St. Patrick’s Day is upon us. In the before times, St. Patrick’s Day was one of the busiest days in a bar’s schedule. According to a 2019 study by Womply, bars, taverns and pubs brought in 90% more on St. Patrick’s Day than they did any other day of the year. And while this year may not bring the usual crowds, operators across the country are hopeful that they can provide a safe, festive environment for their customers.
If you’re looking for something last minute to throw on your menu (that aren't green beer), check out these easy St. Patrick’s Day cocktails- no Guinness or food dye needed.
And please, stay away from putting anything like an 'Irish Carbomb' on your menu. "If you feel like partaking in that tasty boilermaker, order a Dublin Drop or an Irish Slammer," says Bar & Restaurant Expo Executive Council Member Chad Michael George. "For me, I just order up a shot of Tullamore DEW and a Harp Lager or a Smithwick's."
Frozen Irish Coffee
Hot, sweet and strong – you can’t beat an Irish coffee after a long dinner. But the vibe is all wrong for St. Patrick’s Day, so switch it up with a frozen version. You’ll need a blender and a bit of prep for these, but it’s worth the effort. The basic ingredients are chilled coffee, milk, brandy, and coffee liqueur. Throw them together and blend until smooth – experimenting as you go until you find the perfect ratios for you. It’ll keep your guests buzzing in all the right ways.
Read more: Can We All Finally Agree That Green Beer is Garbage?
Tipperary
As recommended by Molly Wellmann, the Tipperary is an elegant option for St. Patrick’s Day. First developed in 1917, this beautiful cocktail is named after a town in southern Ireland, and made with Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and green chartreuse.
Irish Negroni
If you want to get technical, this is more of a Boulevardier than a Negroni. But when you make it with Irish whiskey instead of bourbon or gin, it becomes a sophisticated – and strong – addition to any St. Patrick’s Day cocktail menu.
Read more: A Brief History of The Negroni
Irish Whiskey
The only thing easier than pulling a pint is pouring a dram. Straight up or on the rocks, you can’t go wrong with an Irish whiskey. Jameson, Redbreast, Knappogue Castle, Bushmills, Connemara – you’re spoiled for choice and there’s bound to be something on the shelves already. And if there’s not, well - that’s a whole other issue.
Irish Mule
Here’s another Irish twist on a classic. Swapping out vodka for an Irish whiskey instantly transforms the typical Moscow Mule into a more thematically appropriate Irish Mule. It’s easy to make, easier to drink and oh-so-refreshing – perfect for the busiest drinking day of the year.
For more information about the latest trends, join us at Bar & Restaurant Expo (formerly Nightclub & Bar Show) March 21-23, 2022 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Registration is open, click here get your tickets now!
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