Beyond Green Beer: Irish Cocktails to Try This St. Patrick's Day

Consider this the little black dress of St. Patrick's Day drinks: effortlessly sophisticated and always appropriate. The Black Velvet pairs Guinness with champagne in a gorgeous two-tone effect that looks as impressive as it tastes. It's proof that some partnerships, like corned beef and cabbage, were simply meant to be.

If you've ever looked at a pudding shot and thought, "This needs more Ireland," congratulations, your prayers have been answered. These little crowd-pleasers combine your own mix of Baileys, vodka and RumChata into a bite-sized celebration that’s perfect for a party spread or, honestly, just for surviving the afternoon.

Port-finished Scotch, chocolate bitters, Benedictine and coffee beans team up in a rich, warming drink that flirts with both an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan without ever committing to either. Perfect for slow sipping and good company...even if that company is just you raising a glass to yourself.

For those who insist on going green for St. Patrick's Day, the Green Dublin has the festive color you're after and the flavor to back it up, a rare combination in the world of novelty holiday drinks. Irish whiskey, apple juice and green sour apple schnapps shake up into something as vibrant as it is delicious.

This one might raise an eyebrow or two, but stay with me here. The Jamaican Guinness Punch blends stout with condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg into something thick, creamy and oh so satisfying.

The Irish espresso martini is for people who can't decide if they want dessert or a pick-me-up, so why not both? The trifecta of whisky, Kahlua and Bailey's gets woken up with a shot of espresso for a cocktail that's as bold as it is smooth.

The Nutty Irishman is an indulgent cocktail that requires just enough effort to feel impressive without being a project. Baileys and Frangelico shake together into a rich, hazelnut-kissed base that gets topped with a cloud of Irish cream whipped cream and crushed hazelnuts.

Baileys, Kahlua, Frangelico and milk join forces for this smooth, subtly sweet sipper. Want to lean into the green without going full neon? Add a splash of spinach juice and pretend you just healthified your cocktail. It’s the kind of drink that works at brunch, a party or 4 PM on a Monday — no judgment here.

Sometimes the best cocktails are the ones that don't overthink things. Irish whiskey, melon liqueur and a splash of club soda create a simple tipple (say that three times fast!) that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

This is the martini that decided St. Patrick's Day deserved its own signature drink. Baileys, green crème de menthe, vodka and half-and-half transform into a creamy, minty cocktail with a color so vibrantly green it's way too easy to love. Sip responsibly, or don’t, we’re not your mom.