Go Green With These Festive St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails

St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast to honor the patron saint of Ireland. But, as waves of newly arrived Irish immigrants brought the tradition to the United States, starting in the 17th and 18th centuries, the solemn day of commemoration transformed into a secular holiday celebrating all aspects of Irish culture. These days, revelers eat traditional foods, like corned beef and cabbage, while downing pints of Guinness or drams of Irish whiskey in crowded pubs adorned with shamrocks and green decor galore.

While those notoriously raucous festivities certainly can be fun, it’s not for everyone. And, if you’re planning to observe the holiday at home, there’s no need to stick to the conventional norms. This March 17, we suggest swapping out the green beer for an elevated, Emerald-hued cocktail instead. From a classic Grasshopper or Last Word to newfangled creations, like the Grinch, here are 24 green drinks to shake up this St. Paddy’s Day.

The Grinch

Let the shenanigans begin with this stunningly vibrant green cocktail that makes for good drinking well past Christmas. The TikTok-viral Grinch combines Midori for color and notes of melon, vodka for extra punch and pineapple juice for a pop of acid and touch of sweetness. It’s topped with a splash of sparkling wine for fizz and a bright red cherry for some contrasting drama.

Boozy Shamrock Shake

Another TikTok sensation turned St. Patrick’s Day speciality is this neon green cocktail. A cousin to the famous Long Island Ice Tea, Tokyo Tea calls on classic players—gin, vodka, white rum and tequila—but subs in the Japanese melon-flavored liqueur Midori for triple sec, contributing an emerald hue. A homemade sweet-and-sour syrup cuts through the alcohol, which a touch of club soda lends fizz and freshness. This is a festive, slightly citrusy sip that will have you skipping the green-colored beer.

Boozy Shamrock Shake

St. Patrick’s Day is arguably the earliest time of year it’s socially acceptable to go all-in on ice cream. That’s why we’re boozing up the classic fast-food favorite with this Mickey D’s-inspired Boozy Shamrock Shake. You’ll get that distinctive green color and minty, vanilla flavor courtesy of vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur and green crème de menthe liqueur. Velvety vanilla ice cream brings it all together. You’ll just have to hit the drive-thru for your side of fries.