St. Patrick’s Day is this week, and while many people will be seeking out the classic pint of Guinness, or the entirely terrible glass of green beer, there are others that will be thinking “what cocktails work for St. Patrick’s Day?”
We’re some of those people, so we’ve collected five great Irish themed cocktails that would be perfect to enjoy. Some of these are classics, others not as well known, so take a look and experiment with something new this St. Patrick’s Day!
Irish Blonde
If you’re looking for something refreshing, rather than powerful, this blend of citrus and Whiskey pairs nicely.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish Whiskey
- 0.75 oz Orange curaçao
- 0.25 oz Sherry
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
Method: Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir, and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel.
The Irish Derby
This is a spin-off a classic recipe that originally called for Bourbon. The substitution of Irish Whiskey adds a little more heat to the palate while still maintaining the original style of the cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Irish Whiskey
- 0.5 oz Sweet vermouth
- 0.5 oz Orange curaçao (can sub with Cointreau)
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Method: Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime peel.
Dingle Mingle
A perfect apertif-style cocktail made with classic Irish flavours.
Ingredients:
- 1oz Dingle Irish Gin
- 2.25oz chardonnay wine
- 2 bar spoons of peach jam
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1 for garnish
Method: Chill a coupe glass with some crushed ice. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice; shake hard for 10 seconds. Remove ice from glass and strain the cocktail. Garnish with a thyme sprig.
Bailey’s Flat White Martini
This is a creative blend of a classic martini, espresso martini and bailey’s on ice. Well worth keeping in your back pocket any time of year, not just for St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bailey’s
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh brewed espresso
- Ice
Method: Add ice, 1 oz. vodka, 2 oz. Baileys, 1 oz. espresso into a shaker. Shake well, and strain into glass.
Irish Coffee
If you’re looking for something a little more classic, and warming during the colder evenings, an Irish Coffee is an excellent after dinner drink to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- Whipped heavy cream
Method: Fill footed mug or a mug with hot water to preheat it, then empty. Pour piping hot coffee into warmed glass until it is about 3/4 full. Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Blend in Irish whiskey. Top with a collar of the whipped heavy cream by pouring gently over back of spoon. Serve hot.
Ale/Sessions 