St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails

 

Modern-day St. Patrick's Day celebrations vary greatly from the religious observances originating in 17th–century Ireland. Today, the holiday serves as an annual excuse to enjoy a drink and some revelry.

 

And while celebrations in the United States center around green-dyed beer or green shooters, why not mix it up this year and enjoy a cocktail inspired by the Emerald Isle? So whether you prefer Irish whiskey or Irish cream, here are festive drinks that would even meet St. Patrick's approval. Sláinte!

 

Finnegan’s Wake

A drink named after James Joyce’s magical protagonist in “Finnegans Wake” almost demands a certain level of Irish authenticity - and this cocktail does not disappoint.

 

Ingredients

·         1 ounce Irish whiskey

·         1 ounce Green Chartreuse

·         1 ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur

·         1 ounce lime

·         Garnish: 3-5 mint leaves

 

Directions

1.      Add all ingredients to a shaker tin with ice; shake and strain into absinthe-rinsed (optional) coupe glass.

2.      Garnish with mint.

 

Emerald

If order a Manhattan to Ireland, you’ll get an Emerald. With Irish whiskey as its base, this cocktail is given new life when combined with the rich flavors of sweet vermouth and an extra punch of flavor and depth from the orange bitters.

 

Ingredients

·         2 ounces Irish whiskey

·         1 ounce sweet Italian vermouth

·         1 dash orange bitters

·         Garnish: orange peel

 

Directions

1.      Stir the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with cracked ice until cold; strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

2.      Garnish with an orange peel.

 

Irish Maid

If you’re looking for a lighter, refreshing way to celebrate, enter the Irish Maid. With its floral undertones (thanks to the St. Germain) aromatics and the cooling touch of cucumber, it makes a convincing case for warm weather St. Paddy’s Day drink.

 

Ingredients

·         2 slices cucumber, cut into quarter-inch slices

·         2 ounces Irish whiskey

·         ½ ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur

·         ¾ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

·         ¾ ounce simple syrup

·         Garnish: cucumber slice

 

Directions

1.      Muddle the cucumber slices in a shaker.

2.      Add the Irish whiskey, St-Germain, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice;  shake until well-chilled.

3.      Fine-strain into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice.

4.      Garnish with a cucumber slice.

 

Shamrocked

A fruitier twist on the traditional Irish whiskey cocktail, the Shamrocked offers a light, creamy melon taste. Plus, its bright green color lends itself well to the day's festivities.

 

Ingredients

·         1-½ ounces Midori liqueur

·         1 ounce Irish whiskey

·         ½ ounce Irish cream

·         Garnish: whipped cream, fresh mint

 

Directions

1.      Combine all ingredients in a shaker; shake and strain over ice into a double old fashioned glass.

2.      Garnish with whipped cream and fresh mint.

 

The Nutty Irishman

Wind down from your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations with this signature cocktail. The combination of two tasty liqueurs make up this popular nightcap.

 

Ingredients

·         1 ounce Irish cream liqueur

·         1 ounce Frangelico hazelnut liqueur

 

Directions

1.      Fill a brandy glass half full with ice.

2.      Top with Irish cream liqueur and Frangelico hazelnut liqueur; stir and serve.

 

 

However you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, visit Universal Fine Wine & Spirits for all your beverage needs!  We are more than happy to help answer any of your questions or suggest traditional Irish cocktails for your festivities. Come in and talk to an employee, call us at 727-937-8330, or visit our website.

 

 

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Sources

https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/st-patricks-day-cocktails/

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/g1165/best-st-patricks-day-cocktails/