30 Festive St Patrick’s Day Cocktails to Celebrate in Style
St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite celebrations of the year. It’s a time to gather with friends and family, enjoy some festive food, and, of course, sip on a few delicious drinks. Whether you’re planning a low-key evening at home or hosting a big party, there’s something special about raising a glass and toasting to the luck of the Irish. Over the years, I’ve discovered that a great cocktail can truly set the tone for the day, from vibrant green drinks to whiskey-inspired classics.
In my own experience, finding the perfect St. Patrick’s Day cocktail isn’t just about having something tasty to sip – it’s about creating an atmosphere. The right drink can make everyone feel festive, no matter what their plans are for the day. From smooth, refreshing options to bold and boozy concoctions, there’s a drink for every taste. And of course, the green color adds a fun twist to any celebration! It’s all about having fun and enjoying the company of others, and a great drink can be the perfect icebreaker.
This year, I’ve gathered 30 of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day cocktail recipes to help you celebrate in style. Whether you’re a fan of classic Irish whiskey or looking to try something new, I’ve got a recipe for you. So, get ready to shake things up, stir up some fun, and make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember with these festive drinks.
Make sure you also take a look at my St Patrick’s Day mocktail recipes!
1. Irish Mule
The Irish Mule is a fresh and zesty twist on the classic Moscow Mule, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. With smooth Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and lime, it’s a drink that’s as refreshing as it is festive.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
- Pour in the Irish whiskey and fresh lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
2. Shamrock Sour
The Shamrock Sour is a fun, green take on the classic whiskey sour, bringing a burst of citrus and a smooth finish. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz green crème de menthe
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine Irish whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and green crème de menthe.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.
3. Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee holds a special place in my heart for St. Patrick’s Day. There’s something about the rich coffee, smooth whiskey, and a dollop of cream that makes it feel like a warm hug in a mug – perfect for sipping while enjoying the festivities.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 oz brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Heavy cream, lightly whipped
Instructions:
- In a warm glass or mug, combine the hot coffee and brown sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add the Irish whiskey and stir to mix.
- Gently pour the lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the coffee.
- Serve immediately, without stirring.
4. Green Beer
Green Beer is a classic St. Patrick’s Day drink that never fails to bring out the festive spirit. There’s something so fun about adding a splash of color to a cold pint, making it the ultimate drink for celebrating with friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pint of your favorite light-colored beer (lager or pilsner)
- A few drops of green food coloring
Instructions:
- Pour the beer into a pint glass.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring and stir gently until the color is evenly distributed.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
5. Leprechaun Cocktail
The Leprechaun Cocktail is as playful and colorful as the holiday itself. With its vibrant green hue and sweet, fruity flavor, it’s the perfect drink to add some magic to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
- Splash of lemon-lime soda
- Green sugar for rim (optional)
Instructions:
- If desired, rim a glass with green sugar by wetting the rim with water and dipping it into the sugar.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, and sweet and sour mix.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
- Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda and serve immediately.
6. Emerald Isle
The Emerald Isle is a stunning cocktail that captures the essence of St. Patrick’s Day with its rich green color and smooth blend of flavors. It’s a sophisticated yet festive drink that will have everyone feeling lucky!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz green crème de menthe
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Lime twist for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, green crème de menthe, and lime juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist.
7. Irish Flag Shooter
The Irish Flag Shooter is a fun and vibrant tribute to Ireland’s iconic colors. With layers of green, white, and orange, it’s a visually striking drink that’s perfect for toasting to St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz green crème de menthe
- 1/2 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
Instructions:
- In a shot glass, carefully pour the green crème de menthe to fill the bottom layer.
- Using the back of a spoon, slowly layer the Irish cream liqueur on top.
- Repeat with the orange liqueur, pouring it slowly to create a distinct layer.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the visual effect before shooting!
8. Mint Chocolate Martini
The Mint Chocolate Martini is a decadent treat for anyone who loves the combination of mint and chocolate. With its smooth, creamy texture and festive green hue, it’s the perfect indulgence to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz crème de menthe (green)
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- Chocolate syrup for garnish
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled martini glass.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, crème de menthe, and chocolate liqueur.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with mint leaves.
9. Green Sangria
Green Sangria is a refreshing and fruity twist on the traditional sangria, made with vibrant green ingredients that are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Light, sweet, and packed with fresh flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine
- 1/2 cup green apple schnapps
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 green apple, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 cup green grapes
- Splash of club soda
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine white wine, green apple schnapps, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Add sliced apple, lime, and grapes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Just before serving, add a splash of club soda for fizz and stir gently.
10. Lucky Leprechaun
The Lucky Leprechaun is a playful and vibrant cocktail that brings a little extra magic to your St. Patrick’s Day. With its sweet, citrusy flavors and a bright green color, it’s sure to be a hit at any celebration!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Midori (melon liqueur)
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
- 1 oz club soda
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, Midori, and sweet and sour mix.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
11. Green Goddess
The Green Goddess is a refreshing and herbaceous cocktail that’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your St. Patrick’s Day. With its crisp, clean flavors and vibrant green color, it’s a delightful twist on your usual festive drinks.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Fresh basil and mint leaves
- Club soda
- Basil leaf for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, muddle a few basil and mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.
