St. Patrick’s Day cocktails are steeped in rich Irish tradition, including that of whiskey folklore. For hundreds of years, Ireland have been perfecting the art of distilling and drinking this elixir of life, and pride themselves on having some of the best whiskey in the world. What better day to break open a bottle than on the day of it’s Patron Saint, St. Paddy, who was said to have scared the snakes off the Emerald Isle with his sheer courage and good looks.
Whether you believe the stories or not, St. Patrick’s Day is a fantastic excuse to kick back and have the craic. And, as St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year, you can look forward to enjoying one or two of these adult beverages guilt free. Remember, you don’t have to drink anything pungent green unless you really want too, but it is traditional to wear at least one item of green clothing (or to ask a pretty person for a kiss if you’re feeling shameless).
Whether you’re Irish or not, Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, Knob Creek Bourbon, Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila, Cruzan Rum, and Laphroaig Scotch are here to get you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with cocktail recipes that are perfect for a day of festivities or relaxing at home. We’re sure these cocktails will shamrock your world!
Basil Hayden’s® Spiced Shamrock
By Jason Asher (Phoenix, AZ)
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
- ½ Lemon muddled with Thai basil leaf
- 1 Part Aperol
- ¾ Part Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio of equal parts sugar and water)
- 1 Grapefruit peel (for garnish)
- 1 Thai basil leaf (for garnish)
METHOD:
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake for 6 seconds
- Double strain over ice into a rocks glass
- Garnish with a grapefruit peel and Thai basil leaf
Knob Creek® Ginger Twist
By Celebrity Chef Michael Symon
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 ½ Parts Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey
- ¾ Part fresh lemon juice
- ¾ Part JDK & Sons Fleur Handcrafted Elderflower Liqueur
- Ginger Beer
- Angostura® Bitters
METHOD:
- Add Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey, fresh lemon juice and elderflower liqueur into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake ingredients and strain into Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and garnish with an Angostura® Bitters Floater.
Cruzan® Emerald Daiquiri
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 part Cruzan® Aged Light Rum
- 1 part Midori® Melon Liqueur
- 1 Lime, juiced
- Melon Balls or Lime Wheels
METHOD:
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass with optional sugared rim
- Garnish with a melon ball and/or lime wheel on the rim.
Laphroaig® Last Laph
Created by Austin mixologist Justin Lavenue
INGREDIENTS:
- 3/4 Part Laphroaig® Select
- 3/4 Part Ginger Liqueur
- 3/4 Part Pineapple Juice
- 3/4 Part Lemon Juice
- 3 Dashes Absinthe Verte
- Spring of Mint (for garnish)
METHOD:
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. 2. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a mint sprig.
Sláinte de la Noche
- 1 ½ parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila
- 1 ½ parts coffee liqueur
- ¼ part vanilla syrup
- 1 part heavy cream
METHOD:
- Combine equal parts vanilla extract, water and sugar and bring to a boil to create vanilla syrup. Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and serve.
Teq-Kiwi
- 1 ½ parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila
- ¾ part fresh lemon juice
- ½ part simple syrup
- Kiwi
- Dill
- Black sea salt
- Crushed black pepper
METHOD:
Lightly muddle ½ kiwi and 2 sprigs dill in a shaker. Combine remainder of ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with kiwi slices and a black sea salt and crushed black pepper rim.
How are you planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Show off your bartending skills – in front or behind the bar – by tagging your photos @MaleStandard or using the hashtag #MaleStandard, (you can find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook having the Last Laph)!
