Because, Let’s Face it, No One Wants to Drink Green Beer All Day!
Are you looking to add festive cheer to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations?
The Naughty Leprechaun cocktail is the perfect drink to serve at your gathering. With a combination of Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur, and crème de menthe, this cocktail has a distinct green hue and a smooth, creamy flavor that will impress your guests.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, this drink is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
So grab your shaker and get ready to mix up some Naughty Leprechauns!
There are different variations of the Naughty Leprechaun recipe, but here is a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz crème de menthe
- Ice cubes
- Optional: chocolate syrup or white chocolate liqueur for additional flavor
Mocktail:
TIP: If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of the cocktail, you can substitute the whiskey and liqueurs with Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer, crème de menthe syrup, and club soda.
Directions:
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour the Irish whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, and crème de menthe into the shaker.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Optional: drizzle chocolate syrup on the drink or add a splash of white chocolate liqueur for additional flavor. Adding chocolate syrup or white chocolate liqueur to the cocktail can add a rich and decadent flavor.
- Serve and enjoy your Naughty Leprechaun cocktail!
- Poor into a Cosmopolitan glass.
Did you know?
The green color of the cocktail is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day, but the original color of leprechauns was said to be red.
The leprechaun is a mythical creature that is commonly associated with Ireland . It is said to be a small, mischievous fairy that is known for its ability to grant wishes and its pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
The origins of the leprechaun can be traced back to ancient Irish mythology and folklore. In these stories, the leprechaun was often portrayed as a solitary creature that lived in the forest or on the outskirts of a village. They were believed to be shoemakers by trade, and their craftsmanship was said to be unparalleled.
They also are known for their trickery, and they would often try to deceive humans in order to escape capture. According to legend, if a person caught a leprechaun, they could demand that the creature grant them three wishes in exchange for its freedom.
A little history:
The name “Naughty Leprechaun” may have originated from the mischievous nature of leprechauns in Irish folklore, who were known for playing pranks on humans.
The cocktail’s ingredients – Irish whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, and crème de menthe – are all traditionally associated with Ireland.
While the exact origins of the cocktail are unknown, it’s believed to have been created in the United States as a festive St. Patrick’s Day drink.
Some cocktail variations use different types of Irish cream liqueurs or substitute the crème de menthe with other green liqueurs like Midori or green Chartreuse.
When making the cocktail, it’s essential to shake the ingredients well with ice to ensure the drink is chilled correctly and mixed.
The cocktail’s name is sometimes shortened to “Naughty Lep” for brevity and convenience.
Some recipe variations call for a splash of coffee liqueur or espresso to give the drink an added kick of flavor and caffeine. It can also be served as a dessert cocktail by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the shaker before mixing.
Another option, is the drink can be served as a shot by layering the Irish cream liqueur and crème de menthe in a shot glass–then topping it with a splash of Irish whiskey.
Some bartenders like garnering the cocktail with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder for added visual appeal.
While the Naughty Leprechaun is a famous St. Patrick’s Day cocktail, it can be enjoyed year-round by those who love the combination of whiskey and cream liqueurs.
