It’s Your Lucky Day: Five Festive St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails for “the Busky”

In the 18th century, many Americans believed alcohol could cure the sick, strengthen the weak, and generally make the world a better place. Many started and ended the day with a drink. Today, in true colonial fashion, we celebrate the Irish and the Irish-at-heart with five festive drinks. From glass to garnish, they almost all have a touch of green. Whether you prefer sweet and creamy, tropical, or tart—you’ll want to do as the colonists do and raise a glass to these five festive drinks. Just be wary of over-indulgence. As Ben Franklin had more than 200 terms for such behavior, from addled, afflicted, biggy, boozy, busky, buzzey, and cracked to “halfway to Concord.”

Irish Mule

If sweet is not your style, then this cocktail—featuring Jameson Irish Whiskey—is for you. A copper mule mug takes this simple drink from being 18th-century-approved to a 2015 statement.

Lucky Leprechaun

If the sidewalks are still snow-covered where you are, try this tropical drink. Find a nice chair by a window in the sun, close your eyes, and think beachy thoughts.

Kiss Me, I’m Irish-tini

This photogenic drink doubles as the perfect dessert. Our team of testers all agreed it tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Irish Coffee

This classic after-dinner drink gets a St. Patrick’s Day upgrade with a splash of green Creme de Menthe on top.

Irish Whiskey Manhattan

While this cocktail doesn’t have a touch of green, we just couldn’t leave it off the list. Featuring Jameson Irish Whiskey and orange bitters, it’s too tasty to pass up. Swap out the orange garnish for a lime if you’re going for a green theme.

Would you rather be served than make your own? Take a trip to the Williamsburg Lodge Lounge, where these drinks will be featured for the entire month of March.

We’d love to see if you try any of these! Share them on Facebook, or tag with #makinghistoryblog