If you're planning on making St. Patrick's Day, these classy cocktails are an excellent alternative to that questionable green beer.iStockphoto
Although St. Patrick's Day is on a Monday this year, we know many of you will be partying throughout the weekend. Here are some classier cocktails to entertain your guests.
Classy Cocktails for St. Patrick's Day:
Black Velvet
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Flute Vueve Clicquot Champagne
- 1/2 Flute Guinness Extra Stout
Method:
Pour the Guinness Extra Stout into a clean/polished champagne flute. Top up the glass with the champagne, being careful to ensure there is no overspill. The Guinness Black Velvet should have a good dark color with a frothy head, resembling a Pint of Guinness.
Little Peaty
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Hennessy V.S.
- .25 oz Connemara Peated Whiskey
- .5 oz Grand Marnier
- Garnish with a cherry
Method:
This powerful little shot will bring you straight back to the peat bogs! Add all ingredients with ice to a shaker tin, shake until chilled and strain into a shot glass, drop a cherry to the bottom of the drink.
Kiss Me, I'm Irish
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Belvedere Vodka
- Dash Elderflower Syrup
- 3 chunks grapefruit
- Fresh mint leaves
Method:
Muddle grapefruit with elderflower cordial.
Add crushed ice and mix. Re-top with crushed ice and garnish with a grapefruit wedge and some fresh mint leaves for a kick of green.
Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Hennessy V.S
- Squeeze of one lemon wedge
- Tablespoon of Honey to taste
- Top with Boiling water
- Garnish: Cinnamon Stick
Naturally, the classic option if you want a hot drink would be a hot whiskey, but some among us may be too whiskey'd out after Friday's festivities. This slightly more mellow variation uses cognac instead. Add all liquids to a heat proof mug, stir to dissolve honey, garnish with a cinnamon stick.