9 Alternatives to Green Beer on St Paddy's Day
I love St. Patricks day. The jokes, the social acceptance of pinching people, wearing green that brings out my eyes... But I draw the line at green beer... It's just not good, and if it was good beer - why would I put green food dye in it? I pride myself on being a bit of a snob in the drinks department- not too much, just enough to not drink green beer. Here are some drinks for St. Patricks day to class it up.
Irish Coffee
The only beverage in the world to satisfy all four of the essential food groups!
- 2 oz Irish whiskey (such as Jameson Irish Whiskey)
- 1 tsp brown or unrefined sugar
- 6 oz hot coffee
- heavy cream or whipping cream
Combine whiskey, sugar and coffee in a mug and stir to dissolve. Make sure coffee is EXTRA hot! Float cold cream gently on top. Do not mix.
Irish Julep
An Irishman and a Southern belle walk into a bar....
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp water
- Crushed Ice
- 1½oz Irish Whiskey (Such as Bushmills)
- ¼ oz Averna Amaro
- Mint sprigs, for garnish
In a tall glass, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and water. Fill the glass with ice and pour whiskey and amaro over the ice. Garnish with mint sprigs.
Emerald Cocktail
The Emerald cocktail is first cousin to the Manhattan and makes a perfect stand- in for green beer on St. Paddy's Day
- 2 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz Dolin sweet vermouth
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- 2 brandied cherries
Combine all ingredients except the cherries with plenty of ice in a cocktail shaker. Stir for ten to twenty seconds. Pour through a stainer into an Old Fashioned glass (who wants to bother with the dexterity required for a cocktail glass on St. Patrick’s Day?) and garnish with the cherries.
The Copywriter
This easy drinking cocktail goes down smoother than lemonade- but don't be fooled it's much stronger than your traditional emerald lager. Created by a NY bartender this sweet concoction is refreshingly potent.
Honey Syrup:
- 1/2 ounce hot water
- 1/2 ounce honey
For the Honey Syrup: Stir together hot water and honey until honey dissolves.
For the Cocktail:
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey, such as Jameson
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 ounce Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
- 1/2 ounce honey syrup
- Seltzer, chilled
- Garnish: lemon twist
Combine whiskey, lemon, sweet vermouth, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top with seltzer and garnish with a lemon twist. Especially good for warm climates!
Blarney Stone
One of my favorites. This is a refreshing take on the Moscow Mule substituting Irish whiskey for vodka.
- 2 ounces Bushmills Irish Whiskey
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, from about two limes
- Ginger beer, chilled
- Garnish: lime twist
Add whiskey and lime juice to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime twist.
Celtic Twilight
Whether your St Patricks day eve is filled with vampires or not this drink is so creamy and weet even Sookie would like it.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz. Bushmill's Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz. Frangelico
Mix all the ingredients together in a cocktail strainer and strain into a martini glass.
Irish Banshee
Spooky or mystical the wailing a of an Irish fairy can't stop you from enjoying this unique banana cocktail!
- 2 oz Crème de Bananas (banana liqueur)
- 1 oz Crème de Cacao
- 1 oz Half-and-half
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The Leprechaun
A pot of gold is not guaranteed at the end of this rainbow but a steady cocktail to sip on all night long is! Essentially an Irish gin and tonic, garnish with a lime for a bit of green.
- 2 oz Irish Whiskey (such as Jameson Irish Whiskey)
- 5 oz tonic water
- 1 lime wedge
Pour the whiskey and tonic water into a highball glass almost filled with ice. Stir well. Garnish with the lime wedge for a refreshing drink to sip all night!
Sparkling Shamrock
You will notice the recipe giving the choice of either club soda or lemonade is given and both are great options. However, I found I liked the drink even better when made with equal parts of each.
- 1 1/2 parts Grey Goose La Poire or Absolut Pears Flavored Vodka
- 1/2 part St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 2 parts juiced cucumber
- 1/2 part lemon juice
- 1/2 part simple syrup
- Lemonade or club soda (or half and half)
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Cucumber slices for garnish
- Lemon zest for garnish
In a cocktail shaker, mix all ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain.
Serve in a highball glass with cubed ice and garnish with mint, cucumber slices and lemon zest. Top with lemonade or club soda or a little bit of both!
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Sláinte (To your health)!