to try this holiday! And if all else fails, just add a drop of green food coloring to your favorite ice cold beer…be festive!
At The Horton we will be making special cocktails to commemorate the holiday; one that you must try is this Ernest Hemingway’s legendary cocktail made with Absinthe (aka “the green fairy”). Our mixologist, Farrell, makes this Hemingway treat by starting with a stemmed wine glass, adds one sugar cube to the empty glass, pours in an ounce of Absinthe, and tops it off with prosecco for a bubbly affect. Its a light pale green yellow color and it does the trick!
Another great classic St. Patrick’s Day cocktail (not so green, but very Irish) is literally called
the Irish Cocktail
- 4 oz. Irish Whiskey
- ¼ oz. Absinthe
- ½ oz. Curaçao
- 2 bar-spoons of maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- ¼ oz. lemon juice
- 1 olive
Add the whiskey, absinthe, curacao, cherry liqueur and bitters to your mixing glass with ice.
Stir. Yes, stir, don’t shake.
Strain and pour into a coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with olive and cheers to St. Patrick’s Day!
St. Patrick’s Day in The High Country
Appalachian Ski Mountain will be hosting a St. Pat’s Park Jam on Sunday, March 14th for skiers and snowboarders. Plan on seeing jumps and tricks at the ski park!
Beech Parks & Recreation is hosting a special St. Patty’s Day Mixology Class on Wednesday, March 17th. The class is just $20 for 21+ ages.
The Horton Hotel will be highlighting special Irish cocktails all weekend long in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Our Lobby Lounge & Rooftop Bar will be open Thursday through Friday 4pm till last call 10pm, Saturday 12pm till last call 10pm, and Sunday 12pm till last call 6pm. Join us and don’t forget to wear your green!
There are still stays available during March 2021. Give us a call at (828) 832 8060 to plan your mini vacay or staycation! Click here to see available rooms and amenity details.
Written by Andrea Morton, Director of Operations for The Horton Hotel
