Give the Irish ales a break at the pub and try one of these spirited St. Patrick's Day cocktails instead.
21 Must-Try St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails
Updated on Jan. 15, 2025
1/21
Mudslide
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A chilled hurricane glass is the perfect vessel for this mudslide “milkshake”—a blended dessert drink that marries vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream and chocolate. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 688 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
The addition of vanilla ice cream and Irish cream liqueur (instead of fresh cream) turns a milky white Russian into a dessert-worthy, boozy mudslide. Perfect for imbibing after a corned beef dinner on St. Paddy’s Day—and whenever you want an icy refresher poolside.
2/21
Whiskey Sour
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
An oldie but goodie, the classic whiskey sour combines the warm glow of whiskey with a sweet-tart pucker of lemon. The optional egg white adds a lovely frothy texture and richness. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 191 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Although there are plenty of Irish whiskey cocktails on this list, we had to include one of our favorite bourbon cocktails: the whiskey sour. Equal parts tart, sweet and delicious, it’s balanced and elevated, thanks to the egg white foam topper.
3/21
Irish Cream
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Add some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this homemade Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 165 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Nothing says “Erin go bragh!” like bringing homemade Irish cream to the St. Patrick’s Day party. This hostess-worthy gift is easy to make and uses just a handful of ingredients, including your favorite Irish whiskey.
4/21
Green Tea Shot Recipe
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Named for its resemblance to green tea, this St. Patrick's Day favorite is made with whiskey, schnapps and sour mix, topped with a splash of lemon-lime soda. Cheers! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 82 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
All things green have a place on my St. Paddy’s menu, including these green tea shots that don’t involve any tea—but do turn green when you combine whiskey and homemade sour mix. Of course, Irish whiskey is the preferred choice for these tiny tipples.
5/21
Grasshopper
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A grasshopper is the perfect dessert cocktail. It's creamy and rich with refreshing minty flavor, plus it has all the retro fun to help celebrate any occasion. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 453 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
The creamy, minty dessert cocktail rose to popularity in the ’50s and ’60s, and is smartly made with heavy whipping cream, plus a blend of two cream liqueurs (creme de menthe and creme de cacao). It’s the ideal drink to keep in mind for your next St. Paddy’s Day soiree, given the color and its jubilant nature.
6/21
Baileys Hot Chocolate
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hot chocolate already warms you up from the inside out–but the addition of Baileys makes it doubly so. A mug of Baileys hot chocolate can be served as a beverage after coming in from the cold, but also as a breakfast accompaniment to a wintery pastry or as a dessert to be enjoyed in front of the fire. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 drink: 750 calories, 38g fat (19g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 10g fiber), 15g protein.
Everything is better with Baileys, including steamy mugs of hot chocolate. The Dutch-processed cocoa and chopped semisweet chocolate combine to create a deep, luxurious chocolate flavor profile in this recipe, while a splash of Baileys gives it a warm, boozy kick.
7/21
Gold Rush
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 cocktail
From the Recipe Creator:
A cocktail made with spirits and citrus juices usually can be classified as a “sour.” The Gold Rush is a sweet-tart spin on a classic bar room favorite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 220 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
If you didn’t come across a pot of gold at the end of any rainbows today, treat yourself to the next best thing: a gold rush cocktail comprised of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, ginger beer and honey liqueur. Don’t have the last ingredient on hand? DIY a replacement with 1 tablespoon of honey whisked into 1 teaspoon of hot water.
8/21
Guinness Float
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 floats
From the Recipe Creator:
That very first sip of a Guinness is what inspired this quick and easy dessert. The rich, creamy foam that gathers on the top of a freshly poured draft made me think of vanilla ice cream. At that point, I knew I had to combine the two in a Guinness float. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Even Guinness naysayers won’t be able to resist this creamy, velvety ice cream float with swirls of dark chocolate mixed into the robust Irish stout. For an adult twist on a Shamrock shake, replace the vanilla ice cream with mint.
9/21
Leprechaun Lime Drink
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't need the help of lucky little elves to ready this refreshing lime concoction. Cheery garnishes can be fixed in a wink to dress up each guest's glass. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
These little leprechaun sippers pack a big punch flavor-wise, thanks to an abundance of lime from the sherbet, thawed limeade concentrate and lemon-lime soda. This makes a great mocktail for friends who aren’t drinking and any young leprechauns running around.
10/21
Apple Martini
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This icy-cold appletini recipe is very refreshing with a nice hint of sour. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 285 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Another emerald-colored drink we love for St. Patrick’s Day is the always up-for-a-good-time sour apple martini. Reminiscent of green Jolly Ranchers in both hue and taste, this tempting tipple is akin to a drinkable dessert with its candy apple flavor.
11/21
Thin Mint Milk Shake
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 363 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
We love the ease of a spiked blender beverage for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day when you just want to get back to the party. Perfect as an after-dinner drink, this frosty cocktail has a low ABV from the crème de menthe but can easily transition to a mocktail by subbing 3 tablespoons of 2% milk plus a dash of peppermint extract in its place.
12/21
Irish Mule
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and '50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 169 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Add some fresh-squeezed lime juice to a glass of ginger ale and Jameson to create an easy Irish Mule. It’s an understated choice for March 17th, but it’s definitely a classic.
