This Saturday is St. Patrick’s Day, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a cocktail inspired by the Emerald Isle. Sure, you could go with the old standby green beer, by why stop there? Here are a few more elegant ways to enjoy an Irish-themed adult beverage.

Sweet and Sassy

A flavored martini is perfect for slow sipping throughout the evening, with the added benefit of tasting like dessert. Start with your vodka of choice, and shake it over ice with the green flavored liqueur of your choice. We like creme de menthe, Midori, or green apple schnapps. If you prefer your cocktails with less of a punch, add a complimentary juice to dilute it. White grape works well with apple, while pineapple plays nice with melon. If you opted for mint, add some club soda. Dip the rim in green sugar for an extra festive touch.

 

You’re So Fancy

Take your green cocktail game to new heights with Chartreuse, a bitter, herbaceous French liqueur. Mixes especially well with gin or citrus flavors. If you ask us, the best way to enjoy Chartreuse is in martini form, mixed with citrus vodka, muddled basil, and a twist of lime to garnish. A splash of Chartreuse also gives a festive touch to a glass of champagne, turning it a lovely pale shade of green.

 

Drink Like an Irishman

Green cocktails are fun, but you’d be hard-pressed to find somebody drinking one in Ireland. If you’re aiming for authenticity, opt for the most authentic of Irish libations, a good old fashioned Irish whiskey. No green food coloring required! You can also turn it into an Old Fashioned by adding sugar or simple syrup, bitters, and a cherry/orange garnish, or make yours a Manhattan by mixing with sweet vermouth and bitters.

If whiskey isn’t your jam, go for a Guinness or Killian’s Irish Red. Both are an authentically Irish way to get in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day without quite the punch of a neat whiskey.

Irish in the AM

An Irish coffee is a great way to enjoy a little luck o’ the Irish in the morning or after dinner with dessert. St. Paddy’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so nobody is judging if you have one before noon. Whiskey is the traditional choice to make it, but you can’t go wrong with sweet and creamy Bailey’s either.

Old Faithful

Just can’t wrap your head around a St. Patrick’s Day party devoid of green beer? Squeeze a drop of green food coloring in any light-colored beer, stir lightly, and you’re good to go. Don’t go overboard on the food coloring or it will start to taste funny. A little goes a long way when it comes to food dye.

Whichever Irish cocktail you decide to enjoy this weekend, be sure to enjoy it responsibly. Slàinte!