Celebrating St. Patrick's Day is a great tradition and an excellent excuse to party in the middle of March. Even those without a drop of Irish blood can be Irish for a day! Among the best ways to celebrate is with a great drink.
If you must, here is a green beer recipe. Though, if you want to drink beer like the Irish, a pint of Guinness will do.
If beer isn't your thing, you might try one these cocktails and shooters (page 3) as a toast to the Irish. Many of the drinks are green thanks to liqueurs like crème de menthe, Chartreuse, and Midori while others feature the best spirits of Ireland, namely Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur.
Erin Go Braugh!
Emerald Isle
Go green. Hold the vermouth and add some crème de menthe in your Martini on St. Patrick's Day. You'll have the Irish spirit in no time.
Everybody's Irish
Everybody is Irish, at least on St. Patty's Day. This delicious whiskey cocktail blends smooth Irish whiskey with the minty flavor of crème de menthe liqueur and the herbs of Chartreuse. The recipe does call for an olive for the garnish, but if you're not hip to this idea and how it accents the crème de menthe, use a fresh sprig of mint instead.
Giant's Gate Cocktail
Photo Courtesy: © Massimo La Rocca
Green Dublin Apple Cocktail
Photo Credit: © Colleen Graham licensed to About.com
If you are looking for an "Appletini" with a little more luck 'o the Irish this is it. This sour martini begins with Michael Collins, one of the great Irish whiskies, and white cranberry juice and, for that pucker and green glow, a sour apple schnapps comes into the mix. Bright green, sweet, and sour, this is simple a fun cocktail.
Irish Ale
You can think of the Irish Ale as a the Irish edition of the Moscow Mule. The spiciness of the ginger beer works nicely with the Irish whiskey and makes an interesting and easy St. Patrick's Day highball.
Irish Blond
The Irish Blond is a sophisticated cocktail similar to the Irish Martini, but with a sweeter side. In it Dale DeGroff, King of the Cocktail, has combined Michael Collins Irish Whiskey with curacao and sherry and the result is phenomenal. This is a must have every St. Patrick's Day.
Irish Buck
If you enjoy a Gin Buck or any drinks in the buck family you will probably enjoy the Irish version. The concept of Irish whiskey, lime juice, and ginger ale is very simple and one of the best ways to open up the taste of Ireland's spirit.
Irish Canadian
The Irish Canadian is almost exactly what it sounds like, but that's not Irish whiskey in there. Instead, this short, neat cocktail is a mix of Canadian whiskey and the distinctive Irish Mist liqueur. The lucky drinker will be treated to a very smooth and enjoyable Irish cocktail.
Irish Cactus
Love St. Patrick's Day but you still want a touch of tequila? The Irish Cactus is here to help for a little taste of shamrock meets cactus. The mix of tequila and Irish cream liqueur is nice and smooth and this lowball on the rocks that is great as an after dinner sipper.
Irish Coffee
Photo Courtesy of: © www.CocktailTimes.com
Nothing says Ireland than a piping hot glass of Irish Coffee. This traditional sipper, complete with its signature crown of whipped cream, is perfect for casual St. Patrick's Day parties or as a after dinner of Irish Stew or Shepherd's Pie
.
