Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like green clothing and Guinness. But for those who don’t love beer, choosing a holiday-appropriate alcoholic beverage may require some creativity.
Whether you’re hosting a party or ordering at a bar, this holiday is an opportunity to try some of those flashy cocktails many of us tend to avoid in public.
Here are some of our favorite green ones:
Melon Ball — Exactly what you would expect from a melon-flavored cocktail, this drink is sweet and fruity.
Melon Ball
In a tumbler or rocks glass, pour two parts Midori melon liqueur and one part vodka over ice and top with orange juice. Stir gently and garnish with green grapes or a lime.
Alternatively, the drink can be chilled by mixing in a shaker with ice, but keep in mind that shaking a drink dilutes it more than stirring does, and the strong flavor of the Midori is what makes the drink. And don’t worry – the radioactive green becomes less off-putting after you’ve had a few.
Grasshopper — It’s like liquified Thin Mints served in a fancy glass.
As an exception to the general rule of avoiding flavor dilution, this drink is best when shaken as it is thick and doesn’t work well on the rocks.
Mix equal parts of green crème de menthe (the clear kind is no different in taste, but green is necessary to create the holiday charm), white crème de cacao (again, the brown kind tastes the same but you’ll end up with a drink color that is less than appetizing) and cream (either heavy or light, depending on your taste and caloric preferences).
Serve in a chilled martini glass or goblet and optionally top with whipped cream.
Mojito — A green drink without green liquid, this is a fresh way to stay in the holiday spirit. The cool mint and tangy citrus is fantastically refreshing.
In a Collins glass, muddle 10 mint leaves with about a cup of crushed ice. Add a lime — cut into wedges — and about a teaspoon of sugar. Muddle again. Pour 1.5 ounces of white rum over the mixture and then fill the rest of the glass with club soda. Stir it, taste it, and add sugar or lime to taste. For a tropical look that shouts “vacation,” garnish with a lime slice and a sprig of mint.
Margarita — Another great drink for warmer St. Patrick’s Day destinations is the tart, citrusy margarita. Toss back this punchy green drink without abandoning the shores of spring break.
Mix three parts green margarita mix, three parts tequila and one part of triple sec. Pour over a highball or specialty glass filled with ice cubes and garnish with a lime slice.