Luck of the Irish: St. Patrick’s Day cocktails toast the Irish in us all

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Raising a glass to the cheer of Slainte, or to health, brings a rousing cheer on St. Patrick’s Day. These St. Patrick’s Day cocktails will bring anyone the luck of the Irish.

On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is a little Irish. From wearing green to enjoying St. Patrick’s Day foods, everyone has a way of celebration. For many people, St. Patrick’s Day cocktails are their preferred way to mark the holiday.

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While green colored beer is always an easy option, it isn’t the only way to toast. Also, a neat glass of a refined Irish whiskey is another delightful way to mark the day. Still, for people who prefer a cocktail, sometimes a green cocktail, these St. Patrick’s Day cocktails offer a new taste for the celebration.

FoodSided’s favorite St. Patrick’s Day cocktails.

St. Patrick’s Day cocktails, photo provided by Hornitos

Teq-Kiwi

Adding savory flavors to traditional cocktails is becoming more cocktails. Herbs add a big punch of flavor to traditionally sweeter cocktails. The balance of flavor makes for a more pleasing cocktail.

Also, for St. Patrick’s Day, all types of spirits can be used. Traditional Irish whiskey isn’t the only option. Using the Hornito Black Barrel Tequila adds a more robust flavor. With its nod to other barrel aged spirits, this tequila offers a bolder flavor to the cocktail.

"Teq-Kiwi1 ½ parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila¾ part fresh lemon juice½ part simple syrupKiwiDillBlack sea saltCrushed black pepperPreparation: 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."

Ginger Lime Mojito

Mojitos are a great choice for St. Patrick’s Day because of the green mint. The muddled mint can bring a herbal quality to the cocktail. For this version, the ginger adds a spicy note that plays off the sweetness.

"Ginger Lime MojitoINGREDIENTS3oz Sparkling Ice Ginger Lime1.5oz White Rum10 mint leavesLime wedge, for garnishMint sprig, for garnishDIRECTIONSIn an ice filled Collins glass, add Sparkling Ice Ginger Lime, rum, and mint leaves, then stir. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig and serve."

Slainte de la Noche, photo provided by Hornitos

Slainte de la Noche

Irish Coffee is often a poplar S. Patrick’s Day cocktail. Whether warming up after watching a St. Patrick’s Day parade or staying caffeinated at the end of a long night, many celebrations involve this cocktail. For a new twist on the classic, add some tequila. The tequila flavor is a great option for people who want something new. For classic whiskey drinkers, the Hornitos offers that whiskey reference while still staying true to the tequila.

"Sláinte de la Noche• 1 ½ parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila• 1 ½ parts coffee liqueur• ¼ part vanilla syrup• 1 part heavy creamPreparation: 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."

Ginger Whiskey Cider

Hard cider has grown in popularity. Many people enjoy the crisp, clean taste to the hard cider. As a beer alternative, the hard cider is just as likely on tap as your favorite IPA.

In this St. Patrick’s Day cocktail, the hard cider gets a spicy boost from ginger beer. The spiciness from the ginger beer plays off the sweetness from the hard cider. The combination is refreshing and quite drinkable.

"Ginger Whiskey CiderIngredients• 2 oz. Hard Cider• 1 oz. Whiskey• Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mini in Traditional, to fill• Crushed IceDirections• In a 12-16 oz. high ball glass, combine the hard cider and whiskey. Fill the glass with crushed ice and top with Brooklyn Crafted."

Next: Non-tradtitional St. Patrick's Day recipes

These St. Patrick’s Day cocktails are just a couple of the many options to celebrate the holiday. Whether you enjoy a plate of corned beef and cabbage or a slice of Irish soda bread with an Irish cocktail, the holiday is one best enjoyed with friends. Gather everyone around a table to celebrate good times, good health and a good life. To that notion, say Slainte!