St. Patrick's Day is a time for celebration, laughter, and maybe even a little mischief!
But what about the drinks?
While a pint of Guinness is a classic choice, there's so much more you can do to create a festive atmosphere with festive cocktails.
Forget the green food coloring and sugary syrups – with a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can whip up delicious drinks that celebrate the holiday.
This St. Patrick's Day, ditch the ordinary and impress your friends with unique and flavorful drinks that capture the spirit of the Emerald Isle.
From Saint to Celebration: The History of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day, celebrated every year on March 17th, is a global phenomenon that honors Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick.
But what exactly are we celebrating?
While the day is now synonymous with parades, green clothing, and pints of (green) Guinness, its origins lie in a fascinating historical tale.
Saint Patrick himself wasn't actually Irish. Born in Roman Britain in the 4th century, he was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave in his teenage years.
After escaping back to Britain, he later returned to Ireland as a missionary, bringing Christianity to the predominantly pagan population. His efforts are credited with spreading the faith throughout the country and laying the foundation for Irish Christianity.
Over the centuries, Saint Patrick's Day evolved from a religious observance into a national celebration. Irish immigrants brought these traditions to countries like the United States, where St. Patrick's Day celebrations took on their own life.
The first St. Patrick's Day parade in North America is believed to have occurred in Boston in 1737, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British military.
Today, St. Patrick's Day parades are a global phenomenon, drawing millions of participants and spectators each year.
While the day's religious significance has waned somewhat, St. Patrick's Day remains a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and national pride.
It's a day to wear green, enjoy traditional Irish music and dance, and, of course, raise a glass to the legacy of Saint Patrick.
Irish Whiskey: A St. Patrick's Day Staple
Whiskey is practically synonymous with Ireland, so featuring it in your festive cocktails makes perfect sense.
Art & Rev offers a delicious Whiskey Buck, made with premium ingredients and boasting a satisfying 13.5% ABV. This canned cocktail is a fantastic base for creating a variety of festive twists.
A Touch of Green: Mint and Lime
Green is the color of the day, and there are two fantastic ways to incorporate it into your festive cocktails – mint and lime.
Mint adds a refreshing and slightly sweet note, while lime provides a tart and citrusy punch.
Here's how to use these ingredients with your Art & Rev Whiskey Buck.
The Emerald Isle
- Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in a shaker with some simple syrup.
- Strain the mixture into a glass of ice, then add your Art & Rev Whiskey Buck and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Top it all off with a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.
The Shamrock Sour
This festive cocktail takes inspiration from the classic Whiskey Sour but with a green twist and no egg white.
- Combine two parts Art & Rev Whiskey Buck, one part fresh lime juice, and half a part simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Add a few drops of blue curaçao to the bottom of a coupe glass. (The blue of the curaçao and the light orange color of the Art & Rev Whiskey Buck will make green – thank you, preschool!)
- Shake well and enjoy.
Beyond Whiskey: Exploring Festive Vodka and Gin Cocktails
While whiskey is a traditional Irish spirit, there's no reason to limit yourself.
Art & Rev offers various delicious, canned cocktails that can be the base for creative and festive concoctions.
Festive Vodka Cocktails
For a lighter and more refreshing festive vodka cocktail, consider using Art & Rev's Lime Vodka Soda.
The combination of vodka, lime, and yuzu creates a clean and citrusy flavor profile that's perfect for a St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Here are a few ideas.
Leprechaun's Lemonade
- Combine Art & Rev Lime Vodka Soda with a splash of green Chartreuse and a tall glass filled with ice.
- Add a cucumber ribbon for a refreshing drink. (Or, garnish with a green apple Sour Power Belt for an extra bit of sweetness.)
Irish Mule
This festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule uses Art & Rev Lime Vodka Soda instead of plain vodka.
- Combine it with some ginger beer in a copper mug filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or mint sprig for a touch of elegance.
Festive Gin Cocktails
For a more botanical and complex flavor, Art & Rev's Orange Gin Spritz is a fantastic starting point for your festive gin cocktails.
This canned concoction blends gin, aperitivo of bitters, and citrus orange, creating a light, refreshing, and slightly bitter base.
Here are a few ways to transform it into a St. Patrick's Day showstopper.
The Dublin Fizz
- Rim a tall glass with green sugar (sugar mixed with green food coloring) and fill it with ice.
- Combine Art & Rev Orange Gin Spritz with a splash of elderflower liqueur and a squeeze of fresh grapefruit juice.
- Toast to good health and good times.
The Green Garnet
This festive cocktail takes inspiration from the beautiful green garnet gemstone, often associated with Ireland.
- Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in a shaker with some simple syrup.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, then add your Art & Rev Orange Gin Spritz and a splash of grenadine for a touch of red.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint for a stunning presentation.
Festive Cocktails without the Fuss
Sometimes, you just want an oh-so-easy and delicious festive cocktail.
That's where the beauty of Art & Rev's canned cocktails comes in. Our cans are pre-mixed and ready to be enjoyed.
Simply pour your favorite in a glass over ice, or drink it straight from the can (chilled is best, but we don't judge).
There you have it! A delightful and elegant ready-to-drink cocktail without added sugar and high in ABV.
Improve Your St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Art & Rev
With a little creativity and our delicious, canned cocktails, you can easily create various festive cocktails that will impress your friends and family this St. Patrick's Day.
So, ditch the ordinary green beer and raise a glass to a St. Patrick's Day filled with flavor and fun!
