Top 10 Saint Patrick's Day Drinks

Saint Patrick's Day is coming up quick and there will undoubtedly be parties. For many, these parties will include alcoholic beverages (which will be consumed responsibly, of course). So without further adieu, here is my list of top 10 St. Patrick's Day drinks, which are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

1. Green Machine Punch

This recipe will serve several people: 1 bottle vodka, one 12 ounce can of frozen limeade concentrate, ½ gallon lemon sherbet, and ½ gallon lime sherbet. Dissolve the concentrate into the vodka, and then add the sherbet. If you have thirsty kids and other non-drinkers attending, you could easily split the batch into two containers and add the vodka to just one.

2. Everybody's Irish/Saint Pat

This drink is simple to make, containing just 2 ounces Irish whiskey, 1 ounce green crème de menthe, and 1 ounce green chartreuse. Combine the ingredients, stir, and strain into a cocktail glass.

3. Emerald Isle

This drink is simpler yet - just mix 2 ounces gin, 1 ½ teaspoon green crème de menthe, and three dashes bitters. Stir, then strain into a glass.

4. Shamrock

The shamrock has become a symbol of St. Patrick's Day, so what better way to celebrate than to drink one? This drink could prove itself strong, containing 1 ½ ounce Irish whiskey, ½ ounce dry vermouth, ½ ounce green crème de menthe, and 1 teaspoon green chartreuse.

5. Irish Shillelagh

This drink will definitely be a sweet one. For this drink you'll need: 1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey, ½ ounce light rum, ½ ounce sloe gin, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 1 ounce lemon juice, ¼ cup of diced peaches, and ¼ cup raspberries. Combine the ingredients in a blender, and garnish with raspberries.

6. Irish Dream

Simply combine the following ingredients in a blender with ice: ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur, ½ ounce hazelnut liqueur, ½ ounce brown crème de cacao, and one scoop of vanilla ice cream. (If you're lactose intolerant, I see no reason why you can't use soy ice cream as a substitute).

7. Irish Flag Shooter