16 Must-Try St Patrick’s Day Cocktails for 2025

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

St. Patrick’s Day calls for great drinks, good company, and just the right amount of Irish-inspired mischief—and what better way to celebrate than with a collection of festive, fun, and seriously delicious cocktails?! I love entertaining friends and family for St. Paddy’s, and these drinks will definitely be on my menu this year. 

Whether you’re looking for a smooth and creamy dessert cocktail, a bold whiskey-based classic, a fun and fruity sip, or a shot that packs a punch, this guide has something for every kind of celebration. Expect rich Baileys creations, vibrant green drinks, Guinness-infused favorites, and elegant cocktails that feel just as at home at a dinner party as they do at a lively pub. My personal favorite is the black velvet – it teams rich Irish stout with bubbly champagne, and trust me, it really works! Let’s get straight down to it… 

1. Drunk Leprechaun

drunk leprechaun

The Drunk Leprechaun is a vibrant, citrusy, and tropical cocktail that’s always a talking point at any party. With a mix of orange juice, blue curaçao, and vodka, it transforms into a bright green, leprechaun-approved drink that’s as fun to sip as it is to look at. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just feeling a little lucky!

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 oz orange juice
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz blue curaçao
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slices and maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the orange juice, vodka, blue curaçao, and lime juice.

  2. Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is well combined and chilled.

  3. Strain into glasses filled with ice.

  4. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. 

  5. Serve and enjoy!

2. Green Mimosa

green mimosa

The Green Mimosa is a bubbly, elegant, and festive twist on the classic brunch favorite. With fresh orange juice, blue curaçao, and sparkling wine, it turns a beautiful shade of green, making it the perfect St. Patrick’s Day brunch cocktail. 

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 6 oz chilled sparkling wine (Champagne or Prosecco)
  • 3 oz fresh orange juice
  • 1 oz blue curaçao
  • Orange slices or fresh mint (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pour the orange juice and blue curaçao into a champagne flute. Stir gently to combine.

  2. Top with chilled sparkling wine, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles.

  3. Garnish with an orange slice or fresh mint.

  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

3. Luck of The Irish Cocktail

luck of the irish cocktail

The Luck of The Irish is a smooth, creamy, boozy drink that brings together Irish whiskey, Irish cream, and a hint of coffee liqueur for a cocktail that feels like a liquid dessert. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for celebrating. 

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Irish whiskey
  • 2 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
  • 2 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
  • Ice cubes
  • Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

  2. Pour in the Irish whiskey, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and half-and-half.

  3. Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and chilled.

  4. Strain into two glasses filled with ice.

  5. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an extra indulgent touch.

  6. Serve and enjoy!

4. Irish Mule

irish mule

This one is a refreshing, zesty twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping out vodka for smooth Irish whiskey. With the bold kick of ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and a hint of mint, this cocktail is bubbly, slightly spicy, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Serve it in a traditional copper mug for an extra chill and a touch of Irish charm!

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Irish whiskey
  • 6 oz ginger beer
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedges and fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill two copper mugs or cocktail glasses with ice.

  2. Pour in the Irish whiskey and fresh lime juice, then give it a quick stir.

  3. Top with ginger beer, pouring slowly to keep the fizz.

  4. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint for an extra refreshing touch.

  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

5. Shamrock Sour

shamrock sour

The Shamrock Sour is a festive green twist on a classic whiskey sour, featuring smooth Irish whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup for the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and boozy. A splash of green food coloring gives it that St. Patrick’s Day charm, making it a fun and refreshing cocktail to celebrate the holiday!

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Irish whiskey
  • 2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ oz simple syrup
  • 2 drops green food coloring (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices and maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

  2. Add Irish whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and green food coloring.

  3. Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is well-chilled.

  4. Strain into two glasses filled with ice.

  5. Garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry for a classic whiskey sour look.

  6. Serve and enjoy!

6. Irish Coffee

irish coffee

This Irish Coffee is a rich, smooth, and slightly boozy coffee cocktail that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy evening. Made with hot brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, and a touch of sweetness, it’s topped with a luxuriously thick layer of whipped cream for the ultimate comforting and indulgent sip.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 cups hot brewed coffee
  • 3 oz Irish whiskey
  • 2 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup
  • ½ cup heavy cream, lightly whipped
  • Grated chocolate or cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brew fresh hot coffee and pour it into two heatproof glasses or mugs.

