16 St. Patrick’s Day Drinks to Get in the Festive Spirit

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate Irish culture, history, and traditions. Originating as a feast day to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration complete with parades, music, and, of course, delicious drinks.

Whether you’re throwing a St. Paddy’s Day party or just looking to indulge in some Irish cheer, festive drinks are a must-have to elevate the occasion. From classic Irish cocktails to vibrant green creations, here are 16 St. Patrick’s Day drinks that will delight your taste buds and honor the holiday’s spirit.

Classic Irish Cocktails

These iconic Irish-inspired beverages capture the essence of traditional Irish flavors while adding a touch of elegance to your celebrations.

Irish Coffee

A timeless favorite, Irish Coffee combines rich, freshly brewed coffee with smooth Irish whiskey and a touch of brown sugar. Topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream, this drink is perfect for chilly St. Patrick’s Day evenings or as a decadent dessert beverage.

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How to Make It:

  • Brew a cup of strong coffee.
  • Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar until dissolved.
  • Add 1 1/2 ounces of Irish whiskey.
  • Gently pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon to float on top. Serve immediately.

Black and Tan

The Black and Tan is a visually striking layered beer drink made by combining a pale ale and a stout. The rich, creamy Guinness stout rests atop the lighter ale, creating a two-tone effect that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

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How to Make It:

  • Fill a pint glass halfway with pale ale (such as Harp Lager).
  • Slowly pour Guinness stout over the back of a spoon to create the layered effect. Enjoy the contrast of flavors as you sip.

Irish Mule

A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, the Irish Mule swaps vodka for Irish whiskey, delivering a refreshing and zesty drink with a bit of a kick.

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How to Make It:

  • Fill a copper mug with ice.
  • Add 2 ounces of Irish whiskey and the juice of half a lime.
  • Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.

Green-Themed Cocktails

Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like festive green drinks! These cocktails bring vibrant colors and bold flavors to your celebration.

Shamrock Sour

This emerald-green cocktail is a fun twist on the classic whiskey sour, made with Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and a splash of green food coloring or melon liqueur for the festive hue.

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How to Make It:

  • Combine 2 ounces of Irish whiskey, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
  • Add a splash of green melon liqueur or a drop of green food coloring.
  • Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Green Apple Martini

Bright and tangy, the Green Apple Martini is an eye-catching cocktail that’s both sweet and tart. Perfect for those who love fruity drinks with a kick.

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How to Make It:

  • Combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of sour apple liqueur, and 1/2 ounce of lime juice in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a thin slice of green apple.

Emerald Mojito

The Emerald Mojito adds a festive twist to the classic mojito with a dash of green coloring or mint liqueur for extra vibrancy.

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How to Make It:

  • Muddle fresh mint leaves, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the juice of half a lime in a glass.
  • Add ice, 2 ounces of white rum, and a splash of green mint liqueur or food coloring.
  • Top with soda water and garnish with a mint sprig.

Irish Beers and Ales

No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without enjoying some of Ireland’s finest beers and ales. These classics pair perfectly with hearty Irish fare or festive snacks.

Guinness Draught

The iconic Irish stout, Guinness is known for its creamy texture and rich, malty flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a cocktail, it’s a must-have for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

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Smithwick’s Irish Ale

Smithwick’s offers a lighter alternative to stouts, with its smooth, malty flavor and subtle hop finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

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Harp Lager

A crisp and refreshing lager, Harp is a perfect choice for those who prefer lighter beers. Its clean taste and golden hue make it an excellent addition to your drink lineup.

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Non-Alcoholic Options

For those who prefer to skip the alcohol, these non-alcoholic drinks are just as festive and delicious.

Green Lemon-Lime Spritzers

This fizzy and refreshing drink is easy to make and fun to serve. Add a splash of green food coloring for extra holiday flair.

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How to Make It:

  • Mix lemon-lime soda with a splash of lime juice.
  • Add green food coloring and serve over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Shamrock Milkshake

A creamy, minty treat, the Shamrock Milkshake is perfect for kids and adults alike.

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How to Make It:

  • Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, a splash of peppermint extract, and green food coloring until smooth.
  • Top with whipped cream and green sprinkles.

Matcha Latte with Mint

For a healthier option, try a Matcha Latte with a hint of mint. This vibrant green drink is both energizing and festive.

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How to Make It:

  • Whisk 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with hot water until frothy.
  • Add steamed milk, a drop of peppermint extract, and sweetener to taste.
  • Stir well and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Creative Dessert-Inspired Drinks

These sweet and boozy creations are the perfect way to cap off your St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Baileys Irish Cream Hot Chocolate

Warm, creamy, and utterly indulgent, this hot chocolate features the smooth taste of Baileys Irish Cream.

How to Make It:

  • Prepare hot chocolate using your favorite recipe.
  • Stir in 1-2 ounces of Baileys Irish Cream and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

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Grasshopper Cocktail

This mint-chocolate delight combines creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and cream for a dessert in a glass.

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How to Make It:

  • Shake 1 ounce of creme de menthe, 1 ounce of creme de cacao, and 1 ounce of heavy cream with ice.
  • Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with grated chocolate.

Leprechaun Martini

A green minty delight, the Leprechaun Martini combines vodka and creme de menthe for a refreshing yet decadent drink.

How to Make It:

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  • Combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of creme de menthe, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Final Thoughts

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to embrace the spirit of Ireland and enjoy festive drinks with friends and family. From classic Irish cocktails to non-alcoholic options and dessert-inspired treats, these 16 drinks offer something for everyone. Remember to enjoy responsibly and raise your glass to good times and Irish cheer. Sláinte!