Saint Patrick’s Day Recipes
As the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations commence, pubs and bars everywhere are preparing for one of their biggest nights of the year. While green beer and shots of Jameson may be standard, there are also classic Irish cocktails for the more discerning (not us, but maybe you). From time-honored whiskey tipples to modern crafted libations inspired by the Emerald Isle, these are the festive cocktails you’ll want behind your bar for a proper St. Paddy’s Day party. Read on, and get ready to toast with a hearty Sláinte! Which is Irish for cheers!
Irish Coffee
Arguably the most iconic Irish cocktail, this delightful hot drink was invented in the 1940s at the Foynes Port in Limerick. A perfectly balanced combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and lightly whipped cream. Use a high-quality brew and don’t stint on the whiskey for best results.
Black Velvet
For a unique taste of old London in Dublin, this beer cocktail blends equal parts chilled Irish stout with champagne. Trust us, it’s actually good. The drink was created in 1861 to commemorate Prince Albert’s passing. If you want to do it right, be fancy and serve it in a silver tankard. The drink is also considered a traditional hangover remedy and falls under the “Hair of the Dog” category.
Irish Champagne Cocktail
This variation of the traditional Champagne Cocktail includes Irish whiskey, introducing a rich, warm depth to the effervescent brightness of the Champagne. By adding Irish whiskey, a drinker gets a cocktail that balances the light, celebratory feel of Champagne with the hearty, comforting notes of the whiskey, making it a unique blend of Irish and French drinking traditions. If you’re hungover, or just want to start celebrating early, add some orange juice and you have yourself an Irish Mimosa.
Irish Maid
With its tropical yellow hue, this citrusy tipple (meaning, alcoholic drink) mixes Irish whiskey with St. Germain elderflower, lemon juice and cucumber slices. It’s a great introductory drink for non-whiskey drinkers and it’ll brighten any St. Patrick’s Day party. To make, shake together whiskey, St. Germain, lemon juice and simple syrup, then strain into a highball over ice and add cucumbers.
Irish Swan
A powerhouse cocktail that’ll knock out a martini. Simply mix chilled gin, whiskey, and vermouth, and then prepare tomorrow’s hangover remedy.
Irish Buck
Drawing inspiration from the classic Buck family of drinks, this Irish version brightens up ginger ale and lime juice with a shot of Irish whiskey. Build over ice, top with ginger ale and garnish with a lime wedge for a fizzy, refreshing drink with a kick.
Irish Car Bomb
And of course, we can’t forget this one. While the shot’s name has become controversial recently—what hasn’t, honestly?—this drink is the furthest thing from refinement. But if you want to transport yourself back to your college days, this is the quickest ticket there. You already know the instructions, but did you know the drink was created in Connecticut and spread by Navy personnel? Of course it was.
From revered classics to imaginative new signatures, these flavorful Irish-inspired cocktails are guaranteed to keep spirits high on St. Patrick’s Day. Offer them as specialties at your bar, and everyone will be celebrating like the Irish all night long.
