St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails That Are More Chic Than Cheesy

The luckiest holiday is almost upon us. And if you’re already planning your festivities for St. Patrick’s Day, you’re gonna need festive cocktails with which to better entertain. Ahead, 10 worthy options that are delicious and elevated, and not at all cheesy.

Irish Negroni

While by now you’ve most definitely heard of the Negroni Sbagliato (thanks to Emma D’Arcy’s viral interview last year), an Irish Negroni is one variation of the classic Italian cocktail you may not have encountered before. Combine 1 oz Bushmill’s Red Bush, 1 oz herbal aperitif and 1 oz sweet red Vermouth in a rocks glass over ice and stir. Garnish with a piece of orange peel.

Coupe Of Gold

If you’re planning on hosting a gathering this St. Patrick’s Day, charm your guests with this pot-of-gold-inspired cocktail that can easily be made to serve a crowd. Stir 0.75 oz Cointreau, 1.5 oz The Botanist Gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 0.5 tbsp ground turmeric and 2 mint leaves in a punch bowl and refrigerate. To serve, add ice cubes to the bowl and ladle into coupe glasses.

Irish Whiskey Sour

Sarah Gualtieri shares no shortage of delicious cocktail recipes on her instagram account @the.boozy.ginger, and her Irish Whiskey Sour is no different. Add 2 oz Irish whiskey, 3/4 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and 1 egg white to a shaker without ice and shake for 10 to 20 seconds. Add ice to the shaker and shake again. Strain and serve with a clover for a bit of luck.

Green With Envy

If you’re jonesing for something festive and refreshing this St. Patrick’s Day, why not try Jameson’s basil-infused, sparkling wine cocktail? Muddle 1 basil leaf in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes, 1.5 oz Jameson Original, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup and shake. Double strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with 1 1/2 oz Prosecco.

Bailey’s Espresso Martini

Give your favorite dessert cocktail a sweet St. Patrick’s Day twist with Bailey’s. Shake 2 oz of Baileys Espresso Creme Liqueur, 0.25 oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka and 0.25 oz espresso in a shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass. It’s as simple as that.

Lucky Kiwi

If Irish whiskey isn’t your thing, Casamigos’ charming Lucky Kiwi cocktail with blanco tequila and mint may be right up your alley. Combine 1.5 oz Casamigos Blanco Tequila, 1 oz kiwi purée, .75 oz fresh lemon juice, .75 oz simple syrup, and 8 to 10 mint leaves in a shaker. Muddle the mint leaves, add ice, then shake vigorously. Pour into a glass along with a splash of club soda.

Irish Maid

According to cold-pressed, twist-to-mix bottled cocktail company, DRNXMYTH, the trick to making the smooth and spirited Irish Maid comes from the quality of its ingredients. To create, muddle two pieces of cucumber in a shaker. Add 2 oz Irish whiskey, .05 oz elderflower liquer, .75 oz fresh lemon juice, .75 oz honey simple syrup and ice, and mix with a spoon. Strain and pour into a cocktail glass over ice. Best served with a cucumber and lemon wedge.

Elderflowers Of Meath

To make Teeling’s version of a gin and tonic, mix 3 oz Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, 2 oz elderflower liqueur, 1 oz Martini Riserva and 4 oz soda water in a tall collins glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of thyme and feel like a regular mixologist.

Tipperary

Traditionally made with Irish whiskey, this version of the herby, warming Tipperary cocktail uses Irish vodka, instead. Mix 35 ml Kalak Single Malt Vodka, 15 ml green chartreuse, and 15 ml sweet Italian vermouth in a shaker with a spoon for about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled tumbler and serve.

Game, Set, Matcha

While Irish Coffee is the typical boozy, caffeinated beverage of choice for St. Patrick’s Day, we’re partial to Don Julio’s matcha cocktail for its spring-forward (and theme-appropriate) hue. Combine 1 tsp matcha powder and 2 oz of your milk of choice in a shaker and shake well. Add 1.5 oz Don Julio Blanco Tequila, .25 oz organic raw honey, and ice to the shaker and shake again. Pour into a 12 oz highball over ice and top with 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh mint.