St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration packed with traditions, from lively parades to people dressed head-to-toe in green. Of course, for many, the holiday also involves raising a glass. While beer tends to steal the spotlight, it’s not for everyone. Maybe you aren’t a beer fan, or perhaps you’re just looking for something different to sip on this year. Either way, there’s no reason to feel left out of the festivities. With so many creative drink options available, you can still toast to the holiday in style, beer-free!

From refreshing citrusy sips to indulgent creamy blends, the possibilities are endless. Here’s a guide to the best non-beer drinks you can order at the bar or whip up on your own, plus some easy and festive recipes to try.

Drinks to Order at the Bar

Bars can be magical places on St. Patrick’s Day, with everyone caught up in the lively holiday energy. That said, ordering something beer-free doesn’t mean you need to resort to plain water or soda. Instead, you can explore fun, flavorful drinks that are just as celebratory! If going to the bar and asking for something that isn’t too common is stressful, these are drinks any bartender should know how to make.

Irish Mule

This cocktail is a modern twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with Irish whiskey stepping in to give it a festive boost. It’s made with ginger beer, lime juice, and whiskey served over ice. It’s also still in the iconic copper mug. If beer’s carbonation isn’t your thing but you love a little fizz, this is a super refreshing drink to try.

If you’re at a festive bar, ask your bartender for an Irish Mule or a Moscow Mule with whiskey instead of vodka. If they’re offering, you could ask for a little green food coloring or a mint garnish for extra Irish flair. The spicy kick from the ginger beer will keep things interesting, sip after sip.

Green Margarita

Margaritas aren’t just for summer vacations. They can easily be a hit for St. Patrick's Day, too. At many bars, you can order a classic or frozen margarita with a fun twist. Ask for a green version featuring lime juice, tequila, and maybe a drop of food coloring for a bold nod to the holiday.

For a non-alcoholic alternative, simply ask the bartender to skip the tequila and make it a limeade slushie instead. The tart lime flavor ties perfectly into the festive green theme of the holiday.

Classic Mojito

A mojito brings together the fresh, bright flavors of mint and lime for a drink that’s clean and uplifting. Its natural green coloring makes it holiday-ready, no extra garnishes required. If you want to spice things up, some bartenders might add crushed green berries or kiwi for even more flavor.

You can also ask for a virgin mojito, which skips the rum but keeps all the other refreshing elements intact, making it a great mocktail option for non-drinkers.

Cucumber Cooler (Mocktail Option)

If you want something alcohol-free that still feels custom-made, try a cucumber cooler. It’s made with muddled cucumber, mint, soda water, and a squeeze of lime. The best thing about this drink is that it’s light, fresh, and festive. It’s also super hydrating, a major bonus if you’re spending a long night out. You might start a trend with everyone drinking cucumber coolers.

You might find that bartenders are more than happy to get creative with garnishes for mocktails, so don’t hesitate to ask for extras like fresh herbs or even an edible flower for flair.

Drinks to Make at Home

Sometimes, the best part of St. Patrick’s Day is staying in with friends or loved ones and crafting your own festive sips. Mixing drinks at home lets you experiment with flavors, adjust sweetness and alcohol levels to your taste, and even create Instagram-worthy garnishes. If you need something for a fun holiday party or a night with just a few buddies.

Recipe 1: Irish Cream Hot Chocolate

There’s no rule that all St. Patrick’s Day drinks need to be cold! This cozy creation combines rich chocolate flavor with the smooth, creamy taste of Irish cream liqueur. This is a fantastic drink when the cold weather overstays it’s welcome into March.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 oz Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys)
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Whipped cream and green sprinkles for garnish

Instructions:

  • Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, but don’t bring it to a boil.
  • Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the Irish cream liqueur.
  • Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and green sprinkles.

Recipe 2: Sparkling Lime Mocktail

For a simple, non-alcoholic option, this sparkling lime mocktail is crisp, tangy, and refreshing. This mocktail is effortless to make and perfect for anyone looking to keep things classy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup club soda
  • ½ cup limeade
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional for sweetness)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour in the club soda and limeade, stirring gently.
  • Add a drizzle of honey or agave if you prefer a hint of sweetness.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

Recipe 3: Kiwi Basil Spritzer

Looking for something unique to wow your party guests? This kiwi basil spritzer is beautifully green and bursting with fresh flavor. This drink is as stunning as it is tasty, and its vibrant green color makes it a perfect fit for the occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe kiwis, peeled and mashed
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp simple syrup
  • Soda water
  • Basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  • Muddle the kiwis and lime juice together in a glass until they’re well combined.
  • Add the simple syrup and stir.
  • Fill the glass with ice, then pour soda water over the top.
  • Garnish with a fresh basil leaf for a sophisticated touch.

Recipe 4: Green Tea Mojito Mocktail

A creative twist on the classic mojito, this version uses green tea for an earthy and refreshing vibe. This drink is light, energizing, and just the right amount of “green” for holiday flair.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brewed green tea, chilled
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Club soda

Instructions:

  • Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a tall glass.
  • Add the lime juice and chilled green tea and stir well.
  • Fill the glass with ice, then top with club soda.
  • Garnish with extra mint leaves for a fresh finish.

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to have fun, try new things, and enjoy the company of others. Whether you’re hitting a bar with friends or cozying up at home with homemade drinks, there’s no shortage of creative and festive options to try. Skipping the beer doesn’t mean skipping the celebration. It just means you get to raise a glass to something a little different. Sláinte!