Get Your Irish On: A Delicious and Fun Way to Cheers to St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that celebrates Irish culture and heritage. The importance of having a good selection of St. Patrick’s Day drinks cannot be overstated; after all, what would any party be without them?

Whether you’re hosting an event at home or heading out with friends for some festive fun at one of Chicago’s many pubs or bars this year (or both!), plenty of options are available when it comes time to order your beverages.

Whiskey-Based Drinks

The Irish have a long and storied history with whiskey, and it’s no surprise that many of the most popular drinks for St. Patrick’s Day feature this amber liquid prominently.

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a classic and easy-to-make St. Patrick’s Day drink perfect for coffee lovers. You only need hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and heavy cream. Simply combine the coffee, whiskey, and sugar in a mug and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Then, top with a layer of whipped heavy cream. The result is a warm, comforting drink perfect for a chilly St. Patrick’s Day morning or evening.

Irish Mule

The Irish Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Instead of vodka, this version uses Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice.

The combination of spicy ginger and smooth whiskey is a perfect match, and the lime juice gives the drink a nice tartness. This cocktail is easy to make and will be a hit with both whiskey and cocktail lovers.

Irish Car Bomb

The Irish Car Bomb is a popular yet controversial St. Patrick’s Day shot made with Guinness, Irish whiskey, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. To make it, fill a shot glass with half a shot of Irish whiskey and half a shot of Bailey’s.

Drop the shot glass into a pint of Guinness and drink immediately. This drink is not for the faint of heart and should be consumed responsibly.

Gin-Based Drinks

Gin has a long history, dating back to the 17th century. It is one of the most popular liquors in the world and is used in many classic cocktails such as martinis, Manhattans, and gimlets.

Gin’s popularity stems from its versatility—it tastes good on its own but can also be combined with other spirits for more complex flavors. So here are some gin-based beverages that are worth trying on this St. Patrick’s Day.

Shamrock Sour

The Shamrock Sour is a perfect St. Patrick’s Day twist on the classic whiskey sour. This version uses gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a few drops of green food coloring.

The addition of the food coloring gives the drink its signature green color and makes it perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of green.

Emerald Isle

The Emerald Isle is a bright green cocktail that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. This refreshing drink is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a few drops of green food coloring.

The result is a crisp and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny day. Garnish with a slice of cucumber or lemon for an extra touch of green.

Other Liquor-Based Drinks

There are plenty of other cocktails that mix gin with other types of liquor. You can use these recipes as inspiration for creating your own St. Patrick’s Day-themed drinks.

Cucumber Whiskey Sour

Try this cucumber version for a fun twist on the classic whiskey sour. The Cucumber Whiskey Sour is a refreshing and unique twist on the classic cocktail. This version uses fresh cucumbers, whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

It has all of the same great flavors as its predecessor but with added cucumber and lemon juice for extra freshness. Garnish with a cucumber slice for an extra green touch that matches St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Germain Cocktail

This cocktail is made with elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and fresh lemon juice. The result is a sweet and floral drink that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day.

The elderflower liqueur gives the cocktail a sweet, floral flavor that pairs perfectly with sparkling wine. It’s a great drink for pairing with an outdoor St. Patrick’s Day party!

Lucky Leprechaun

The Lucky Leprechaun is a unique and delicious option to serve on St. Patrick’s Day. It is made with Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. The whiskey and sweet vermouth work together to create a rich, creamy drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm day.

The orange bitters add a hint of citrus to the cocktail, which complements the sweetness of the whiskey and vermouth.

Irish Margarita

This version uses tequila, lime juice, and green food coloring to produce a bright green drink that’s perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Any tequila will work in this recipe, but a premium brand like Patron is an excellent choice.

The lime juice and green food coloring are what really make this cocktail stand out. It’s important to use simple homemade syrup for this drink since store-bought versions often contain preservatives that can change the finished product’s flavor.

Green Beer

Green beer is a classic St. Patrick’s Day drink that’s easy to make at home. Simply add a few drops of green food coloring to a glass of light beer and stir.

If you want something more exciting, add a shot of Irish whiskey or Bailey’s Irish Cream to your green beer for a fun and festive twist.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. The best St. Patrick’s Day drinks to enjoy with friends and family. The most important thing to remember when celebrating responsibly is to drink slowly and ensure everyone has a ride home if they need one.

If you are looking for more ideas on how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style without breaking the bank or getting into trouble with the law, don’t forget to check out our other St Patrick’s Day articles!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some non-alcoholic St. Patrick’s Day drink ideas?

Some non-alcoholic drink ideas for St. Patrick’s Day include green smoothies, green tea, and limeade.

Are there any traditional Irish drinks associated with St. Patrick’s Day?

Yes, there are several traditional Irish drinks associated with St. Patrick’s Day including Irish coffee, Guinness, and Jameson Irish whiskey.

What are some tips for hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party with alcohol?

When hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party with alcohol, it’s important to encourage responsible drinking. Provide plenty of non-alcoholic drink options, and make sure that guests have a safe way to get home if they’ve had too much to drink.