It may nearly be time to scour your wardrobe for green in celebration of Ireland’s most famous saint or you are just looking for something festive. Here, we want to get beyond a pint of green beer (a light-colored beer with a squirt of food coloring). Whether these drinks are served hot to ice-chilled, all are sure to heat up shamrock spirit and bring you the luck of the Irish.
HALF AND HALFA pub mainstay made from a dark beer and a light beer, it’s a Black and Tan—but don’t call it that in Ireland, where that name has a negative connotation. Served in a pint glass, the dark beer—such as Guinness stout—sits on the top. This layered cocktail’s cousin is the Black ‘n Black: chilled Guinness stout with a shot of blackcurrant.
IRISH COFFEEWhile early versions of this coffee, cream and whiskey standard were reportedly enjoyed in Austria, Germany and Denmark in the mid-1800s, the modern incarnation we all know and love dates from the mid-20th century. Best served in a glass Irish coffee mug, this whiskey and coffee combo is made festive with a dash of brown sugar and the beverage’s distinctive cream head.
IRISH MUDSLIDEWhat would St. Patrick’s Day be without a pop of green in your glass? A blended dessert drink for cheerful lightweights, the Irish Mudslide is the happy result of Jameson, Kahlua, Baileys, half and half and green food coloring. To get really festive, add chocolate sauce, whipped cream and/or ice cream. Don’t forget the straw.
WHISKEY AND CRANBERRYWhether your preference is Jameson or Bushmills, this is a strong cocktail and a quick one to make, as long as you have an old-fashioned glass handy to serve it properly. You can’t go wrong with just two eponymous main ingredients—plus the traditional garnish of a lime wedge and actual cranberries if you have them lying around. Serve with ice.
BAILEYSA sweet and iconic after-dinner drink usually served on the rocks, Baileys is a beloved dessert-like concoction of Irish whiskey, cream and cocoa. Born in Dublin and available in decadent variants from red velvet to apple pie, Baileys can be used for celebrations throughout the year, as it has a 24-month shelf life.
BORU DRY MARTINISophisticated revelers will love this cocktail made from dry vermouth, Boru Irish vodka (boasting a clarity achieved from five-time distillation) and the requisite olive. The dry vermouth is swirled in a chilled martini glass, with the remainder tossed out before the vodka is shaken, strained and added.
DUBLIN APPLELovers of schnapps will have their moment with this shaken and strained cocktail: Refined yet with a touch of sweetness, the Green Dublin Cocktail is made with Irish whiskey, cranberry juice and green apple schnapps. It’s served with apple garnish in a chilled martini glass. Cheers!
