Top 10 Saint Patrick's Day Drinks

Saint Patrick's Day is coming up quick and there will undoubtedly be parties. For many, these parties will include alcoholic beverages (which will be consumed responsibly, of course). So without further adieu, here is my list of top 10 St. Patrick's Day drinks, which are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

1. Green Machine Punch

This recipe will serve several people: 1 bottle vodka, one 12 ounce can of frozen limeade concentrate, ½ gallon lemon sherbet, and ½ gallon lime sherbet. Dissolve the concentrate into the vodka, and then add the sherbet. If you have thirsty kids and other non-drinkers attending, you could easily split the batch into two containers and add the vodka to just one.

2. Everybody's Irish/Saint Pat

This drink is simple to make, containing just 2 ounces Irish whiskey, 1 ounce green crème de menthe, and 1 ounce green chartreuse. Combine the ingredients, stir, and strain into a cocktail glass.

3. Emerald Isle

This drink is simpler yet - just mix 2 ounces gin, 1 ½ teaspoon green crème de menthe, and three dashes bitters. Stir, then strain into a glass.

4. Shamrock

The shamrock has become a symbol of St. Patrick's Day, so what better way to celebrate than to drink one? This drink could prove itself strong, containing 1 ½ ounce Irish whiskey, ½ ounce dry vermouth, ½ ounce green crème de menthe, and 1 teaspoon green chartreuse.

5. Irish Shillelagh

This drink will definitely be a sweet one. For this drink you'll need: 1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey, ½ ounce light rum, ½ ounce sloe gin, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 1 ounce lemon juice, ¼ cup of diced peaches, and ¼ cup raspberries. Combine the ingredients in a blender, and garnish with raspberries.

6. Irish Dream

Simply combine the following ingredients in a blender with ice: ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur, ½ ounce hazelnut liqueur, ½ ounce brown crème de cacao, and one scoop of vanilla ice cream. (If you're lactose intolerant, I see no reason why you can't use soy ice cream as a substitute).

7. Irish Flag Shooter

When the ingredients are poured (in order) into a pousse-café or cordial glass, layers will form. Just pour 1 ounce green crème de menthe, 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur, and 1 ounce Grand Marnier.

8. Irish Coffee

Who could forget this perennial hit? It's even enjoyable year round. Dissolve granulated sugar (enough to taste) into 2 ounces Irish whiskey. Add hot coffee, leaving a half inch at the top of the glass (you need room for the cream). Top with whip cream. Instead of whip cream, you can pour heavy cream over the back of the spoon so it floats on top of the coffee.

9. Depth Charge

Saint Patrick's Day will certainly include beer for many, so here's an alternative to the typical beer with green food dye. For this drink, mix 2 ounces peppermint schnapps (other flavors could be used) with 1 pint of beer. Pour the schnapps first and stir slightly.

10. Irish Rickey

This is a festive twist on the Lime Rickey. Combine 1 ½ ounce blended whiskey with 1 ounce lime juice, and top off with club soda. Garnish with a lime twist.