Irish bars are all about craic—Gaelic for banter, chit-chat, conversation, chin-wagging—so I won’t be trying to wow the punters by telling them when and how vermouth came into vogue in the U.S., changing the face of the cocktail scene forever (late-19th century, making the creation of the Manhattan and the Martini possible). That’s not the sort of thing that pub customers want to hear. In an Irish pub, it’s a case of who can spin the best tale, not “my gin’s drier than your gin.” It’s a case of craic over cocktails. And it’s not about mixing fine drinks either. In an Irish pub, it’s all about a decent pint, tasty whiskey and engaging conversation. The bartender might be able to fix you a delicious Dubliner cocktail (a citrusy take on the Manhattan), and there’s a good chance that he or she will guide you toward a dram of something special that will knock your socks off, but that’s not really the point. Community, camaraderie and craic—that’s what an Irish pub is about.