Instead of another green beer, a vibrantly colored green cocktail is a more festive way to toast the Irish celebration. These St. Patrick’s Day cocktails amplify the gorgeous green color with bold flavors and s dash of whimsy. Even if a Guinness always satisfies, switch up the drink with a few creative twists.
On St. Patrick’s Day everyone is a wee bit Irish. From a hearty plate of corned beef to just joining in a rousing Slainte, the community and camaraderie around the holiday is the most important sentiment. Whether the glass is full or empty, it is the festivities that bring people back for more.
This year, consider a few creative liberties with St. Patrick’s Day cocktails. Even just a smart variation on a classic can be just the hint of fun needed.
Colorful and Creative St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails
Belaire Bleu Mimosa
While many people take to adding green food coloring to make a green beverage, this cocktail is simple science. The old school notion of combining blue and yellow to make green might sound like an elementary school art class, but it always works.
This cocktail combines Luc Belaire Bleu with either orange or pineapple juice. The combination of the blue sparkling wine and the yellow juices make for a great St. Patrick’s Day toast. Plus, the flavor is quite refreshing as well.
Ingredients:
- Luc Belaire Bleu
- Fresh squeezed orange or pineapple juice
Method:
- Pour Belaire Bleu into a flute or wine glass
- Top with orange or pineapple juice. *Add a higher ratio of juice to Belaire Bleu for a more vibrant green.
Nolet’s Silver Shamrock Fizz
While gin cocktails tend to be herbaceous and light, this version takes a slightly more creamy turn. The fresh mint keeps the flavors bright, but the cream adds a luscious mouth feel. Forget the Shamrock Shake, this cocktail is a more sophisticated sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin
- 1 oz. Mint Syrup
- 1/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4 oz. Heavy Cream (may substitute Oatmilk)
- 1 Egg White (may substitute 1.5 Tbsp. Aquafaba)
- 2 Dashes Bitters
- 1.5 oz. Soda
- Fresh Mint Sprigs
- Lime Zest
Method:
- Add all ingredients (except Soda) to the shaker with a few mint leaves.
- Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for at least 60 seconds (really!).
- Add ice and shake again for about 30 seconds to chill thoroughly.
- Strain into a highball glass and let rest for several moments before topping with soda water.
Mint Syrup Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Fresh Mint
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Method:
- Heat all ingredients on medium-low heat until sugar dissolves.
Rocket Power
Created by Madison’s State Line Distillery, this gin cocktail puts greens in the glass. While it is far from a salad serving, the peppery arugula adds a lovely unexpected spice to the botanical spirit. Combined with balsamic vinegar for complexity, it is a cocktail that impresses.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz State Line American Gin
- ¾ oz Fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz Cane sugar syrup
- Fresh arugula
- 3 balsamic vinegar
Method:
- Add all ingredients to the cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake. Double strain into a chilled rocks glass with fresh ice or chilled coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Shamrock Sour
A sour cocktail’s pucker is refreshing on a warm spring day. This cocktail is bright, refreshing and light. At the same time, it is a potent potable with both wine and tequila as main ingredients.
Even if an egg cocktail seems intimidating, it is easy to master. Vigorous shaking is vital.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Tequila
- 2 oz Hampton Water Rosé (still)
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Agave (or Simple Syrup)
- 1 Egg White
- 2 oz Hampton Water Bubbly
- Garnish: Lemon Peel, Angostura Bitters
Method:
- Add all ingredients except the Hampton Water Bubbly into a shaker tin with ice and shake. Strain into a highball glass with ice. Top with 2 oz of Hampton Water Bubbly. Note: Cocktail should have a thicker egg cream texture that just begins to flow above the glass, but keeps shape. Garnish with lemon peel on top of glass or 3 dashes of angostura bitters in a pattern.
Lyre’s Irish Cream
While many people love a simple Irish coffee, this creamy cocktail is perfect for people who prefer non-alcoholic options. The Lyre’s Bourbon Alternative delivers the flavor without the unwanted extras.
Ingredients
- 6.76 oz Lyre’s Bourbon Alternative
- 4.23 oz Light Condensed Milk
- 4.23 oz Cream
- 1 oz Espresso
- 1/2tsp Vanilla Essence
- 1tsp Chocolate Syrup
- Pinch of cinnamon and grated nutmeg
Method
- Combine all ingredients and stir, pour over ice
Jameson Triple Triple Chestnut Manhattan
Lastly, is the Irish holiday cocktail without some Jameson St. Patrick’s Day cocktails? This version of a Manhattan is nutty and a little sweet. The sherry is just enough to add complexity without hiding the Jameson Triple Triple.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Jameson Triple Triple
- ½ part sherry
- ½ part sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
What St. Patrick’s Day cocktail are you serving this year? As the Irish proverb says, “May your glass be ever full.”
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