Just the tonic: the evolution of Irish gin

Irish gins continue to excel, both nationally and internationally. We pick some of the best for you to try this month

Peter Mulryan, chief executive of Blackwater Distillery in Waterford: ‘Thanks to lockdown more people are experimenting with cocktails at home’

Spare a thought for your Irish-born family and friends residing in the US. The month of March has commenced and with it, so has the onslaught of hype for what Americans call Patty’s Day.

Not only do Irish ex-pats across the ocean have to feign delight at their neighbours or work colleagues for wearing Kiss Me I’m Irish jumpers – they also have to hide their annoyance at the incorrect phrasing of Paddy’s Day.

Some ...