Shaking Up St. Patrick’s Day with Cocktails

Though we often think of tucking into a glass of whiskey or stout in a cozy Irish pub, many Irish are known to enjoy a proper cocktail now and again. In fact, Ireland’s relationship with cocktails runs deeper than you might think. While classic Irish drinking culture centered on whiskey, stout, and a distilled spirit dating to the 6th century called poitín,Ireland eventually embraced cocktails during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when European and American bartending trends filtered into Dublin’s grand hotels and celebrated pubs. Ireland’s own spirits shaped its early mixology: poitín frequently appeared in mixed drinks, and by the mid‑1900s, Irish whiskey had taken its place in international classics like Irish Coffee, born in 1943 at Foynes Airbase.

Today, as Irish whiskey experiences a renaissance, modern bartenders are revisiting century‑old recipes and giving them new life—making St. Patrick’s Day the perfect moment to shake (or stir) something a bit more refined. Below, two historic Irish whiskey cocktails—the over‑100‑year‑old Tipperary and the 1917 Brainstorm—offer a classy, spirit‑forward way to toast the holiday without a drop of neon green in sight.

Tip' of the Morning: The Tipperary Cocktail

Over a century old, this Manhattan riff from the Emerald Isle packs an herbaceous punch from its one green ingredient: Green Chartreuse. Since St. Patrick himself lived in France as a monk for a time, it only makes sense to imbibe with the Carthusian monks' prized liqueur—specifically, their coveted Chartreuse Vegetal de la Grande Chartreuse (Elixir Vegetal) (100ml) $27.99. And of course, some delicious Irish whiskey! We recommend Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey $59.99 96WA 95WE. Try it with their cask strength Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey $99.99 92WA for a little extra kick.

Tipperary Recipe:

2 oz Irish Whiskey (Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey $59.99 96WA 95WE)
3/4 oz Carpano "Antica Formula" Sweet Vermouth (750ml) $32.99 96DC 95WE
½ oz Chartreuse Vegetal de la Grande Chartreuse (Elixir Vegetal) (100ml) $27.99

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

A Real Pot of Gold: The Brainstorm Cocktail

Who said St. Patrick's Day can't be a classy affair? Celebrate in style with the classic Brainstorm cocktail, a stirred sipper equipped with bright botanicals and a just a touch of baking spice. Boozy but breezy, this simple recipe from 1917 is sure to elevate your Paddy's Day—no neon green ingredients required.

Brainstorm Recipe: