The Irish are upon us! Are you ready with St. Patrick’s Day cocktail recipes?

It’s that time of year again.  Salt Lake City’s Irish population (and those who wish they were) are preparing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (SPD).   St. Paddy’s Day doesn’t have to be an orgy of drinking and partying (as much fun as that can be).  Many in Utah celebrate it quietly at home with cocktails.  The Utah Mixologist used to live in Chicago, home of the great Irishman and President of the US, Barack O’bama.  SPD is a big deal in Chicago.  In Chicago they dye their river and their beer green on SPD. 

Green drinks seem to have become something of a fad on SPD, and we have some food-coloring-free green cocktail recipes for the enjoyment of any of your friends that require them.  Others are more interested in serious drinking, and they must be kept happy, too.   That reminds me of my favorite Saint Paddy’s Day joke:  “Two Irishmen walked out of a bar… Well, don’t laugh, it could happen!”  So view the slideshow on Examiner.com for a handful of great ideas, then click through below for articles on each of the cocktails.

Beannachtai ná Fhéile Pádraig!

Irish Lady

Shamrock Champagne

Irish Moon

Emerald

O'jito