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

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.