Saint Patrick's Day is approaching! Seeing as Irish is a part of my heritage, I feel a special connection with this holiday, not to mention that, as a bartender, I get the opportunity to have all sorts of fun with cocktails and customers alike! Keeping with all of the beverage fun and frivolity, here are a few twists on the standards that I've tested out and thought I'd share ....


The Redheaded Lass
This one is my twist on the standard Irish Mule. It's a bit sweet, a bit tart, and the spice of the ginger beer creates a beautiful "even out effect" with the fruit and whiskey flavors.

  • 2 ounces of Irish Whiskey
  • 1 ounce of Strawberry Puree (recipe below)
  • Fresh Lime
  • Ginger Beer

In a pint glass, pour the Irish Whiskey and Strawberry Puree, squeeze and drop in the fresh lime, add ice to the top, pour in the Ginger Beer to fill the glass, then Stir.

Strawberry Puree:
In a blender combine 1 quart of fresh strawberries with 1 1/2 pints of water until liquid


Lucky Clover Cider
I get asked for this cider recipe year round, but it's perfect for the St. Patrick's Day holiday! It can be served with the whiskey or without it, and I like to garnish it with a green sugar and cinnamon rim, but feel free to get creative with cookies, apples, or rock candy in fun colors and flavors!

  • 1 quart of fresh Apple Cider
  • 3-4 whole Cinnamon Sticks
  • 2 tablespoons of whole Cloves
  • 8 ounces of Irish Whiskey

Place the Apple Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, and Cloves in a saucepan on the stove. Heat until you achieve a slow boil, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain into a seperate container to cool. Add the Irish Whiskey. Garnish glasses, pour and serve.


Leprechaun Gold
This is my twist on the standard Pot of Gold cocktail. The rosemary and thyme in the syrup give it a wonderful earthy twist, and the fresh ginger is a sweet spicy kick.

  • 1.5 ounces of Irish Whiskey
  • 1 ounce of Rosemary Thyme Syrup (recipe below)
  • 2 slices of fresh Lemon
  • 1 slice of fresh Ginger Root

Muddle the Lemon and Ginger Root in the Rosemary Thyme Syrup, add ice and the Irish Whiskey, then Shake and serve!

Rosemary Thyme Syrup:

  • 16 grams of fresh rosemary
  • 6 grams of fresh thyme
  • 107 grams of light brown sugar
  • 4 grams of cinnamon sticks (approximately 1 small stick)
  • .08 grams of lemon zest (basically the zest of 1 slice of lemon)
  • 882 grams of hot water

Throw it all in a saucepan, stir to dissolve the sugar, bring to a slow boil, then simmer for approximately 45 minutes. Strain into a seperate container to cool.

Regardless of whether you're preparing one of these Irish-inspired cocktails, or simply enjoying a pint of Guinness, Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Post pics of your own St. Paddy's Day cocktail creations, and may the luck of the Irish be with you! šŸ€

Happy Cocktailing!