The Dupont Circle’s sophisticated bar, Doyle, is renowned for its innovative cocktails, each crafted with a dedication to quality and creativity. As part of the Irish-owned Doyle Collection, The Dupont Circle embraces its heritage through Doyle’s signature cocktail menu, which takes guests on a flavorful journey around the Emerald Isle. Designed by General Manager Tom Murphy, a native of County Cork, our Great Irish Tour menu explores several of Ireland’s counties with strong American ties.

We sat down with Tom to learn more about this captivating menu and the stories behind each drink.

What inspired you to create the Great Irish Tour cocktail menu?

The Great Irish Tour menu at Doyle offers guests a truly unique experience, creating a personal connection for the 31 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry. By showcasing the essence of each county, we offer an immersive cultural journey, transforming our menu into a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Can you walk us through some of the standout cocktails on this menu?

Absolutely! Each cocktail was crafted to represent a different Irish county, celebrating its produce and unique stories through specific spirits and flavors.

Let’s start with Cork. What can you tell us about the cocktail representing your home county?

Cork, the most southerly county in Ireland, brings us the Cupán Tae, which means "cup of tea" in Gaelic. Tea is an integral part of Irish culture, and Barry’s Tea, made in Cork, is used in this cocktail to create a syrup that adds body and sweetness. Both whiskeys in this drink, Jameson Black Barrel and Redbreast 12, are from Cork’s Jameson Distillery. This cocktail is a harmonious blend of vanilla, spice, and fruity notes, perfect for fans of a classic Old Fashioned. I might be biased, but it's my favorite on the menu. It’s served with a shortbread cookie to further enhance the Barry’s Tea element and create a true Irish experience.

The cocktail for Cork was inspired by the specific spirits and flavors produced there, but what are some other points of inspiration for these cocktails?

One point of inspiration was the natural landscape of each county. For example, to represent Kerry, known for its untouched green landscapes, we have the Down the Hatch cocktail. The vibrant green color from the Midori in the drink is reminiscent of Kerry’s lush, verdant fields and mountains. This smooth and refreshing drink is a tribute to the natural beauty of the county.

Another factor I took into consideration was notable stories tied to each region. County Clare is famous for the invention of the Irish Coffee, so the Señor Sheridan is our homage to its creator, Chef Joe Sheridan. Our version of this classic cocktail marries the traditional Irish Coffee with a Hispanic twist, combining mezcal, Campari, and Kahlua, topped with a chocolate cream float.

Your "Giant’s Causeway" cocktail takes inspiration from both a natural wonder and the lore surrounding it. How did you incorporate the mystique and history of the Giant’s Causeway into your cocktail for Antrim?

The Giant’s Causeway is a World Heritage Site steeped in legend and natural beauty, so it was important for this cocktail to embody its essence. Shrouded in mystery, the legend is that the site originates either from a volcanic explosion, or a mighty battle between the mythological leader of the Irish Fianna, Fionn mac Cumhaill, and the Scottish Giant Bennandoner. This fresh and floral cocktail intertwines The Botanist Gin from Scotland with rose water, lemon, and Fever-Tree elderflower tonic, like the Causeway links Scotland and Ireland.

The "Red Lady" is one of the top sellers for guests. Can you tell us more about this fan-favorite drink?

The "Red Lady" pays homage to the iconic strawberry fields of Wexford. Wexford strawberries are known for their vibrant color and perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. To capture this, we used strawberry jam as a base for the drink, which infuses the cocktail with that authentic fruity flavor. We complemented this with Italicus, which adds a floral note, and finished it with sparkling Torresella Rosé to create a refreshing and effervescent drink.

What are the other top-selling cocktails from this menu?

Behind the "Red Lady," another standout guest-favorite from the Great Irish Tour menu is the "Galway Girl." Named after the famous song, this cocktail beautifully captures the essence of Galway renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. We use Connemara Whiskey, Ireland’s first peated whiskey, which imparts a unique light smokiness along with flavors of oak and apple crumble. Fresh wild blackberries, abundant in the Galway region, add a touch of natural sweetness. Together, these ingredients create a cocktail that celebrates Galway’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty.

Non-alcoholic offerings can be just as creative as their spirited counterparts. Tell us more about the menu’s zero-proof creations.

Donegal’s Forget Me Not, inspired by the county’s pristine white sand beaches and towering cliffs, is a flavorful, non-alcoholic take on a Negroni. The Royal Fizz, representing Offaly, reimagines the classic Kir Royal with chamomile syrup and sparkling zero-proof Riesling, adding a touch of royalty without the alcohol. Lastly, Tipperary’s Giddy Up brings refreshing citrusy flavors to the table, capturing the lively spirit of the county’s famous racehorses.

Having explored the flavors of several other counties, let’s focus on Dublin, Ireland’s best-known city and capital. How did you go about capturing the essence of this dynamic city in the "Dublinesse" cocktail?

Dublin is a city known for its rich history and vibrant pub culture, so I wanted the "Dublinesse" to reflect that. Combining Guinness with Teeling Whiskey was a natural choice, as both are quintessentially Dublin. Guinness is deeply embedded in Dublin’s cultural fabric, while Teeling Whiskey is a modern symbol of Dublin’s evolving whiskey scene. The cocktail also features ginger beer and lime juice, creating a layered experience with a smooth whiskey kick, spicy ginger notes, and a touch of sweetness from demerara syrup.

Is there any final thought you’d like to leave our readers with about the Great Irish Tour menu?

I encourage everyone to experience the Great Irish Tour for themselves. Each cocktail on this menu is crafted to tell a unique story and offer a taste of Ireland’s diverse regions, bringing a slice of Irish culture and history to Doyle.

Additionally, if you’re curious about the stories behind these cocktails, I recently appeared on Living Local DMV where I discussed Irish Whiskey and demonstrated how to make our signature Cupán Tae. It was a great opportunity to dive deeper into the inspiration behind our cocktails and share some wisdom on Irish whiskey with a wider audience. You can watch the segment here.

We look forward to welcoming you to Doyle. Make a reservation today and join us in celebrating the flavors and stories of the Emerald Isle.