St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate all things Irish, from lively parades to shamrock-covered streets and, of course, festive drinks. Across the globe, this holiday transforms cities into seas of green, with revelers raising pints of Guinness and green-tinted beverages in honor of the occasion.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t complete without a cocktail in hand—preferably one as green as a four-leaf clover. Unfortunately, many festive drinks rely heavily on sugar and artificial ingredients, leaving much to be desired. Why settle for overly sweet concoctions when there’s a world of refreshing, balanced options to explore?
This year, skip the sugary shortcuts and elevate your celebration with shamrock-inspired cocktails that are as delicious as they are festive. From light and citrusy sips to rich, indulgent pours, these recipes bring fresh flavors and creativity to the table. Pair them with your favorite Irish dishes or enjoy them on their own—just be prepared to toast to the tastiest St. Paddy’s Day yet. Sláinte!
The Recipe
3 slices cucumber
2 fresh mint sprigs
2 fresh basil leaves
1 ½ ounces Tito’s Handmade Vodka
½ ounce fresh lime juice
3 ounces ginger ale
Gently muddle cucumber slices, mint leaves and basil leaves in a shaker. Add vodka, lime juice and ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Top with ginger ale. Garnish with a mint sprig and basil leaf.
The Recipe
2 ounces Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
8 mint leaves
Mint sprig
In a glass, add whiskey, lime juice and simple syrup. Stir and press mint leaves to the bottom of the glass then add fresh ice overtop. Garnish with a mint sprig.
The Recipe
1 ½ ounces Hendrick’s Gin
8-12 torn mint leaves
1 ounce cucumber juice
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce aloe vera juice
1 ounce soda water
Cucumber slices
Mint sprigs
Add gin, mint leaves, cucumber and lemon juice into a glass and gently muddle. Fill glass halfway with crushed ice and stir. Top with aloe vera juice and soda water. Stir. Then fill with crushed ice. Garnish with sliced cucumber and mint.
The Recipe
3 slices cucumber
1 mint sprig
1 ½ ounces Chopin Vodka
1 ounce green tea
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce simple syrup
Mint sprig
Muddle 2 cucumber slices gently in a cocktail shaker until their scent and water are released. Add mint sprig and muddle gently again. Then, add ice, vodka, green tea, lime juice and simple syrup to shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with the remaining cucumber slice and a mint sprig.
The Recipe
2 ounces fresh cucumber juice*
2-3 jalapeño slices
2 ounces Grand Marnier Liqueur
1 ½ ounces CavAgave Blanco Tequila
2 ounces fresh lime juice
1 ½ ounces simple syrup
Jalapeño slice
*For cucumber juice: Peel a long seedless cucumber and cut it into small pieces. Blend the pieces until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp. Keeps up for 2-3 days in refrigerator.
For cocktail: Rim a glass with tajin, fill with ice and set it aside. In a shaker, muddle the jalapeños to release their spice. Add the cucumber juice, liqueur, tequila, lime juice and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well to combine. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and garnish with a jalapeño slice.
The Recipe
1 green apple, cubed
2 pears, sliced
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
1 cup green grapes
2 large limes, sliced
4 tablespoons sugar
1 bottle Riporta Pinot Grigio
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup club soda
Add fruit, sugar, wine, whiskey and lime juice to a pitcher. Stir and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, mix and top with club soda.
The Recipe
2 cucumber slices
2 ounces Jameson Original Irish Whiskey
½ ounce St. Elder Elderflower Liqueur
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
¾ ounce simple syrup
In a shaker, muddle cucumber slices. Add ice, whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass over fresh ice. Garnish with additional cucumber slices.
