5 Traditional Irish Cocktails for St Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a celebration of Irish heritage—it’s filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the shared joy of good company. Whether gathered in a cozy pub or hosting a lively party at home, friends and family come together to toast to the spirit of the Irish with music, stories, and festive drinks. Why not try these 5 traditional Irish cocktails.
This St. Patrick’s Day, embrace the spirit of Ireland by sampling five classic cocktails—the smooth and creamy Guinness stout, Baileys Irish Cream, Baby Guinness, the bold and golden Irish Gilt, and the rich, blackcurrant-infused Black and Black—for a true taste of tradition and celebration!
Guinness Stout
When it comes to drinking Guinness, the Irish know best. This world-famous stout, brewed in Dublin, Ireland, has been a cherished beverage for centuries.
Guinness tastes best when served on draft, but only in a Pub or Bar that sells a lot of Guinness. If the stout sits in the tap line for over an hour, it loses its freshness. For my Guinness cocktails, I choose nitrogenated cans.
Pop the tab on the can and let the can sit for a moment. You can hear the surge of bubbles from the nitrogen-filled capsule contained in each can of Guinness. The sound reminds me of a can of Reddi Whip when you squirt whipped cream over that piece of Thanksgiving pie.
Don’t have a Guinness Pint glass? Get one here. Pour the contents of the can into an official Guinness tulip-shaped pint glass at a 45-degree angle. Let the beer settle while you wait for the creamy head to form on the top of the stout. Now, take your first sip.
This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission if you buy the products from these links (at no extra cost). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But we only recommend products we would use ourselves. For more information, click here to see our disclosures.
Baileys Irish Cream
The Baileys website describes Baileys as:
One of life’s most pleasurable indulgences, Baileys Original Irish Cream is the sweetest meeting of fine Irish whiskey and spirits, Irish dairy cream, and rich chocolate and vanilla flavors. The result? Complete deliciousness.
I have to agree. Baileys is so versatile it can be served straight up, on the rocks, or with other liqueurs to make fabulous cocktails. Check out my Baileys recipes.
Do you want to know the secrets to mixing the best cocktails EVER? Get my free printable guide, ‘Mix, Mingle & Marvel: 5 Essential Secrets to Crafting Cocktails That Wow!’ just for joining my mailing list.
Baby Guinness
Baby Guinness is a popular layered shooter that mimics the appearance of a tiny pint of the famous Irish stout. Baileys Irish Cream is carefully layered on Kahlua to create this delightful drink, strikingly resembling the iconic dark beer with a creamy head.
The rich and sweet flavors of Baileys complement the coffee notes of Kahlua, resulting in a smooth and indulgent shot that’s both visually appealing and delicious. This miniature concoction is often a dessert-like treat at parties and gatherings.
Irish Gilt
The Irish Gilt mixes cranberry juice with Irish whiskey to create a delightful and refreshing cocktail that combines the tartness of cranberries with the smooth warmth of the whiskey.
The fruity and slightly tangy cranberry notes complement Irish whiskey’s rich and complex flavors, resulting in a balanced and flavorful drink perfect for casual gatherings and more formal occasions.
Black and Black
Adding Black Currant Liqueur to a Guinness Stout can create a delightful fusion of rich, dark beer flavors with the sweet and slightly tart notes of black currants, resulting in a unique and flavorful beverage that enhances the stout’s complexity. You can thank the Leprechauns for this twist on a Guinness Stout called the Black & Black.
BONUS St Patrick’s Day Cocktail
Another favorite St Patrick’s Day celebration cocktail in the U.S. is the Irish Car Bomb drink. This cocktail was actually invented in Connecticut. The Irish Car Bomb is a popular cocktail consisting of Guinness Stout, Irish cream liqueur, and Irish whiskey. The ingredients are usually layered and consumed quickly, combining creamy, sweet, and intense flavors.
The clinking of glasses, the warmth of cheerful toasts, and the sound of laughter echo the true essence of the holiday: a celebration of togetherness, tradition, and the simple joys of life. Sláinte!
Mix, Mingle & Marvel: 5 Essential Secrets to Crafting Cocktails That Wow! This free printable guide is waiting for you; all you have to do is subscribe to my mailing list.
I promise to keep your email safe.
Traditional Irish Meal Corned Beef and Cabbage
Gather your closest friends and immerse yourselves in the spirited celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Decked out in shades of green, embark on a joyful journey filled with laughter, good company, and a touch of Irish charm.
Enjoying corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day is a cherished tradition for many, especially in Irish American households. The dish, featuring succulent corned beef alongside tender cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, is a delicious way to celebrate the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, bringing friends and family together for a hearty and flavorful meal.
This delicious classic corned beef recipe is the perfect meal to serve at your St Patrick’s Day party. Easy to prepare, Classic Corned Beef simmers for 4 – 5 hours, giving you time to decorate and get ready for the party! Any leftover corned beef can be used for leftovers or sandwiches.
Holiday Decorations
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, my front porch transforms into a festive celebration of Irish culture. A St. Patrick’s Day wreath hangs proudly on the door. A wooden sign proclaims, “Irish kisses and Shamrock wishes.” A cozy seating area adorned with shamrock cushions invites guests to linger.
Whether embracing cherished traditions or creating new ones, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends will produce memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers to friendship and the luck of the Irish!
Remember to subscribe to my mailing list below and get Mix, Mingle & Marvel: 5 Essential Secrets to Crafting Cocktails That Wow!
Quick links are to the left and at the bottom of the post. Sharing is caring! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!