St. Paddy’s Day is around the corner and we’re already starting to crave ice-cold creamy cocktails. What better way to prepare for the holiday season than Irish whiskey and Baileys Irish Cream?

Here are some of the most delicious whiskey and Irish cream drinks you can make at home to sip and share with friends and family this St. Paddy’s Day.

Irish Whiskey

In Irish, “whiskey” literally translates to “water of life.” So, it’s safe to say the Irish take their whiskey-drinking seriously. Their pride and seriousness for the beverage has spread like wildfire and infected the rest of the world. Since the 1990s, Irish whiskey has been the fastest-growing spirit in the world every single year. Where Scottish whiskey tends to leave a smokey and earthy taste, Irish whiskey brings a refreshing and smooth finish that is loved by many.

Baileys Irish Cream

Today, Baileys Irish Cream is very popular, though a lot of people are confused about what it really is. According to Baileys, the liquor spawned from a brilliant yet ambitious idea: combining Ireland’s delicious dairy cream with its world-renowned whiskey. Though it took a few years of trial and error, Baileys is beloved by whiskey lovers and those with a hefty sweet tooth.

DIY Drink Recipes for St. Paddy’s Day

Baileys Spiked Hot Chocolate

Honestly, what’s better than getting tipsy from hot chocolate? 

Here’s what you’ll need for a Baileys Spiked Hot Chocolate:

• 50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream
• 1 tsp hot chocolate powder
• 100ml milk
• A dollop of cream
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Chocolate brownies
• Chocolate sauce

Directions:

1. Mix the hot chocolate powder and milk to make hot chocolate. Pour the mixture into a mug.
2. Pour in 50ml of Baileys Irish Cream.
3. Garnish the drink with cream, sprinkles, brownies, chocolate sauce, etc. If you enjoy the taste, toasted marshmallows elevate this drink to a whole new level.

B52 Cocktail

The B52 cocktail is more of a shot than an actual cocktail. Layered liquors lay on top of each to create an eye-catching mixture of your favorite blends.

Ingredients for B52 Cocktail:

• 1/3 ounce coffee liqueur
• 1/3 ounce Baileys Irish cream liqueur
• 1/3 ounce Grand Marnier liqueur

Directions:

1. The B52 cocktail couldn’t be easier to make. Simply pour the coffee liquor into a shot glass, and slowly layer the Baileys on top of it. Then, top off the cocktail with a slow pour of Grand Marnier. 

Irish Coffee

The only wake-up call you’ll ever need is an Irish Coffee.

Ingredients for a traditional Irish Coffee:

• ⅓ parts Demerara and Muscovado sugar syrup
• 1 part Jameson 
• 1 part lightly whipped double cream
• 3 parts medium roasted espresso coffee
• 1 vanilla pod or cinnamon for garnish
• Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Directions:

1. To make the syrup, boil 3 parts water and dissolve 2 parts Demerara sugar and 1 part Muscovado sugar.
2. Pour 1 part Jameson into a warm glass and stir in sugar syrup.
3. Begin whipping chilled double cream lightly until it stiffens.
4. Place the glass of whiskey and syrup under your espresso machine and brew two shots of espresso.
5. Gently pour the whipped cream into the coffee over the back of the spoon so that it floats to the top.
6. Garnish the drink with a vanilla pod, a stick of cinnamon, and/or sprinkle in some fresh nutmeg.

Irish Whiskey Sour

Traditionally made with bourbon or rye whiskey, the Irish whiskey sour uses Jameson as a substitute. I mean, what else would you use for an Irish whiskey sour? 

Please note the egg white in this recipe is optional. The egg white provides a creamier taste but is not necessary to create this cocktail. If you choose to not include the egg white, simply skip over the first step.

Ingredients for an Irish whiskey sour:

• 1 egg white
• 5 ounces Irish whiskey
• 2 teaspoons superfine sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (from 2 oranges), plus 3 orange slices
• Gold sanding sugar
• Lemon and lime cherries

Directions:

1. Place egg white in a shaker and shake until frothy or about 30 seconds.
2. Next, fill the shaker halfway with ice. Then, add whiskey, superfine sugar, and all juices. Shake the mixture for 30 seconds.
3. Wet the rims of two short glasses with an orange slice, then dip in sanding sugar. Add ice to the glasses.
4. Pour the drink into glasses and serve with an orange slice, lemon, and lime cherries.