St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year. Of course, green beer is the iconic drink of choice for lots of people celebrating St. Paddy. But if you want to switch things up this year, here are a few other St. Patrick’s Day cocktails to try.
Whether you’re looking for something with classic Irish ingredients or you just want a green drink that’s not from a keg, there’s something for you on this list. Now, let’s get to that pot of gold!
Irish Coffee
Why you should try it
Nothing says “Top o’ the morning to ya!” like a delicious mug of Irish Coffee. This drink is a classic, and you probably already have the ingredients to make it at home.
It might be traditional, but no list of St. Patrick’s Day cocktails is complete without an Irish Coffee recipe.
Ingredients
1.5 oz Irish whiskey
2 tsp brown sugar
Hot brewed coffee
Whipped cream
How to make it
Preheat your mug by filling it with hot water for 2 minutes, then discard the water.
Add the whiskey and sugar to the mug, then fill with coffee and stir.
Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
Honeydew Ginger Martini
Why you should try it
Now that we’ve covered a classic, let’s take a look at one of our more unique St. Patrick’s Day cocktails.
The flavor profile of this drink doesn’t exactly scream “Irish”, but its green color will keep you in the holiday spirit. Plus, it’s a refreshing option if you need a break from green beer and whiskey.
Ingredients
2 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Melon liqueur
0.5 oz Ginger liqueur
Dash of bitters
0.5 oz Lemon juice
How to make it
Add ice to cocktail shaker and pour over vodka, melon liqueur, ginger liqueur, lemon juice and bitters. Shake well.
Strain mix into martini glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Evergreen
Why you should try it
Here is another great option if you’re looking to take a hard left turn from the more traditional St. Paddy’s drinks.
The Evergreen has an interesting combination of tequila, citrus, and mint. But the flavor that mostly comes through is a sweet citrus – a little bit like a sweeter version of a mojito.
Ingredients
1 oz Tequila
1 oz Creme de menthe
0.5 oz Midori
2 oz White grapefruit juice
2 oz Pineapple juice
How to make it
Add ice to cocktail shaker and pour over all ingredients. Shake well.
Strain mix into a highball glass.
Jade
Why you should try it
Here’s a fun surprise – one of the St. Patrick’s Day cocktails on our list has some bubbly. That’s right, a champagne based option is making an appearance.
The Jade is both sweet and tart, it’s fruity with a hint of spice. And of course, it’s bubbly. It’s not your typical holiday drink but it is a beautiful shade of green.
Ingredients
0.5 oz Midori
0.5 oz Blue Curacao
Dash of bitters
0.5 oz Lime juice
Champagne
How to make it
Add ice to cocktail shaker and pour over the Midori, Curacao, lime juice, and bitters. Shake well.
Strain mix into a chilled champagne flute.
Top with champagne and garnish with a slice of lime.
Irish Cola
Why you should try it
Let’s close out our list with a simple and delicious drink.
The Irish Cola has the fewest ingredients of all of our St. Patrick’s Day cocktails but what it lacks in flair it makes up for in flavor. It tastes like a cola float – it’s sweet but it still packs a punch.
Ingredients
1 oz Irish whiskey
1 oz Irish cream
4 oz Cola
How to make it
Add ice to cocktail shaker and pour over Irish whiskey and Irish cream. Shake until chilled.
Strain mix into tumbler filled with ice and top with cola.
When most people think of St. Patrick’s Day drinks, the first thing that comes to mind is green beer in a plastic cup. That’s definitely a classic option but if you’re looking for some variety, give one of these options a try. And if you’re feeling inspired, check out these recipes for some of our favorite winter cocktails and Prohibition-era cocktails!