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BARFLY Michael McDermott 1. TASTE MASTERS There’s
is little doubt that Poachers changed the tonic game when it launched here back in 2016. It put some fizz into a flat market where the option didn’t really extend beyond the word ‘tonic’. And it continues to trailblaze in its David vs Goliath duels. Most recently, it saw off 95 competing products to land top prize at the The Spirits Business Global Masters Series, with their Poachers Wild Tonic with Irish Elderflower. Boasting natural ingredients which are low in sugar and grown in Wexford, the range now extends to include Thyme and Ginger Beer with Chilli. Coupling this with a swish new redesign, spearheaded by creative director Terri Cooper in collaboration with illustrator Conor Merriman, they have all the ingredients for continued success. poachersdrinks.com 2. GO BANANAS One positive imbibing legacy from Covid-19 will be the Craft Cocktail collection from Bar 1661. A masterclass in taste, branding and bottling; their colourful spectrum of cocktails became a go-to for many. Now they’ve just added some new flavours to pimp their range - The Banana Old Fashioned has a Caribbean feel with overproof rum, banana liqueur and chocolate bitters, swimming in Bulleit Rye Whiskey. The French Martini is a classic mix of vodka, pineapple, and black raspberry liqueur, with a little Irish raspberry wine to give an extra summery feel. The Whiskey Sour tweaks the original recipe by using Bulleit Bourbon blended with Roe and Co. and leaving the egg white out to ensure a six-month shelf life as with all the range. All drop this month and aim to compliment the original line-up. They are also offering a personalisation service for their labelling and even the creation of your own cocktail under their watchful stir should you so wish. craftcocktails.ie 3. ZOOM IN THE ROOM Admittedly, most folk are looking forward to real life entertainment experiences beyond the filter of Zoom. But, then again, it has afforded people the opportunity to tap into conversations they may otherwise not have been able to, owing to geography or inclination. Dublin City Brewing has been brand building whilst getting their 11,000 square foot brewery, in the Parnell Centre, literally off the ground. Their monthly tasting club is nurturing a fanbase whilst allowing participants to sample their sup. Renowned cheesemonger Kevin Sheridan is next in the Zoom room selecting some pairings for your beer, details of which will be mailed in advance. The princely sum of €20 will get you 3 x 440 ml Dublin City Brewing Co cans (1 Irish Stout, 1 Pioneer Pilsner, 1 Patriot Pale Ale), a branded glass and a box of Sheridans Crackers. dublincitybrewingco.com 4. EURO DOUBLE VISION This could be Rotterdam (or anywhere)…finally the Eurovision flags will flutter again from May 18 to 22 and while a faithful Irish contingent won’t be making it over in support of Lesley Roy, there will be gatherings in gardens - six randomers, or three households, or fully vaccinated as per guidelines, obvs. Catch are bringing out their Eurovision Quarantini Box, which contains ingredients to make four portions of their Cosmo, a jar shaker, measure, two polycarbonate glasses, a Eurovision bingo card, a Eurovision scorecard and some fun drink decorations. €50 (pre-order) catchevents.ie 5. STILL ANSEO Eddie Bermingham is the gentle custodian of, handsdown, one of our greatest watering holes. As authentic as the blu-tacked gig posters on its walls, Anseo has been a patron to DJs in the city and host of great comedy nights. Shuttered since March 2020, Eddie remains sanguine about the possibility of a “limited re-opening” in the near future and questions the economics of slinging pints out a hatch without some proper plan in place from the Council. One thing which really needs to change, in his opinion, is the late licensing situation which is punitive to premises such as his being lumped in with larger ones when it comes to rates. “You’d miss seeing people though. It’s been very stressful for staff and those paying rent and mortgages,” says Eddie. 38