Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

15 St. Patrick’s Day Drinks Worth Celebrating With (Way Beyond Green Beer)

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Updated: 03/12/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Every March, I tell myself I’m going to keep things simple — and then somehow I end up with a full bar cart of green cocktails, Irish whiskey, and jello shots ready to go. And honestly? No regrets. Green beer has its place, but St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to go a little bigger. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just making something fun for the occasion, the right drink lineup makes all the difference. I’m talking creamy blended cocktails that double as dessert, Irish classics that feel right at home in any pub, party shots that disappear in minutes, and make-ahead jello shots that basically do the work for you. This roundup covers all of it — 15 St. Patrick’s Day drinks that range from cozy and classic to bright green and totally festive. Some are quick two-ingredient builds, some are layered showstoppers, and a few are just plain fun to serve. Pick your favorites, stock your bar, and let’s make this one worth celebrating. Sláinte!

1. Irish Coffee Recipe

Irish Coffee Recipe

Irish Coffee is the warm, whiskey-spiked classic that belongs on every St. Patrick’s Day lineup. It’s simple to pull together, incredibly cozy, and that layer of whipped cream on top makes it feel like a proper treat. If you’re celebrating all day long, this is the perfect place to start.

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2. St. Patrick’s Day Mudslide

St. Patrick’s Day Mudslide

This is the “dessert in a glass” move I always come back to for St. Patrick’s Day. A swap of Jameson gives it an Irish twist, and blending it up creamy with whipped cream and gold sprinkles on top makes it feel totally festive. It’s basically a boozy milkshake — and it goes fast.

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3. Boozy Shamrock Shake

Boozy Shamrock Shake

Think of this as the grown-up version of that drive-thru favorite — minty, creamy, and brilliantly green. It doubles as dessert and looks stunning with whipped cream and a cherry on top. This one is pure St. Patrick’s Day in a glass.

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4. Grasshopper

Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is the easiest way to get that classic mint-chocolate combo into a cold, creamy, gorgeous green cocktail. It feels like an after-dinner drink without any of the fuss. When you want something that tastes like a treat and looks the part, this one delivers.

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5. Drunk Leprechaun

Drunk Leprechaun

Fast, bright, and completely party-ready — this is the green cocktail I reach for when I want something festive without a lot of effort. It’s a fun twist on a screwdriver with serious St. Patrick’s Day energy. Perfect for anyone who wants something green that isn’t beer.

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6. Midori Sour

Midori Sour

Neon green, sweet, bubbly, and just the right amount of sour — the Midori Sour was practically made for this holiday. It’s refreshing, ridiculously easy to drink, and looks as fun as it tastes. If you’re building a St. Patrick’s Day cocktail menu, this one earns its spot every time.

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7. Lucky Leprechaun Shots

Lucky Leprechaun Shots

These are my go-to party shots for St. Patrick’s Day — quick to make, bright green, and dangerously easy to keep pouring. The sour apple and whiskey combo is a great pairing, and a gold sprinkle rim makes them look extra festive. They’re perfect for keeping the energy going between cocktails.

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8. Lucky Leprechaun Jello Shots

Lucky Leprechaun Jello Shots

When I’m hosting, I always want at least one make-ahead option — and these jello shots are exactly that. They’re minty, bright green, and built for a St. Patrick’s Day spread. Top them with whipped cream and gold sprinkles right before serving and watch them vanish.

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9. Pot ‘O Gold Jello Shots

Pot ‘O Gold Jello Shots

These are the fun, festive shots I make when I want a little extra flair on the table. Lemon jello keeps them bright and crowd-pleasing, and the pot-of-gold theme is perfect for the holiday. Load them up with whipped cream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow candy — we’re celebrating, after all.

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10. Irish Slammer

Irish Slammer

Guinness, Irish whiskey, and Baileys all in one glass — this is pure St. Patrick’s Day bar energy. It’s a classic party move that’s always a blast to serve, especially when you’ve got a crowd. Just make it, drink it fast, and enjoy every second of it.

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11. Baby Guinness Shot

Baby Guinness Shot

This little shot looks exactly like a tiny pint of Guinness, but tastes like a sweet, creamy coffee treat. The layered Kahlua and Baileys combo is simple to pull off and always gets a reaction. It’s a crowd-pleaser that photographs beautifully — a must for any Irish-themed spread.

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12. Breakfast Shot

Breakfast Shot

This is the shot I pull out when I want something a little unexpected — Irish whiskey included, naturally. It’s sweet, a little brunchy, and the bacon garnish always gets a laugh (followed immediately by requests for another round). If you’re doing an all-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration, this one fits right in.

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13. Black and Tan

Black and Tan

When you want a Guinness moment that feels classic and a little showy, the Black and Tan is the move. The layered pour is a satisfying trick to pull off at home, and it looks seriously impressive in the glass. If your St. Patrick’s Day leans more pub than punch bowl, this one is a must.

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14. Snakebite

Snakebite

Two ingredients, zero boring — Guinness and hard cider come together for something crisp, balanced, and incredibly drinkable. It’s the perfect St. Patrick’s Day option when you want a beer-style drink without committing to green food coloring. Simple, satisfying, and always a hit.

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15. Scooby Snack Shot

Scooby Snack Shot

Every St. Patrick’s Day menu needs at least one bright green fun shot, and this is mine. Midori brings the festive color, and the tropical flavors make it way too easy to drink. Serve these to a crowd and get ready for everyone to ask for another round.

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Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

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