Saint Patrick's Day Drinks: Traditional & Modern Beverages

Saint Patrick’s Day is quickly coming up and if you are a bar or restaurant owner, it’s time to prepare for it. People celebrating this holiday out and about appreciate a well-thought-out menu with festive drinks. That’s why we compiled a guide for Saint Patrick’s Day drinks that will help you curate the perfect beverage menu!

This religious and cultural holiday is celebrated every year on the 17th of March. This date marks the death of Saint Patrick who was the foremost patron saint of Ireland. In the Irish culture, the day is celebrated with parades and special foods, alongside great music, dancing, and of course - drinks. 

Today, many people of Irish heritage all over the United States and other parts of the world celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Bars and restaurants turn green from the people celebrating and the special drinks and Saint Patrick's Day foods that are being served. 

If you haven’t yet hosted such a celebration at your bar or restaurant business, it’s time to learn what you can do so you can become the best bar for Saint Patrick's Day! In this simple-to-follow guide, we have compiled a list of the best Saint Patrick’s Day drinks. Let’s get right into it!

Saint Patrick’s Day Drinks: Traditional and Modern Options

Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day is an old tradition at this point. The first time people celebrated it was back in 1631. For the past few decades, some drinks have become traditional for this day. However, every once in a while, there are new cocktail drinks and other beverages that come into play. 

Below, you will find a full list of all the traditional Saint Patrick’s Day drinks and then some modern-day suggestions to consider. Remember that coming up with your own custom drinks is also recommended!

Key Takeaway: When planning the beverages for the celebration, make sure you include all traditional Saint Patrick’s Day drinks. If you wish, add some modern options too, and experiment with other recipes.

8 Traditional Saint Patrick’s Day Drinks

Traditional Saint Patrick's Day drinks often include beverages that are associated with Irish culture and heritage. Here are some classic options:

1. Guinness Stout - Probably the most iconic Irish beverage is Guinness. It’s a dark, rich stout with flavors of roasted barley, caramel, and coffee. It's often enjoyed straight from the tap or in popular cocktails like the Black and Tan or Irish Car Bomb.
2. Irish Coffee - It’s a warming and indulgent drink made with hot coffee and Irish whiskey. It’s topped with lightly whipped cream. It's perfect for sipping on a chilly Saint Patrick's Day morning or evening!
3. Irish Whiskey - Neat or on the rocks, Irish whiskey is a staple Saint Patrick's Day drink. Enjoy it on the day and choose brands like Jameson, Bushmills, or Redbreast.
4. Irish Cream Liqueur - Creamy and indulgent, Irish cream liqueur like Baileys is often enjoyed over ice, in coffee, or as part of desserts. It adds a touch of sweetness and richness to any Saint Patrick's Day celebration.
5. Irish Ale or Lager - Alongside Guinness, Irish ales and lagers are popular choices as Saint Patrick's Day drinks. The beer brands Smithwick's, Harp Lager, or Murphy's Irish Stout offer lighter alternatives to the dark and robust Guinness.
6. Cider - While not exclusively Irish, hard cider is enjoyed by many on Saint Patrick's Day. Look for Irish cider brands like Magners or Bulmers to add a refreshing twist to your celebration.
7. Whiskey Sour - A classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It's a versatile and refreshing option for Saint Patrick's Day festivities.
8. Hot Toddy - Warm up with a hot toddy made with Irish whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and hot water. It's a comforting and soothing drink, perfect for Saint Patrick's Day gatherings.

These are the drinks we recommend you plan on including in your Saint Patrick's Day menu this March. Prepare your beverage inventory in advance and your bar staff, too.

7 Modern Saint Patrick’s Day Drinks

For those looking to add a contemporary twist to their Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, here are some modern and creative drink options:

1. Irish Mule - A variation of the classic Moscow Mule, made with Irish whiskey, ginger beer, lime juice, and a splash of soda water. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig for a refreshing and zesty cocktail.
2. Leprechaun's Potion - A vibrant green cocktail made with vodka, Midori melon liqueur, pineapple juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice and garnish with a cherry or a slice of lime for a festive touch.
3. Shamrock Martini - A sophisticated martini featuring gin, dry vermouth, and a splash of green Chartreuse for a touch of herbal complexity. The cocktail garnish can be a twist of lemon or a green olive.
4. Pot o' Gold Punch - A crowd-pleasing punch made with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and sparkling wine. Serve in a large bowl or pitcher with plenty of ice and garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries.
5. Emerald Isle Sparkler - A sparkling cocktail made with prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and a splash of green apple liqueur or green apple soda. Garnish with a thin apple slice for a drink that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
6. Luck of the Irish Margarita - A festive twist on the classic Margarita, made with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a splash of green food coloring for a vibrant hue (see also: green food for Saint Patrick's Day). Serve on the rocks with a salted rim (see: how to rim a glass) and a lime wedge for a fun and flavorful cocktail.
7. Irish Cream White Russian - A creamy and indulgent variation of the classic White Russian, made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a decadent treat.

You can also take other popular cocktails and turn them into perfect Saint Patrick’s Day drinks by adding green food coloring or other green elements. Don’t forget to change the name of the cocktail to fit the occasion. Your customers will appreciate this attention to detail!

Preparing the Beverage Inventory for Saint Patrick’s Day

When preparing your inventory for March, don’t forget that it's the month of Saint Patrick’s Day. if you are hosting a special event on the 17th of March or you are just in an area where many people like to celebrate the occasion, be sure to stock up on more beverages.

The types of alcohol you surely need are beer, whiskey, vodka, and rum. Gin is also a popular ingredient in cocktails, so keep that in mind, too. Don’t forget to track what goes in and out by using beverage inventory software. We, from BinWise, can help you manage your inventory with ease, even during intense months of a lot of sales!

Book a demo with us today to find out more!

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Patrick’s Day Drinks

Do you want to know more? This is the place to be! See the answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic!

Can I Make Green Drinks for Saint Patrick’s Day?

Yes! You can and you should! Make green Saint Patrick's Day drinks by adding green food coloring or using naturally green ingredients like Midori melon liqueur or green apple soda.

Are There Non-Alcoholic Options for Saint Patrick’s Day Drinks?

Yes! You can enjoy and offer non-alcoholic options like Shamrock Shakes, sparkling green sodas, green smoothies, or mocktail versions of classic cocktails.

What Cocktail Garnishes Are Appropriate for Saint Patrick’s Day Drinks?

Festive garnishes for Saint Patrick's Day drinks include shamrock-shaped lemon or lime slices, green sugar rims, edible gold glitter, or small Irish flags. Keep in mind that while sugar substitutes are good for baking and cooking, they're not as tasty along the rim of a glass.