13/21
Irish Cream Coffee
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A steaming cup of this Irish cream coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 152 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
For those of us who prefer our coffee with a splash of Irish cream on March 17th (ahem, me), here’s an easy recipe to follow. Fun toppings like chocolate sprinkles, shavings and a dash of cinnamon are also welcome.
14/21
Espresso Martini with Baileys
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Irish cream and espresso are a match made in cocktail heaven. Garnish with coffee beans or espresso powder. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 martini: 301 calories, 9g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
If anyone asks if you want Baileys in your espresso martini, the answer is always yes on St. Patrick’s Day—and every other day of the year. The Irish cream liqueur has been around since 1974 and elevates everything it touches with sweetness, creamy richness and a boozy kick.
15/21
Hot Toddy
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Super quick and easy to make, this warming whiskey drink will get you through those cold months. Boiled water gets poured over honey until it dissolves, then a helping of whiskey and lemon juice gets added to the mix, resulting in a sweet, soothing drink. —Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 196 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
My mom—who was as Irish as they come—loved her hot toddies. And a good Irish whiskey is the secret sauce in this cure-all cocktail. After that, it’s a matter of adding honey, lemon juice, water and a cinnamon stick to finish the job.
16/21
Ginger Mint Julep
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mint juleps aren't just for Kentucky Derby day! Enjoy one while gathering with friends for baby shower or luncheon. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 238 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
This light and refreshing ginger mint julep is a breeze to batch for a crowd, thanks to the make-ahead mint syrup. Once that’s prepped, all you have to do is fill the julep cups with ice, add bourbon, lime juice and syrup, and top with ginger beer.
17/21
Cucumber Margarita
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A cool and refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, this cucumber margarita combines the bright flavors of lime and triple sec with the crisp and earthy flavors of cucumbers. The cucumbers provide enough sweetness that you can skip the simple syrup for this beverage! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 238 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
When you need a lighter beverage to offer alongside a rich, rustic spread, look no further than this four-ingredient cucumber margarita. It’s refreshing, cool and perfectly balanced. Crafted with homemade cucumber juice, it’s light in calories and sugar but not in flavor.
18/21
Whiskey-Brandy Slush
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
10 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It may be cold outside, but we like to serve this icy citrus drink for Christmas get-togethers at our house. It is fantastic for parties and large gatherings, and it keeps well in the freezer. —Joan Shoebottom, Lexington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 146 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
A boozy whiskey-brandy slushie is just the thing to pair with stick-to-your-ribs Irish comfort favorites like shepherd’s pie and colcannon. Citrusy, bright and light, the slush can be kept in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it. We top it with soda for a fizzy finish.
19/21
Old-Fashioned
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to beat a classic cocktail like the old-fashioned. A spear of Luxardo cherries makes an appealing garnish. —Caroline Stanko, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 114 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Made with just a few ingredients like sugar, bitters, whiskey and an orange peel, an old-fashioned is a grand cocktail choice for St. Paddy’s Day. Before you get started, make sure you have a high-proof, high-quality whiskey on hand. If you don’t already have a go-to brand, check out the best whiskey picks according to a BarSmarts-certified sommelier.
20/21
Chocolate Martini
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, creamy after-dinner drink doubles as a dessert! You'll dazzle guests with the pretty swirl of chocolate sauce in the glass. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 563 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
The best desserts are the ones you can drink, in my humble opinion. Case in point: this chocolate-tinged ‘tini. If your home bar is stocked with vodka, chocolate liqueur and Irish cream, you’re in business. You can easily incorporate a flavored vodka like coconut or peppermint if you’re feeling fancy.
21/21
Irish Coffee
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Irish coffee lives up to its reputation as a relaxing after-dinner drink. Creme de menthe adds a colorful touch to the cream. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 203 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
If you ask me, the most Irish day of the year calls for coffee with a splash of whiskey. The classic Irish cocktail (known as caife Gaelach in the motherland) is made with hot coffee, a shot of Irish whiskey and some sugar, then topped with a generous layer of thick cream. Just the thing to keep you cozy in a pub—or you know, at home.
St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails FAQ
What are the most well-known St. Patrick’s Day cocktails?
Anything with Baileys in it, of course! After that, St. Paddy’s is usually toasted with an Irish old-fashioned, a spiked Shamrock shake and anything served in a magically green glass. Or, using Irish whiskey in place of vodka or tequila. Irish mule, anyone?
What can you serve with St. Patrick’s Day cocktails?
Corned beef and cabbage is a classic dish with a side of Irish soda bread, but there are loads of unique recipe riffs to try outside of the traditional Irish fare. Think clover rice crispy bars, soft beer pretzels, Irish creme chocolate trifle and more St. Patrick’s Day party food ideas.
What are some true Irish cocktails?
If you’re looking for an authentic stamp of approval for your St. Patrick’s Day cocktail menu, you may want to consider a list of drinks you’ll actually find in Ireland. Irish coffee is a given, as is The Dubliner, a refreshing combo of Irish whiskey, ginger ale and a splash of lime that’s like an Irish highball with a twist. Then there’s the black velvet, which is Guinness mixed with hard cider or sparkling wine—which is a nod to Ireland’s love of “the black stuff.”
