President Donald Trump has been wielding tariffs — basically a tax on goods paid to the government — as a significant economic threat against both trade allies (Canada and Mexico) as well as what could be considered enemies on the global stage. Namely China.
While Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico have infuriated America’s traditional trade partners, his potential 200% retaliatory tariff on European wines and spirits came as even more of a surprise. It would more than double their cost.
Trump’s threats are in response to the European Union’s own threats to tax American whiskey. Which has not been considered the smartest move.
So here are 10 drinks to swig on St. Patrick’s Day before the tariffs kick in.
Guinness
This is a no-brainer. Guinness remains a favorite, one might even say cherished, Irish beer in the U.S. It’s even been called the most popular beer period according to some surveys. Slainte.
Jameson
It won’t just be beer that gets smacked around by Trump’s tariffs. Whiskey, and anything else coming out of Ireland, are under the gun. Irish whiskey entrepreneur John Teeling told The Irish Times it would be a “very serious blow” to the industry.
Prosecco
As someone who’s got a sizable Irish family — we’re not leprechauns, I swear — it’s easy to see how Ireland would be the go-to country when people think of alcohol imported into the U.S. But let us not forget Italy. Any Imported European wines would be among the most affected boozy enjoyments.
Prosecco, a sparkling white wine produced across nine Italian provinces that usually costs us around $15, could surge to $45 if the 200% tariff is implemented.
Champagne
Champagne — exclusively made in France’s Champagne region (duh) — is a staple for American celebrations. So, uh … Happy New Year?
Bordeaux
I’m not a wine person. Never have been, never will be, but Bordeaux is a well-known red wine from southwest France. It’s another single-origin variety that could significantly impact U.S. businesses.
Cognac
Cognac is a kind of brandy produced exclusively in the Cognac region of southwestern France. It dates back to the 16th century, when Dutch traders, seeking to preserve the abundant local wines for transport, began distilling them into “brandewijn,” meaning “burnt wine,” which later evolved into the term “brandy.”
Aperol
Not gonna lie, I had no idea what this is, but it’s apparently the Italian foundation of a well-loved summer cocktail … and among the products that would be subject to the tariff on European imports.
Scotch
Ah, perhaps you thought the Irish guy was going to forget our neighbors to the east. Scotch, either whisky, grain, or a combo, can be had either neat or in a cocktail.
Gin
This is the one that concerns my (almost painfully Irish) mother the most. Sorry mom. Gin isn’t normally drinken straight, like a bourbon or scotch. It’s almost always part of a cocktail, like Aviation.
Why I know this should be fairly obvious.
Literally any vodka that isn’t made in Russia or the US
As Ron Swanson would say, “I don’t drink from that end of the color spectrum,” but vodka is an extraordinarily popular base for cocktails. Ketal One is among the most popular in the U.S., and it stems from the Dutch.
