Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with some delicious cocktails

Emerald Cocktail

Your St. Patrick’s Day celebration doesn’t have to be an orgy of drinking and partying as it is in Chicago.  Salt Lake City’s Irish population (and those who wish they were part of it) will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a parade Saturday and a dinner or a party Saturday or Sunday evening (or both!).

My first recommendation was developed by the Utah Mixologist just this month in anticipation of the Day.  The Chocolate Corann blends the flavors of Irish Whiskey and chocolate into something you’re sure to enjoy.  It’s a fun twist on the Manhattan.  If you’re looking for something a little more traditional (and dryer), why not try an Emerald.  It’s more like a traditional Manhattan, but made with Irish Whiskey: Whiskey, Vermouth, and Bitters is all you need.  Make it (and drink it) pretty much the same way. 

Green drinks are something of a fad on SPD, so here are some food-coloring-free green cocktail recipes that you and your friends will enjoy.  The Irish Lady is a great champagne cocktail for St. Paddy’s Day.  When served in a flute, this cocktail will remind you of a slender, red-headed colleen dressed in a pale green gown.  Exquisite.  Another champagne cocktail, the Shamrock Champagne, is best when served in a champagne flute. You will enjoy the transparent green appearance of this simple mix of Midori® melon liqueur and champagne.

My first original St. Patrick’s Day cocktail was the O'jito, a Gaelicized descendant of the Mojito.  It requires mint, which has the added advantage of being green, to acknowledge its Mojito ancestry.    You should enjoy this concoction of mint, Baileys® Irish Cream, and Amaretto.  If Irish Cream is your favorite St. Paddy’s Day beverage, you should try an Amaretto Irish Cream. 

Beannachtai ná Fhéile Pádraig!