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New Hampshire Liquor Commission and Bord Bia to host Irish craft cocktail event

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/07 .. bord-bia-to-host-irish-craft-cocktail-event.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 18:05 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader
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New Hampshire Liquor Commission and Bord Bia Unite for an Irish‑Themed Cocktail Night

The Union Leader’s feature on the partnership between the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) and Ireland’s Bord Bia marks a refreshing turn in the state’s growing craft‑cocktail culture. The two agencies are set to host a special Irish‑craft cocktail event that will showcase the country’s celebrated spirits, promote cultural exchange, and give local bartenders and distillers a new platform to shine. The article gives readers a comprehensive look at why the collaboration matters and what attendees can expect.

The Key Players

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission is the state agency that regulates the sale of alcohol in New Hampshire. Over the past decade it has shifted from a traditional regulatory role to a more public‑facing one, working to educate consumers, support local distilleries, and stimulate tourism. In the article, a spokesperson from the NHLC explains that the commission has been “looking for creative ways to bring the community together around the joy of well‑crafted drinks.” This new partnership is a natural extension of that mission.

Bord Bia is Ireland’s Food and Beverage Authority, the government body that promotes Irish food and drink worldwide. It’s a crucial part of the “Irish tourism” strategy and has a long history of marketing Irish whiskey, gin, and other products internationally. The article links directly to the Bord Bia website, where visitors can learn more about the agency’s role in supporting Irish producers and its “Irish Food and Drink” campaigns.

The Event: Irish‑Craft Cocktail Night

The event is slated to take place at the NHLC’s headquarters in Concord on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Union Leader notes that the venue will be transformed into a “slightly rustic, yet contemporary setting, complete with Irish flag‑inspired décor.” This will be an ideal backdrop for the evening’s tasting experience.

• Free admission is offered to all attendees; however, a small donation is encouraged to help cover the cost of imported ingredients and to support the NHLC’s community outreach initiatives.
• The event will be open to the public, but early‑bird registration is encouraged because “space is limited and we anticipate a high turnout.”

The evening will feature:

1. Signature Irish cocktails: Classic drinks such as the “Irish Mule” (made with Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and lime), the “Bourbon & Ginger” (an Irish‑style take on the traditional bourbon cocktail), and the “Irish Sour” (whiskey, lemon, and simple syrup).
2. Tasting stations: Each station will showcase a different type of Irish spirit, from single‑malt whiskey to botanical gin, paired with small bites inspired by Irish cuisine—think smoked salmon, boxty (potato pancakes), and cheddar cheese.
3. Live bartending demos: Skilled mixologists from both New Hampshire and Ireland will demonstrate techniques for creating the cocktails on the spot. These demos are meant to be interactive, allowing guests to learn about mixology fundamentals, the importance of balance, and how to use fresh ingredients.
4. A short educational talk: A representative from Bord Bia will give a 10‑minute overview of Ireland’s history of distilling and how the country’s geography and culture influence the character of its drinks.

The article’s photo gallery, linked from the feature, captures the lively atmosphere of the night, showing guests laughing over a “Irish‑style gin fizz” while bartenders craft drinks with a flourish.

Why This Collaboration Matters

The article highlights several reasons why a partnership between the NHLC and Bord Bia is a win for both parties.

• Boosting tourism: By promoting Irish spirits, the event invites international tourists to the state and encourages locals to travel to Ireland, creating a two‑way cultural and economic exchange.
• Supporting local distillers: The NHLC has recently expanded its support to small‑scale, craft distilleries in the region. By pairing local New Hampshire spirits with Irish counterparts, the event showcases the quality and diversity of regional products to a wider audience.
• Educating consumers: A key goal for the NHLC is “to build an informed drinking culture,” and this event gives residents an opportunity to learn about the intricacies of whiskey distillation, the impact of terroir, and the nuances of flavor pairing.
• Promoting responsible drinking: The NHLC’s spokesperson emphasized that the evening would be a celebration, not a binge. The event will feature water stations, designated drivers, and clear signage reminding patrons to drink responsibly.

Additional Resources and Links

The Union Leader article includes links to several relevant resources that enrich the reader’s understanding:

• Bord Bia’s “Irish Food & Drink” page: Visitors can explore how the agency supports Irish producers and find recipes for pairing drinks with food.
• NHLC’s “Public Service Announcement” page: A brief video that explains the commission’s role in promoting safe and enjoyable alcohol consumption.
• Event registration page: A straightforward form for signing up for the cocktail night, with a note that “early registrants receive a complimentary Irish‑themed cocktail recipe card.”
• Local New Hampshire distillery website: A link that directs readers to a featured distillery that will be part of the tasting stations.

What Readers Can Take Away

At its core, the article underscores the importance of collaboration between state agencies and international partners in cultivating a richer, more diverse drinking culture. It showcases how a well‑planned event can serve multiple purposes: promoting local businesses, encouraging tourism, educating consumers, and fostering cross‑cultural appreciation.

For those interested in attending, the Union Leader provides all the logistical details: time, location, cost (free with optional donation), and a brief rundown of the evening’s schedule. For the curious, the article also points to further reading through the embedded links, giving readers a deeper dive into the world of Irish spirits, the role of Bord Bia, and the broader mission of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission.

The Irish‑craft cocktail event promises to be a spirited evening that highlights the artistry of mixology and the rich heritage of Ireland’s distilled beverages—an exciting addition to New Hampshire’s vibrant cocktail scene.