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Make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember with these nine easy-to-make cocktails. From classics to fun, green-hued sips, these tasty tipples are sure to bring the Irish spirit to your celebrations.
There’s no better excuse to grab your friends, embrace all things green and enjoy a delicious drink (or two) than St. Patrick’s Day.
So, if you’re looking to shake, stir and sip your way through St. Paddy’s Day on 17th March, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you fancy a classic Irish tipple or something a little more creative, these easy-to-make cocktails will help you celebrate in style.
All that’s left to do is grab your friends, mix up your favourite and let the good times flow.
Shamrock Sour
Does anything say St. Patrick’s Day quite like this festive green twist on the classic whiskey sour?
What you’ll need:
50ml whisky – I’d suggest Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch
25ml fresh lemon juice
15ml simple syrup
10ml Midori
Salt
Ice
Lemon wedge for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
Add ice, whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup and Midori to a cocktail shaker.
Shake well.
Strain into a glass of your choice filled with ice.
Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Good for: Those who love whisky sours – and are ready to embrace the green flair.
Green Punch
A crowd-pleasing punch that’s easy to make in large batches.
What you’ll need:
500ml pineapple juice
250ml lemonade
250ml vodka – I’d recommend Belvedere Organic Vodka
50ml blue curaçao
Ice
Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
In a large punch bowl, add the pineapple juice, lemonade, vodka and blue curaçao.
Stir gently.
Add ice.
Serve in a glass of your choice.
Garnish with lemon wedges.
Good for: Party hosts – it’s easy to make and will keep your guests refreshed.
Shamrockaritas
Who doesn’t love the iconic margarita with a decidedly Irish twist?
What you’ll need:
50ml tequila – Ocho Tequila Blanco is a superb choice
25ml lime juice
15ml triple sec – Cointreau would be my top pick
10ml simple syrup
Green food colouring (optional – but it is St. Paddy’s Day after all!)
Ice
Lime wedge for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
Optional – start by rimming a glass of your choice with salt. Once finished, fill it with ice.
Add the tequila, lime juice, triple sec and simple syrup to a shaker.
Shake thoroughly.
Strain into your glass.
Add a drop of green food colouring.
Garnish with lime wedge.
Good for: Bringing a burst of flavour – great for any Margarita lover.
Irish Coffee
A warm and comforting classic.
What you’ll need:
Whiskey – I’d recommend Smooth Ambler Old Scout
1tbsp brown sugar
120ml hot brewed coffee
Whipped cream (as much as needed)
How to make it:
Add brown sugar to a glass and pour in the whiskey.
Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
Pour in the hot coffee and stir gently.
Top with whipped cream – as much or as little as you like.
Good for: Enjoying in the evening, when all the festivities are winding down.
Black Velvet
A wonderfully smooth and velvety cocktail combining Guinness and sparkling wine.
What you’ll need:
125ml Champagne – I’d recommend Gold-medal Louis Dumont Champagne
125ml Guinness stout
How to make it:
Add Guinness to a flute glass – fill until half full.
Slowly pour the Champagne into the glass.
Good for: Celebrating in style – this is a sophisticated drink for those who want to keep it classy.
Irish Old Fashioned
A classic Old Fashioned with a slightly sweet twist.
What you’ll need:
50ml Irish whiskey
1tsp simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice
Orange peel for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
Add ice to a glass of your choice.
Pour in and gently stir the simple syrup and bitters.
Add the whiskey and stir again.
Garnish with orange peel.
Good for: Those who appreciate a simple, yet refined cocktail.
Irish Shillelagh
Named after the traditional Irish walking stick, this is a zesty cocktail with a spicy kick.
What you’ll need:
50ml Irish whiskey
25ml fresh lemon juice
15ml orange liqueur
10ml simple syrup
Ice
Lemon wedge for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
Add ice, whiskey, lemon juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup to a shake.
Shake well.
Strain into a glass of your choice filled with ice.
Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Good for: Those who are bold enough to try a whiskey with a vibrant, citrusy kick.
Irish Mule
A twist on the Moscow Mule, swapping out the vodka for whiskey.
What you’ll need:
50m Irish whiskey
150ml ginger beer
15ml fresh lime juice
Ice
Lime wedge for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
Add ice to a copper mug or glass of your choice.
Pour in the whiskey and lime juice.
Stir gently.
Top with ginger beer then stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Good for: Getting the vibe of the party back, it’s fizzy and makes for a great pick-me-up.
Nutty Irishman
A rich and creamy nut-flavoured cocktail – ideal for sipping as a dessert drink.
What you’ll need:
25ml Irish cream liqueur – I’d recommend Boann The Whistler
25ml hazelnut liqueur
50ml double cream
Ice
Grated nutmeg for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
Add the ice, Irish cream, hazelnut liqueur and double cream to a shaker.
Shake thoroughly.
Strain into a glass of your choice filled with ice.
For the finishing touch, sprinkle grated nutmeg on top.
Good for: Sipping by the fire after a long day (or night) of celebrating.
Baby Guinness
A favourite … and for very good reason. This simple, coffee-flavoured shot looks just like a mini Guinness – and can be made in less than 5 minutes.
What you’ll need:
2 tbsp coffee liqueur
1 tbsp Baileys
How to make it:
Pour the coffee liqueur into a shot glass.
Carefully add in the Baileys – do so over an inverted teaspoon so it ‘floats’ on top of the liqueur.
Good for: Dessert lovers – it’s sweet, indulgent and wonderfully creamy.
About the author
Brogan Wilson
Qualified to WSET Level 2 Wine, Brogan is a relatively new member of the team, having joined in September 2023. She previously worked as the sole copywriter at a creative marketing agency, and before that, as a primary school teacher. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find her growing her knowledge, asking lots of questions, and crafting both digital and print copy. An ardent red wine drinker, Brogan is also fond of Crémant.
