Celtic Cocktail Trail

Jessica Kittrell is a restaurateur, but she’s also a mother. So when she and her husband, Thad, decided to open 101 Beer Kitchen in Dublin in 2012, they knew they wanted to cater to families. 

“They can go to have a really great scratch-made meal, but they can still take their kids,” she says. 

Beer Kitchen 101 offers both a familiar kids menu for the little ones and an impressive craft beer list for adults. The restaurant is also a location on the 18-stop Celtic Cocktail Trail, serving a Muck of the Irish drink that one of the eatery’s bartenders created as a special last year. 

“It’s Watershed gin, it has a basil-spinach simple syrup, fresh lime juice and a splash of champagne,” explains Kittrell. “We serve that up with a lime twist and a Luxardo cherry is sunk in the bottom.”

Dublin’s Celtic Cocktail Trail debuted in early 2018, encouraging Dubliners and thirsty travelers to get better acquainted with the Columbus suburb. After earning 12 stamps on the Celtic Cocktail Trail passport (the local visitors bureau advises against attempting this in one night), travelers get a T-shirt for their effort. Stamps are awarded for any qualifying drink purchase, although each establishment features a cocktail crafted specially for the trail. 

In the case of Tucci’s, a 20-year-old institution, that drink is a revival of an old favorite: the Celtic Twilight. 

“Our restaurant is actually a fine dining restaurant, so our focus is steak, seafood and wine,” says Christina Meehan, Tucci’s food and beverage director. “I wanted to do something tasty that fit with us, but still had that Irish heritage.”

Made with Bailey’s, Frangelico and Jameson, the Celtic Twilight is a dusky nod to Ireland’s literary history (William Butler Yeats published a collection of essays by the same name) and a perfect after-dinner drink. Meehan explains that the bitter bite of the whiskey cuts the sweetness of the liqueurs.

“I like the idea that it’s not really advertised in the restaurant,” says Meehan. “It’s sort of that secret menu that you get to participate in.” 

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 issue. Drink options may change each year. Go to visitdublinohio.com for updated information and see below for this year's list.

ON THE TRAIL IN 2022: 

101 Beer Kitchen: Irish Isle
7509 Sawmill Rd., Dublin 43017

1487 Brewery: Bloody Irish Hell
7620 Industrial Pkwy., Plain City 43064

Beer Barrel: The Dublin Rover
7482 St. Rte. 161, Plain City 43064

Cafe Istanbul: Dublin Eye Opener
6125 Riverside Dr., Dublin 43017

Coast House Wine: Islay of Time
75 South High St., Dublin 43017

Dublin Village Tavern: Skiberdeen
27 S. High St., Dublin 43017

Fado Pub & Kitchen: Irish Sunset
6642 Riverside Dr., Dublin 43017

Frank & Carl's: Irish Mule
6558 Longshore St., Dublin 43017

Getaway Brewing Co.: Ground Level
108 N. High St., Dublin 43017

J. Liu Restaurant & Bar: Quiet As A Cucumber
50 W. Bridge St., Dublin 43017

Market Bar: The Dubliner
6750 Longshore St., Dublin 43016

Matt the Miller’s Tavern: Irish Maid Cocktail
6725 Avery-Muirfield Dr., Dublin 43016

North High Brewing: Lucky Shots + Hops
56 N High St., Dublin 43017

The Pint Room: Irish Whiskey Sour
4415 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Dublin 43017

Tucci’s: Belfast Hot Blooded
35 N. High St., Dublin 43017

Urban Meyer's Pint House: Irish You Were Beer
6632 Longshore St., Dublin 43017

Vaso Rooftop Lounge: Celtic Clobber
4515 Bankers Dr., Dublin 43017

Z Cucina di Spirito: Irish Sour
6584 Riverside Dr., Dublin 43017

Those who get their passport stamped at 6 stops can redeem for a commemorative koozie. Complete 12 stops and score an exclusive Celtic Cocktail Trail T-shirt.