5 Perfect Cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating Irish heritage, and what better way to do that than with a festive drink in hand? Whether you're toasting with friends, hosting a party, or just looking to enjoy a cozy night in, these five cocktails—straight from the pages of some of our favorite Cider Mill Press books—will bring the spirit of Ireland to your glass.
1. Irish Coffee (The Home Bartender: Whiskey)
The perfect wake-up cocktail and a favorite drink of airport bar patrons (or maybe that’s just me). Irish Coffee is made a variety of different ways—with some including Irish Cream, some not, some specifying Irish whiskey, some not. But it just doesn’t feel like “Irish” Coffee without Jameson and Bailey’s, does it?
Recipe:
- 1 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream
- 1 dash sugar
- 3 oz hot brewed coffee
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour in the coffee into your glass and add the sugar to it. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the Irish whiskey and stir again
- Top the drink with Irish cream. If you can, layer the cream on top rather than stirring it in.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy!
2. The Irish Rose (Whiskey Cocktails)
It’s a bit unusual to see Irish whiskey mixed with fruity mixers, but the Irish Rose defies convention. this cocktail is sure to dazzle at any gathering, and is the perfect choice to give your guests something new and exciting.
Recipe:
- 2 parts Irish whiskey
- 3 parts lemon lime soda
- 1 part grenadine
- 1 lemon wedge, juiced
- 1 lime wedge, juiced
- 1 lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add ice to your glass then add the Irish whiskey and soda.
- Squeeze the juice of the lemon and lime wedges into the glass, then top with the grenadine. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Garnish with a another lime wedge and enjoy!
3. Emerald Isle (Drink: The Ultimate Cocktail Book)
Perfect St. Patrick’s Day cocktail as it highlights classic Irish ingredients like Guinness, Irish whiskey, and Irish cream liqueur. It’s a fun, festive, and easy-to-make drink, great for parties and celebrations.
Recipe:
- 12 oz. Guinness
- 1 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz Irish cream
Instructions:
- Fill a pint glass 3/4 of the way full with the Guinness.
- Pour the whiskey and Irish cream in a shot glass.
- Drop the shot glass into the pint glass.
- Drink as quickly as you can as the cream will curdle.
4. The Dublin Mule (Drink: The Ultimate Cocktail Book)
This refreshing take on the Moscow Mule swaps vodka for Irish whiskey, giving the cocktail a richer, more complex character. The spicy kick of ginger beer and a splash of lime make it the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Ice
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
- Add Irish whiskey and fresh lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
5. Elder Shamrock (The Home Bartender)
The first thing you reach for on St. Patrick's Day is probably a pint of Guinness. But if you want something a little more refined, the Elder Shamrock will do the trick. This cocktail makes a compelling case for keeping elderflower liqueur on hand, as its floral sweetness does a great job offsetting the bite of Irish whiskey. This is the perfect drink for quietly sipping at home when you don't feel like heading out to a bar.
Recipe:
- 2 parts Irish whiskey
- 1 part elderflower liqueur
- 1 part fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the whiskey, liqueur, and lemon juice to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir thoroughly.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with twist of lemon.
Sláinte!
Whether you prefer a classic Irish Coffee or something fresh and festive like the Elder Shamrock, these cocktails are the perfect way to raise a glass to St. Patrick’s Day. Which one will you be making this year? Let us know in the comments!