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Skip the green beer! These 15 Irish-inspired cocktails bring St. Patrick’s Day to life with bold flavors and simple prep. From classic Jameson whiskey drinks to creamy Baileys treats and refreshing cucumber martinis, find your new holiday favorite.
St. Patrick’s Day deserves better than just green beer! This year, raise your glass with cocktails that actually taste as good as they look. We’ve gathered 15 drinks that bring Irish-inspired fun to your celebration without resorting to green food coloring in a pint glass. While you can always sip on a Guinness, we think these cocktails are a step up to honor Ireland with.
From whiskey-forward classics with modern twists to creamy liqueur drinks that double as dessert, these cocktails deliver bold flavors. Jameson Irish whiskey is the main ingredient in several recipes, including an old fashioned, a manhattan, and the refreshing Irish mule.
Not a whiskey fan? No problem! The lineup includes lighter options like the crisp cucumber martini, a fresh apple martini , and a creamy Baileys Coffee Milkshake. And for those chilly March nights, nothing beats wrapping your hands around a classic Irish Coffee done right.
These 15 cocktail recipes will have everyone at your gathering forgetting green beer was ever a tradition. Sláinte!
st. patrick’s day cocktail must-haves
st. patrick’s day cocktails
Irish Coffee
A simple and delicious Irish coffee is easy to make and so flavorful! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this cocktail ready in about 5 minutes. The classic combination of coffee and Irish whiskey is a cozy drink everyone will love.
Jameson Old Fashioned
A Jameson Old Fashioned is a simple twist on the classic cocktail recipe that’ll really surprise you! The kick of Irish whiskey with bitters, a little sugar and a splash of soda gives you a smooth drink that’ll elevate happy hour.
Blackberry Thyme Irish Whiskey Sour
A Blackberry Thyme Irish Whiskey Sour is the perfect way to celebrate spring and St. Patrick’s Day, all in one glass! The Irish whiskey makes for a killer pairing for the homemade blackberry thyme simple syrup and sour lemon notes. Feel free to omit the egg whites if you want!
Baileys Coffee Milkshake
Bailey’s Irish Coffee Milkshake is my version of a dessert, after-dinner drink, and after-dinner coffee all in one glorious, cold and creamy milkshake. This is the only way to finish off that St. Patrick’s Day feast if you like irish cream liqueur and vanilla ice cream. So much better than a shamrock shake!
Cucumber Margarita
Crisp and refreshing, this green cucumber margarita is festive and easy to make! With only a few ingredients and a garnish of fresh mint, this light cocktail is an instant favorite.
Jameson Manhattan
A Jameson Manhattan is how to class up the Irish whiskey in a whole new way! The smooth spirit pairs perfectly with the classic Manhattan ingredients. You can even serve it as a chilled punch!
The Best Irish Mule
An Irish Mule is the traditional Moscow Mule ratio, with Irish whiskey instead of vodka! Irish whiskey, no matter what brand you use, is a fantastic pairing with the bite of ginger and zest of lime. Make it for St. Patrick’s Day or a sunny afternoon spent on a patio.
Jameson and Ginger
A Jameson and Ginger cocktail is pure perfection in its simplicity. The smooth Irish whiskey, a ting of lime juice and the bite of ginger ale all come together in this gorgeous glass. It’s doesn’t get any easier than this! The golden hue matches the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow too.
Fresh Apple Martini
Tart and balanced, this Fresh Apple Martini is made with fresh apples, lemon juice, and vodka (or gin). No artificial flavors or overly sweet ingredients – this cocktail captures the fresh essence of fall!
Jameson Whiskey Sour
A Jameson Whiskey Sour is a simple three-ingredient cocktail that allows Jameson Irish Whiskey to shine in a whole new way. The balance of tartness from the fresh lemon juice and a hint of sweet with the spirit is an instant favorite for cocktail hour.
Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate
Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate is creamy and rich, making it a delightful cup to cozy up to on a cold winter night. Topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, it’s an easy warm cocktail to indulge in.
Espresso Martini
An espresso martini is the pick-me-up your next cocktail hour needs. Made with simple ingredients and perfectly balanced, you’ll want to sip this classic cocktail anytime of year.
Cranberry Cider Irish Mule
A Cranberry Cider Irish Mule is just the refreshing, seasonal cocktail you need to toast the New Year! The combination of cranberry and apple cider, along with crisp ginger beer and a bite of Irish whiskey, makes every sip a surprise of flavors and bubbles. Get ready for a real zinger of a sipper!
Whiskey Apple Ginger Fizz
Craving a cocktail with a little extra depth this week? A Whiskey Apple Ginger Fizz always does the trick! The smooth and tart combination of whiskey, apple juice and ginger beer will tickle your taste buds, but it’s the surprise ingredient of dill that’ll have everyone begging for a second round.
just one more thing…
Looking for some bites to serve alongside your St. Patrick’s Day cocktails? These St. Patrick’s Day appetizers are the best companions to your Irish-inspired drinks! From quick finger foods to shareable dips, here are some festive favorites that’ll keep your guests satisfied (no luck needed!):
For whiskey cocktail pairings, try the roast beef sliders or corned beef poutine – their savory flavors complement the warm notes in your Jameson drinks beautifully!
Serving refreshing cucumber martinis or mules? Balance them with something creamy like the spinach artichoke goat cheese dip or the bacon jalapeño spinach artichoke dip for a perfect contrast. Cheers!
Feel free to drop questions below, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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