Saint Patrick's Day is upon us. Finally, a day when the pretentious New York bar scene makes room for the city's grungy but lovable Irish pubs. If the snow lets up (and work cooperates), you'll find me tonight at the Dublin House, where real Irishmen tend bar for real Irish drinkers (and a gaggle of college students like my buddies and I used to be) 365 days a year. Otherwise, I'll settle in at home with a pint and an iTunes playlist composed of the Irish Rovers, the Fureys, and the Pogues.

If you decide to stay in, here's a recipe to wet your whistle. Out of respect for the victims of the strife in Northern Ireland, it will go unnamed here, but you've probably heard of it anyway.

Anonymous Saint Patrick's Day Drink
Ingredients:

• 3/4 pint Guinness (from the tap or a can -- bottled Guinness is crap)
  
• 1/2 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream
  
• 1/2 oz. Irish whiskey (e.g., Jameson's)
  

Pour the Guinness into a sturdy pint glass. Pour the Bailey's and whiskey into a single (clean) shot glass as the Guinness settles. When the beer is ready, drop the shot glass into the pint glass and toss the whole drink back as fast as you can. It's like a beer milkshake, with the honeyed kick of irish whiskey. Repeat at your own peril.

Sláinte!