Irish Margarita Recipe for St. Patrick’s Day
This Irish Margarita recipe is green, glittery and makes a perfect St. Patrick’s Day cocktail. Grab your favorite Irish whiskey and shake up a tasty drink that gives off real leprechaun vibes. An edible gold garnish is the perfect finishing touch. This Irish whiskey margarita is just right for your St. Patrick’s Day party and tasty enough to serve long after the holiday is over.
Why You’ll Love this St. Patrick’s Day Margarita
This Jameson Margarita needs only a few simple ingredients and a cocktail shaker to whip up this festive St. Paddy’s Day cocktail in less than five minutes. But what really makes this drink special is the edible green glitter. It creates a gorgeous green cocktail that will add a touch of Irish charm to any gathering.
The flavors of zesty lime, smooth tequila, and Jameson Irish whiskey combine in an unexpected way that just works. Your guests will feel like they’ve found the four-leaf clover of margaritas.
Related: Green Margaritas
It’s a simple but unique twist on a classic margarita that is familiar and complex at the same time.
From casual brunches to summer get-togethers, the Irish Margarita’s versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, hosting a Cinco de Mayo party (use these fun Cinco de Mayo printable decorations) or simply craving a unique cocktail experience, shake up this green margarita recipe. Seriously, the vibrant color is THE BEST!
Simply leave out the green glitter and this drink is perfect for any time of year. It’s a great traditional margarita for whiskey lovers and another fun way to use the Irish whiskey you have in your home bar.
Ingredients
- Tequila
- Irish whiskey
- Fresh lime juice
- Triple Sec
- Green edible glitter (optional)
- Edible gold leaf, optional
We used Casamigos blanco tequila (also sometimes known as silver tequila). You can use reposado if you prefer since it will have a little more flavor that compliments the whiskey.
We used Jameson Irish whiskey to ensure that this Irish margarita could truly be called an Irish Margarita. But you can use any kind of whiskey you have if you don’t want to go buy a bottle. The flavor will differ slightly.
You can use any kind of orange liqueur you want to. Triple Sec is always on our bar cart and it’s super classic but we also like Cointreau.
If you don’t have edible green glitter you can use a few drops of green food coloring to get a bright green color. It’s the quickest way to get green drinks whenever you need them.
If you don’t have edible gold leaf you can always rim the glass with gold sugar crystals instead.
How to Make a St. Patrick’s Day Margarita
Step 1
To a cocktail shaker add tequila, Irish whiskey, lime juice and Triple Sec.
Step 2
Add ice and shake well.
Step 3
Add 1 packet of edible green glitter (or follow the instructions on the jar if you don’t have packets) and shake again.
Step 4
Strain into a margarita glass filled with ice.
Edible Gold Garnish
- Use a paintbrush to wet part of the rim of the margarita glass.
- Use tweezers to add a bit of edible gold leaf.
- Add a few more pieces of edible gold leaf on top of the ice.
Enjoy your Irish Margarita immediately.
We served our Irish Margarita in regular margarita glasses to really show off the color and glitter. If you don’t have margaritas glasses, we highly recommend using a clear glass so the sparkly color can really be seen
Tips
- Freshly squeezed lime juice is key to achieving that classic margarita taste. I never suggest reaching for the sour mix as it just doesn’t have the tartness that I love in a typical margarita.
- If you need this Irish Margarita a little sweeter you can add 1/2 oz agave nectar. We tried it this way but liked it better without.
- While we don’t typically remember to do this, you can chill your glasses in the freezer beforehand for an extra frosty touch.
Variations to Try
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of Irish whiskey for this cocktail?
Yes, you can use any type of Irish whiskey you prefer, whether it’s a blended whiskey or a single malt. Choose one that suits your taste preferences and budget. Jameson is a classic brand. You can even use Jameson Orange Whiskey. The flavor would be delicious!
What’s the difference between triple sec and Cointreau?
Triple Sec and Cointreau are both orange liqueurs, but Cointreau tends to have a higher quality and a bit of a smoother taste. However, you can use either one interchangeably in this recipe.
Do I have to use green food coloring or glitter to make it Irish-themed?
No, the green food coloring or glitter is purely optional and mainly for aesthetics to give the cocktail a festive St. Patrick’s Day vibe. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a more natural look. It will still be an Irish Margarita because it uses Irish whiskey.
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time for a party?
While it’s best to serve the Irish Margarita fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and mix them just before serving to ensure the flavors are at their peak. Pre-squeeze the lime juice to save time. Avoid adding ice until you’re ready to serve to prevent dilution. And wait to add any glitter or edible gold leaf until serving.
What can I use as a substitute for the orange-flavored liqueur?
If you don’t have Triple Sec or Cointreau on hand, you can substitute it with another orange-flavored liqueur or even orange juice concentrate mixed with a bit of simple syrup for sweetness.
How can I adjust the sweetness or tartness of the cocktail to suit my taste?
You can adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by adding more or less honey, agave syrup, or orange-flavored syrup to taste. Similarly, you can adjust the tartness by varying the amount of lime juice used. Start with the recommended measurements in the recipe and adjust according to your preference.
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More Margarita Essentials
Irish Whiskey Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz. Tequila blanco
- 1 oz. Lime juice
- 1 oz. Triple Sec
- 1 packet Green Glitter (or follow directions on package)
- Edible gold leaf for garnish
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker add tequila, Irish whiskey, Triple Sec and lime juice.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Add edible green glitter, if using, and shake again.
- Strain into a margarita glass.
- Use a small paintbrush to wet the rim and apply edible gold leaf, if using. Add more edible gold leaf to the top of the drink.
Notes
- Freshly squeezed lime juice is key to achieving that classic margarita taste. I never suggest reaching for the sour mix as it just doesn’t have the tartness that I love in a typical margarita.
- If you need this Irish Margarita a little sweeter you can add 1/2 oz agave nectar. We tried it this way but liked it better without it.
- While we don’t typically remember to do this, you can chill your glasses in the freezer beforehand for an extra frosty touch.
- If you can’t find edible gold leaf you can also rim the margarita with gold sugar crystals.
- If you can’t find edible green glitter you can add a few drops of food coloring.
