In modern times, the Feast of Saint Patrick has evolved into a day celebrating Irish culture with shamrocks, parades, dancing and delicious cuisine. (Might we recommend this Stout-Cured Corned Beef Cooked with Cabbage, Carrots and Potatoes?) It’s also a day to raise a cheer with a celebratory drink.
Sipping on Irish whiskey or Irish beer like Guinness is an obvious choice for St. Patrick’s Day, but when everything from bar decor to your outfit is green, why not choose an emerald-hued beverage as well? We went for all-green-everything and pulled together some of our favorite verdant cocktails for the occasion.
While almost any cocktail can be made green (hello, food coloring), it’s fun to play with unique ingredients to create a drink that’s not only visually stunning, but delicious as well. We’re talking colorful add-ins like green chili, cucumbers, jalapeños and green herbs, which can help create unique flavor profiles. Other offerings like Midori (a bright green and melon-flavored liqueur), green Chartreuse (an herbal liqueur) or matcha can also turn up the contrast on a green drink.
Looking for some more inspiration to serve up green this St. Patrick’s Day? Try these electric-hued drinks at your celebration.
The Best Green Cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day
The Grinch Cocktail
Let the shenanigans begin with this stunningly vibrant green cocktail that makes for good drinking well past Christmas. The viral TikTok creation combines Midori for color and notes of melon, vodka for extra punch and pineapple juice for a pop of acid and touch of sweetness. It’s topped with a splash of sparkling wine for fizz and a bright red cherry for some contrasting drama.
Get the Full Recipe Here: The Grinch Cocktail
Tokyo Iced Tea
Another TikTok sensation turned St. Patrick’s Day speciality is this neon green cocktail. A cousin to the famous Long Island Ice Tea, the Tokyo Tea calls on classic players—gin, vodka, white rum and tequila—but subs in the Japanese melon-flavored liqueur Midori for triple sec, contributing an emerald hue. A homemade sweet-and-sour syrup cuts through the alcohol, which a touch of club soda lends fizz and freshness. This is a festive, slightly citrusy sip that will have you skipping the green-colored beer.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Tokyo Iced Tea
Boozy Shamrock Shake
St. Patrick’s Day is arguably the earliest time of year it’s socially acceptable to go all-in on ice cream. That’s why we’re boozing up the classic fast-food favorite with this Shamrock Shake-inspired treat. You’ll get that distinctive green color and minty, vanilla flavor courtesy of vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur and green crème de menthe liqueur. Velvety vanilla ice cream brings it all together. You’ll just have to hit the drive-thru for your side of fries.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Boozy Shamrock Shake
King’s Spicy Margarita
Grab your favorite tequila, some freshly-squeezed lime juice and a touch of light agave nectar for a very delicious and classic margarita. A few dashes of green chili bitters takes this Mexican favorite to new spicy levels, while green chili kicks up the lime juice’s greenish tint. Garnish with lime wedges and jalapeño to really drive the flavor (and color) of this pot of gold home.
Get the Full Recipe Here: King’s Spicy Margarita
The Geisha
You’ve probably tried Japanese matcha in your morning latte or in a bowl of ice cream after a sushi dinner, but what about cocktails? Deeply colored green tea powder is the foundation of this earthy flavored drink that’ll make you want to paint the town green. It also features honey syrup and cucumber for fresh, herbaceous and sweet notes, as well as lemon juice for acid, ginger liqueur for spice and vodka for a hearty kick.
Get the Full Recipe Here: The Geisha
Mezcal Last Word
Traditionally made with gin, this interpretation of the Last Word is made with mezcal, which provides a pleasantly smoky undertone. It’s joined by herb-forward green Chartreuse and fruity and sweet Luxardo Maraschino.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Mezcal Last Word
Basil Spritz Cocktail
St. Paddy’s Day not only celebrates Irish culture but also helps usher in springtime. This super floral and herbaceous vodka-based drink has a bright tinge of green courtesy of homemade basil syrups and a hit of citrus from lemon juice. It’s finished off with sparkling wine and a dash of soda water for fizz.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Basil Spritz Cocktail
Cucumber Cocktail with Sotol
It may be the day to celebrate the luck of the Irish, but this Mexican-style sip is definitely invited to the party. Sotol, a distilled Mexican spirit made from the desert spoon plant, brings a grassy, subtly floral flavor, while green Chartreuse, cucumber juice, lime juice and mint all contribute a vivid green color. A touch of agave nectar lends sweetness to help balance the drink’s earthy flavors.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Cucumber Cocktail with Sotol
It’s a Wonderful Life Cocktail
Yes, this may be a Christmas-themed cocktail, but this smooth and creamy concoction will have you saying “kiss me, I’m Irish” in no time. Chilled half-and-half, Irish cream liqueur and crème de menthe come together for a beautifully crafted show-stopper, the perfect way to cap a day of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Get the Full Recipe Here: It’s a Wonderful Life Cocktail
The Green Tea Shot
No, the green tea shot doesn’t actually contain any tea. But this refreshing mix of whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix and lemon-lime soda is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Like most shots, it’s meant to be consumed in one gulp.
Get the Full Recipe Here: The Green Tea Shot
Pickle Shots
This fun and playful drink can be adapted from just about anything in your kitchen. It’s no wonder this shooter has found social media fame. This easy-to-make drink is also a lovely shade of green, making it perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Pickle Shot
Grasshopper Cocktail
A Grasshopper cocktail is minty, chocolatey and an oh-so-sweet finish to a meal. Although the Grasshopper is often served after dinner as a digestif, it can be enjoyed any time. It’s perfect for mint lovers and those attracted to festive, green cocktails.
Get the Full Recipe Here: Grasshopper Cocktail
Last Updated: June 12, 2023
