Going for the same green beer? This St. Patrick’s Day, bring something different to the table—bold Irish whiskey cocktails, smooth Irish cream liqueur drinks, and rich Guinness recipes. Whether you’re mixing up a round for friends or treating yourself to a festive pour, these 5 cocktails are worth raising a glass to!
1. Irish Old Fashioned
A classic, reimagined. Irish whiskey makes this Old Fashioned a little lighter, a little smoother, and just as timeless.
What You Need:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Add whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir, then strain into a weighted rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink, drop it in, and enjoy.
2. Dublin Iced Coffee
Like an Irish Coffee, but make it cold—and even smoother.
What You Need:
- 2 oz cold brew coffee
- 1 ½ oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Whipped cream & grated nutmeg, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in whiskey, cold brew, and simple syrup.
- Stir, then top with Irish cream liqueur for a layered effect.
- Finish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
3. Guinness Espresso Martini
A bold twist on the espresso martini—smooth coffee, deep stout, pure indulgence.
What You Need:
- 1 oz espresso (or strong coffee)
- 1 oz Irish whiskey
- ½ oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz Guinness Stout
- Coffee beans, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Shake espresso, whiskey, and coffee liqueur with ice.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass, then float Guinness on top.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
4. Shamrock Sour
A fresh, citrusy whiskey sour with a hint of herbaceous green—no dye needed!
What You Need:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- A few fresh basil or mint leaves
- Bitters & a basil leaf, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Muddle herbs in a shaker, then add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
- Dry shake (no ice) for 15 seconds. Add ice, shake again.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with bitters and a fresh basil leaf.
5. The Nutty Irishman
Sweet, nutty, creamy, and dangerously smooth.
What You Need:
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz hazelnut liqueur
- 2 oz half-and-half or whole milk
- Crushed ice
- Grated chocolate or nutmeg, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a glass tumbler filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with grated chocolate or nutmeg.
A Toast to St. Patrick’s Day, Your Way
From bold Irish whiskey cocktails to smooth Guinness drinks and creamy Irish cream liqueur recipes, there’s more than one way to raise a glass this St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re mixing up something classic or trying a new twist, the right glassware makes every pour feel like a celebration. So, which cocktail will you be sipping? Sláinte!
