Bono, Brady’s and Berry Shots
By Dan Dunn
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The great pop philosopher Paul Hewson, better known the world over as Bono, once decreed books to be the greatest gift one person can give another. As an avid reader and author of a just-released tome about the trials and tribulations of professional spirits reportage, I couldn’t agree more with the U2 frontman. Few purchase items for under $20 say “I value this relationship” better than a good book…or even a half-decent one such as mine. And like Bono, I believe most people would like to single-handedly rescue Africa and own a hip clothing line and hang out with Oprah and Sting and Brad Pitt. I would, that’s for sure. Ah, but I still haven’t found what I’m looking for, friends, and I’ll continue to scour the personal ads in the back of the LA Weekly until I do. (And in case you’re wondering, indeed I have been hitting the research material pretty hard lately.)

Bono hails from Ireland, a country best known for its stately beers and whiskies and, well, Bono. But Ireland is also home to some delicious and affordable liqueurs, among them Brady’s Irish Cream and Celtic Crossing. The former, which retails for a mere $10 a bottle, is made from single malt whiskey and natural grain spirits. The cream comes from Irish cows that probably moo with a funny brogue. The folks who make Brady’s are all about preserving freshness, and make it a point to have the liqueur bottled within 48 hours of the cream reaching the distillery. It’s less than half the price of Bailey’s, but has, like, 80 percent as much taste.

Celtic Crossing ($22/bottle) is a combination of “top secret” spirits and cognac. The dominant flavor of the classically composed liqueur is honey, with some oak and vanilla that comes through on the tail end of the draw. For two great tastes that go great together, try this:

“Celtic Berry”
1/2 oz Brady's Irish Cream
1/2 oz Celtic Crossing
1 oz Pallini Raspicello

Using a cordial glass, pour Raspicello in the bottom first. With a spoon, float Brady's on top of the Pallini. Then float the Celtic (chilled) on top of the Brady's. When poured correctly, you will get a striation (color stripes) in the liqueurs. Meant to be drunk as a shot.
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