Though some will hit the bars to toss back a few pints of green beer or “Irish car bombs” this St. Patrick’s Day, there are tons of holiday-inspired cocktails that may just tempt you to host a holiday mixer of your own.
Break out the good stuff and prep the mixers; here are seven cocktail recipes that are sure to add some festive fun to your St. Paddy’s Day celebration.
Simple St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails Sure to Sham-Rock Your World
- Irish Coffee: An easy drink to put a little pep in your step, simply warm a glass, fill with one cup of your favorite hot coffee, incorporate a tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 ½ ounces of Irish whiskey, topping with whipped heavy cream that’s gently poured over the back of a spoon.
- The Emerald: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of Irish whiskey, 1 oz of sweet vermouth and 2 dashes of orange bitters, stir and strain into a cocktail glass, garnished with a lemon. Simple, elegant and delish. Though not green, this cocktail definitely shines like its namesake.
- Irish Jack Rose: Simply combine 1 oz of Irish whiskey, .5 oz of apple brandy, .5 oz of lime juice, and .5 oz of grenadine into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain, garnishing with a lime wedge. Great flavors and a perfect way to make use of a good whiskey.
- Green Dublin Apple Cocktail: Pour 2 oz of Irish whiskey, 1 oz of sour apple schnapps and 2 oz of white cranberry juice into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an apple slice. Sour, crisp and refreshing.
- An Bodhran: We totally understand if you’re put off by the egg, but trust us–this is a tasty one. Add 1.25 oz of Irish whiskey, .5 oz of port, 1 tsp of maple sugar and, yes, one raw egg into an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously for 60-70 seconds and strain into a coupe glass, garnishing with a dash of mint bitters.
- Black and Tan: Thrown in for our beer lovers out there, a black and tan is a classic balance of light and dark. Traditionally, this beer cocktail consists of a stout or porter sitting on top of a lager or pale ale. We recommend sticking with Guinness on top of Bass, Harp or Newcastle. Getting the layering just right is a bit trickier than it may seem, however. Be patient and slowly pour the Guinness over the back of a tablespoon about an inch above the lighter beer.
- Irish Whiskey: Yes, we’re totally cheating with this one. Just enjoy a nice glass either neat or chilled with whiskey stones, adding a few drops of water to explore more of the whiskey’s complex flavors, if that tickles your fancy. A quality whiskey doesn’t need fussing with.
Whether hosting a house party or planning for a post-bar-hopping hangout session, keep these St. Patrick’s Day cocktails in mind to “wow” even the most jaded leprechaun in your crew. Just be sure you grab a B4 to keep your Friday fun from ruining your weekend.
Cheers, and Happy St. Paddy’s Day!