Five of the Best Irish-Inspired Cocktails for St Patrick’s Day Drinking
I’m going out today. My friend hails from Ireland and insists that we go day drinking for St Patrick’s Day.
It used to be a full night out, of course. But like many of us now firmly in our middle-aged era, staying out past 7pm comes with consequences. So instead, we’ve settled on a far more civilised plan: a 1–5pm slot, followed by a questionable junk food binge and home in time for EastEnders. What fun.
The only issue? What to drink.
Guinness isn’t really my thing, and Baileys feels more like dessert than something you can casually sip your way through an afternoon. So, in the spirit of flying the Paddy’s Day flag (however loosely), here are five Irish-inspired cocktails I’ll be ordering today.
1. Irish Espresso Martini
Let’s start with something that feels a little more socially acceptable before 5pm.
The Irish Espresso Martini swaps vodka for Irish whiskey, giving the classic cocktail a smoother, slightly richer edge without tipping into full dessert territory.
Expect:
- Irish whiskey
- Fresh espresso
- Coffee liqueur
- A touch of sugar syrup
It’s sharp, energising, and exactly what you need when day drinking starts to feel… like day drinking.
2. Whiskey Ginger
Simple, reliable, and impossible to get wrong.
Made with Irish whiskey and ginger ale, this is the kind of drink you can sip for hours without regretting your life choices by mid-afternoon.
Add a squeeze of lime and you’ve got something crisp, refreshing, and quietly festive — no theatrics required.
3. The Emerald Spritz
If Aperol has had its moment, this is its Irish cousin.
Light, floral and dangerously easy to drink, the Emerald Spritz usually combines:
- Irish gin or whiskey
- Elderflower liqueur
- Prosecco
- Soda water
It looks the part, tastes even better, and feels like a proper upgrade from your standard round.
4. Baby Guinness Shot
Despite the name, there’s no Guinness involved — but it looks exactly like a tiny pint.
Made with coffee liqueur and Baileys layered on top, it’s smooth, sweet, and slightly nostalgic.
Perfect for:
- A quick round with friends
- That mid-afternoon energy dip
- Reminding yourself you’re still out, not tucked up on the sofa
5. Irish Mule
A fresh twist on the Moscow Mule, this version swaps vodka for Irish whiskey.
Expect:
- Irish whiskey
- Ginger beer
- Fresh lime juice
Served over ice, it’s zingy, refreshing, and ideal if you want something that feels light but still delivers.
The Bottom Line
St Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to mean pints of Guinness (unless you want it to). There are plenty of ways to lean into the spirit of the day without committing to something too heavy, too sweet, or just not you.
For me, it’s about drinks that match the occasion — something light enough for daytime, but still festive enough to feel like a proper celebration.
And if all goes to plan, I’ll be home by 6, chips in hand, fully horizontal, wondering why I’m already tired.
Sláinte 🍀
How to Make the Perfect Espresso Martini at Home (Simple Cocktail Recipe)
Spice up your life: Cocktails with a ginger kick
Pickle me this! How the hottest food trend made it into cocktails
Looking for a lifestyle magazine UK readers trust? Explore more stories at Crave Magazine.
Joanne Brook-Smith is a writer and editor with two decades of publishing experience. She launched Crave Magazine during the Covid period to create a fresh, inspiring space for food, travel and lifestyle content.