  2. Stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup until fully dissolved.

  3. Add the Irish whiskey and stir gently to combine.

  4. Lightly whip the heavy cream until it thickens slightly but is still pourable.

  5. Slowly pour the whipped cream over the back of a spoon, letting it float on top of the coffee.

  6. Garnish with grated chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

  7. Serve immediately and enjoy this warm, smooth, and comforting Irish classic!

7. Green Apple Martini

green apple martini

This one is perfect if you love a fruity, sophisticated option! Made with vodka, sour apple liqueur, and a splash of citrus, it’s smooth, refreshing, and dangerously easy to sip.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 3 oz vodka
  • 2 oz sour apple liqueur 
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Thin apple slices or maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

  2. Add the vodka, sour apple liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

  3. Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is well-chilled.

  4. Strain into two martini glasses.

  5. Garnish with a thin apple slice or a maraschino cherry. 

  6. Serve immediately and enjoy this tart, crisp, and refreshing cocktail!

8. Emerald Mojito

emerald mojito

Made with white rum, fresh lime juice, and plenty of mint, this cocktail is crisp, cool, and irresistibly refreshing. A few drops of green food coloring add that extra festive touch, turning this classic mojito into a true St. Paddy’s Day special!

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 3 oz white rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp sugar or simple syrup
  • 10 fresh mint leaves
  • Club soda (to top)
  • Ice cubes
  • 2-3 drops green food coloring
  • Lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In two tall glasses, add mint leaves, sugar (or simple syrup), and lime juice.

  2. Gently muddle the mint to release its flavors, but don’t crush the leaves too much.

  3. Fill the glasses with ice, then pour in the white rum.

  4. Add 2-3 drops of green food coloring and stir until evenly mixed.

  5. Top with club soda and stir gently again to combine.

  6. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint sprigs.

  7. Serve immediately and enjoy this minty, zesty, and festive green cocktail!

9. Leprechaun Lemonade

leprechaun lemonade

The Leprechaun Lemonade is a sweet, citrusy, and refreshing St. Patrick’s Day cocktail that’s as fun as it is festive! Made with vodka, lemonade, and a splash of green magic, this drink is bright, tangy, and slightly bubbly, making it the perfect sip for a lucky celebration. A few drops of green food coloring give it that signature emerald hue, so you can cheers to the luck of the Irish in style!

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 oz vodka
  • 6 oz lemonade
  • 2 oz lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2-3 drops green food coloring
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices and fresh mint (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill two glasses with ice.

  2. Pour in the vodka, lemonade, and fresh lemon juice.

  3. Add 2-3 drops of green food coloring and stir until the color is evenly mixed.

  4. Top with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for a bubbly finish.

  5. Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh mint.

  6. Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet, tangy, and totally lucky cocktail!

10. Black Velvet

black velvet

I just love this one! It’s bold, elegant, and effortlessly smooth, and it’s fun and festive as well as being absolutely delicious. Definitely a one to try if you have discerning guests that you want to impress!

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 6 oz chilled stout beer (such as Guinness)
  • 6 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine

Instructions

  1. Fill two champagne flutes halfway with stout beer, pouring it slowly to avoid excessive foam.

  2. Gently pour the champagne over the back of a spoon into the glass. 

  3. Serve immediately.

11. Guinness Irish Float

guinness irish float

This Guinness Irish Float is a creamy, indulgent, and boozy twist on a classic root beer float—but we’re swapping the traditional soda for rich, velvety Guinness stout! With smooth vanilla ice cream, deep roasted malt flavors, and a drizzle of Irish cream, this dessert-meets-drink masterpiece is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or whenever you’re craving a fun, grown-up treat.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Guinness stout (or another Irish stout)
  • 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • 2 oz Irish cream liqueur (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • Whipped cream (for topping)
  • Chocolate shavings or caramel drizzle (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Scoop two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into each tall glass.