- Add gin and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with club soda.
- Garnish with a basil leaf.
12. Leprechaun’s Kiss
The Leprechaun’s Kiss is a sweet and fruity cocktail that captures the playful spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. With a blend of tropical flavors and a touch of sparkle, it’s a fun drink that will have everyone feeling lucky!
Ingredients:
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 1 oz green apple vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- Splash of lemon-lime soda
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine peach schnapps, green apple vodka, and cranberry juice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with an apple slice.
13. Clover Club
The Clover Club is a classic cocktail with a refreshing, tangy twist that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. With its smooth blend of gin, raspberry, and a hint of lemon, it’s a sophisticated yet festive drink to enjoy while celebrating the holiday.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz raspberry syrup
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg white (optional for froth)
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white (if using).
- Dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice and shake again until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with fresh raspberries.
14. Irish Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 4 oz lemonade
- Splash of club soda
- Lemon wheel for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the Irish whiskey and lemonade.
- Top with a splash of club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.
15. St. Patrick’s Day Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Midori (melon liqueur)
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
- Melon ball or lime twist for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, Midori, and sweet and sour mix.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a melon ball or lime twist.
16. Irish Whiskey Sour
The Irish Whiskey Sour is a smooth and tangy twist on the classic sour, made with rich Irish whiskey for an extra kick. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and a bit of Irish charm, making it a go-to drink for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Lemon twist for garnish
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a cherry.
17. Green Tea Shot
The Green Tea Shot is a fun, easy-to-make drink that packs a punch with its sweet, tangy flavor. It’s the perfect quick sip for St. Patrick’s Day, offering a unique twist with a vibrant green color to match the festive spirit of the holiday.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1/2 oz peach schnapps
- 1/2 oz sour mix
- Splash of lemon-lime soda
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix.
- Shake well and strain into a shot glass.
- Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda and serve immediately.
18. The Banshee
The Banshee is a smooth and indulgent cocktail that combines creamy, sweet flavors with a hint of banana. It’s a fun, tropical twist on St. Patrick’s Day drinks, making it the perfect choice for those looking to add a little extra sweetness to the celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz banana liqueur
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz vodka
- Banana slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine banana liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and vodka.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a banana slice.
19. Green Apple Fizz
Ingredients:
- 1 oz green apple vodka
- 1 oz sour apple schnapps
- 3 oz sparkling wine or champagne
- Green apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass filled with ice, combine green apple vodka and sour apple schnapps.
- Top with sparkling wine or champagne.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of green apple.
20. Irish Gold
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
- 1 oz vodka
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Gold sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine Irish cream liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, and vodka.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with gold sprinkles if desired.
21. Irish Rose
The Irish Rose is a delicate yet flavorful cocktail that combines Irish whiskey with a hint of floral sweetness. With its light, smooth taste and subtle rose notes, it’s a refreshing and unique drink to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and grenadine.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
22. Lucky Charm Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz green crème de menthe
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- Lucky Charms cereal for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vanilla vodka, green crème de menthe, and Irish cream liqueur.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Lucky Charms cereal on top.
23. St. Patrick’s Day Punch
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) Irish whiskey
- 4 cups lemonade
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups club soda
- Slices of lime and lemon for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large punch bowl, combine Irish whiskey, lemonade, and pineapple juice.
- Stir well to combine.
- Just before serving, add club soda for fizz.
- Garnish with slices of lime and lemon.
24. Green Velvet
The Green Velvet is a smooth, creamy cocktail that adds a touch of elegance to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. With its rich, velvety texture and delightful green color, it’s the perfect drink for those looking to indulge in something luxurious yet festive.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz green crème de menthe
- 1 oz vodka
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine Irish cream liqueur, green crème de menthe, and vodka.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Top with whipped cream.
25. Shamrock Shake Martini
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz green crème de menthe
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with crushed ice, combine vanilla vodka, green crème de menthe, and Irish cream liqueur.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
26. Irish Espresso Martini
The Irish Espresso Martini is a bold and energizing twist on the classic espresso martini, combining the richness of coffee with the smooth kick of Irish whiskey. It’s the perfect cocktail to keep the St. Patrick’s Day celebration buzzing with energy while adding a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine Irish whiskey, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a few coffee beans.
27. The Irish Maiden
The Irish Maiden is a light and refreshing cocktail that combines the smoothness of Irish whiskey with the crispness of cucumber and mint. It’s a unique, yet simple drink that adds a touch of elegance to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz tonic water
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with tonic water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
28. Minty Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.
- Fill the glass with ice and add Irish whiskey.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
29. The Emerald City
The Emerald City is a vibrant and enchanting cocktail that brings a touch of glamour to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. With its refreshing mix of citrus and mint, and a stunning green color, it’s a drink that’s as magical as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1 oz green apple schnapps
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, green apple schnapps, and lime juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
30. Irish Sunset
The Irish Sunset is a beautifully layered cocktail that combines the warmth of Irish whiskey with a touch of tropical fruit, creating a stunning drink that mirrors the colors of a sunset. It’s a perfect choice for a relaxed yet festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 1/2 oz green crème de menthe
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine Irish whiskey and orange juice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
- Finally, add green crème de menthe on top.
- Serve with a straw and enjoy the visual effect!