St. Patrick's Day Drinks

Alternatives to Green Beer

© Jessica Spengler

Feb 19, 2009
Green beer is not the only option on St. Patrick's Day. Alternatives to this holiday's staple include drinks made from everything from whiskey to creme de menthe.

The Frogger

A very tasty green shot is hard to come by in most places. But the folks at Loppnow's Sports Bar in Wausau, Wis. have a go to shot that may be perfect for St. Patrick's Day. "The Frogger" was invented by long time bartender Deb "Sweetness" Porath during a create-a-shot Sunday about 10 years ago. All liquor with no wash, this shot is certain to get you to the special place your going on St. Pat's, on a smooth, minty path.

To make The Frogger for five people, Porath says you will need:

  • 3 ouces of creme de menthe
  • 3 ounces of Kaluha
  • 4 ouces of irish creme
  • Ice
  • A Shaker
  • 5- 1.5 ounce shot glasses

In a shaker, combine ice, creme de menthe, Kaluha, and Irish creme. Shake well. Pour into shot glasses and serve.

Irish Whiskey Drinks

On St. Pat's anything Irish goes - especially Irish Whiskey. As a shot, it may be rough, but mixed in a drink with other liquor and flavors this may make your holiday. Festive drinks of this type include the Dancing Leprechaun, the Westside Manhattan, and the Dublin Handshake.

The Dancing Leprechaun

  • 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
  • 3/4 oz Scotch Whisky
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • Ginger ale
  • Highball glass

In a shaker, combine ingredients with ice. Strain into a glass with ice cubes, and garnish with a twist of lemon.

According to The Spirits of Ireland by Ray Foley, to make a Westside Manhattan, you'll need:

  • 2 oz Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey
  • a splash of sweet vermouth
  • 2 - 4 drops Angostura bitters
  • Rocks glass

In a rocks glass, combine ingredients with ice. Serve.

To make a Dublin Handshake, Foley suggests you'll need:

  • 1/2 oz Baileys Irish cream
  • 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
  • 3/4 oz Sloe gin
  • Rocks glass

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass with ice.

Irish Car Bomb

A list of St. Patrick's Day drinks would not be complete without the infamous Irish Car Bomb. The ingredients are simple and available in most taverns across the country. This bomb is tasty and lethal.

What you'll need:

3/4 pint Guinness Stout

1/2 shot Irish Creme

1/2 shot Jameson Irish whiskey

Add the Irish creme and Jameson to a shot glass, with the creme on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass or beer mug 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and slam.

Real Irish Beer - no food coloring

For many, drinking on St. Patrick's Day doesn't mean drinking green Bud Light, it means drinking real, authentic Irish brews. Guinness, Murphy's, Harp's - light or dark - are the reason to step into any tavern on March 17. Forget mixing and shaking, just a pint, please.

On St. Patrick's Day, if you are drinking, please be responsible. Have a designated driver or cab drive you home, and never drink more than you can handle.


The copyright of the article St. Patrick's Day Drinks in Beer, Cocktails & Beverages is owned by Jessica Spengler. Permission to republish St. Patrick's Day Drinks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.




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