  2. Slowly pour the Guinness stout over the ice cream, letting the foam settle as you pour.

  3. Drizzle in the Irish cream liqueur, if using, for an extra indulgent kick.

  4. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings or a caramel drizzle.

  5. Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw. 

12. Irish Mudslide

irish mudslide

The Irish Mudslide is a creamy, indulgent, and boozy dessert cocktail that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This drink takes a classic mudslide and gives it an Irish twist by featuring Irish cream, Irish whiskey, coffee liqueur, and vanilla ice cream for a decadent, milkshake-like treat. 

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
  • 2 oz Irish whiskey
  • 2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • Whipped cream (for topping)
  • Chocolate syrup (for garnish)
  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside two chilled glasses, letting it swirl down the sides for a decorative effect.

  2. In a blender, combine Irish cream, Irish whiskey, coffee liqueur, vanilla ice cream, and milk.

  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.

  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared glasses.

  5. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.

  6. Serve immediately. 

13. Shamrock Shooter

shamrock shooter

A super fun option if you love shots! Made with Irish cream, crème de menthe, and vodka, this little green powerhouse is sweet, minty, and just the right amount of boozy. 

Serves: 2 shots

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
  • 1 oz crème de menthe (green)
  • 1 oz vodka
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Green sugar or sprinkles (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Chill two shot glasses in the freezer for a few minutes.

  2. Pour the crème de menthe into the bottom of each shot glass.

  3. Slowly layer the Irish cream over the crème de menthe by pouring it over the back of a spoon, creating a two-tone effect.

  4. Top with vodka, pouring it gently to keep the layers intact.

  5. Optional: Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of green sugar or sprinkles for extra festivity.

  6. Serve immediately. 

14. Baby Guinness

baby guinness

The Baby Guinness is a fun and deceptively boozy shot that looks just like a mini pint of Guinness—but there’s no beer involved! Instead, this creamy, coffee-flavored shooter layers coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur to create a smooth, slightly sweet, and totally delicious drink. 

Serves: 2 shots

Ingredients

  • 2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
  • 2 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)

Instructions

  1. Fill two shot glasses about ¾ of the way with coffee liqueur.

  2. Slowly pour the Irish cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect, with the cream floating on top.

  3. Let the layers settle for a few seconds—it should resemble a tiny pint of Guinness with a dark base and creamy “foam” on top.

  4. Serve immediately and enjoy. 

15. Irish Breakfast Shot

irish breakfast shot

The Irish Breakfast Shot is a savory-meets-sweet powerhouse. With Irish whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, and orange juice, this shot is bold, smooth, and unexpectedly delicious. It’s traditionally chased with a strip of crispy bacon, making it the perfect way to kick off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!

Serves: 2 shots

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Irish whiskey (such as Jameson)
  • 2 oz butterscotch schnapps
  • 4 oz orange juice (for chaser)
  • 2 slices crispy bacon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill two shot glasses with 1 oz of Irish whiskey and 1 oz of butterscotch schnapps each.

  2. Pour the orange juice into two separate small glasses to serve as a chaser.

  3. Take the shot of whiskey and butterscotch schnapps first.

  4. Immediately chase it with the orange juice for a sweet, citrusy finish.

  5. Enjoy with a bite of crispy bacon to complete the “breakfast” experience!

16. Jameson Pickleback

jameson pickleback

The Jameson Pickleback is a simple, bold, and surprisingly delicious shot combo that pairs smooth Irish whiskey with a tangy pickle juice chaser. The briny, salty pickle juice actually enhances the whiskey’s flavor, making it smoother and more balanced. It’s a must-try for St. Patrick’s Day and a favorite among whiskey lovers looking for something a little different!

Serves: 2 shots

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Irish whiskey (such as Jameson)
  • 2 oz pickle juice (from a jar of dill pickles)

Instructions

  1. Pour the Irish whiskey into two shot glasses.

  2. Pour the pickle juice into two separate shot glasses.

  3. Take the whiskey shot first, then immediately chase it with the pickle juice.

  4. Enjoy!

Which of these cocktails and shots will you be making this St. Paddy’s day? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!