Why I love this St Patrick’s Day martini
This St. Patrick’s Day martini is my new festive obsession!
If you love a good Shamrock Shake, just wait until you try it in martini form.
It’s creamy, minty, and just the right amount of sweet—thanks to the Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur and crème de menthe.
A little vodka gives it a kick, and the half and half makes it extra smooth and indulgent.
Basically, it’s like a boozy dessert in a glass, and I am so here for it.
And can we talk about how perfect this looks for St. Paddy’s Day?
That gorgeous green color is totally on theme, and the sparkly green sugar rim takes it to the next level.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this cocktail is a must-try. It’s fun, festive, and honestly, way too easy to sip on.
More green cocktail recipes
Ingredients
Here is your shopping list (for 2 small or 1 large martini):
- Alcohol – 2 ounces Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur, 2 ounces vodka , 2 ounces crème de menthe. You can use either clear or green crème de menthe. I used clear and as you can see, it’s still a greenish drink (even without the sanding sugar).
- Dairy – 2 ounces half-and-half
- Rimming sugar – green sanding sugar
- syrup – simple syrup
- Topping – whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles (if desired)
- Ice
Substitutions & Additions
- If you don’t have Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur, you can replace it with regular Bailey’s Irish Cream, a splash of vanilla extract, a couple of drops of peppermint extract and some green food coloring.
- Crème de menthe can be replaced with an equal amount of Peppermint Schnapps.
How to make a St Patrick’s Day martini
1 | Rim the glass
While rimming the glass isn’t absolutely necessary, it does make the martini look more festive.
Start by preparing two saucers, small plates or bowls that are wide enough for the top of the glass to fit on it.
Pour enough simple syrup into one of them to cover the bottom. Do the same with the green sprinkles on the other plate.
To rim the glass, gently dip the edge of your martini glass into the simple syrup, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Then, immediately dip it into the sanding sugar, pressing lightly to ensure the sugar adheres well.
2 | Mix the cocktail
Begin by filling a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. This will chill your drink as you mix it.
Pour in 2 ounces Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake liqueuer, 2 ounces vodka, 2 ounces crème de menthe, and 2 ounces half-and-half.
Then put the top on and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds.
3 | Serve
Strain the cocktail mixture into your prepared martini glass.
If you’d like to achieve decorative green lines inside the glass, pour the cocktail until it reaches the sugared rim.
The liquid will dissolve some of the sugar, creating an attractive striped effect down the inside of the glass.
For an extra touch of indulgence, top your martini with a swirl of whipped cream and some chocolate sprinkles
Serving suggestions
To make your cocktail look extra special, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
You could also use chocolate shavings (instead of sprinkles) on top of the whipped cream for a touch of elegance and flavor contrast. I use a carrot peeler to make them. Using Andes chocolate mints for the shavings will also add to the peppermint flavor.
How to make a big batch
To make this green martini easy to serve at a party, you can make a big batch in a pitcher ahead of time.
Prepare the rimmed glasses in advance by dipping them in simple syrup and then in green sanding sugar. Once coated, set them aside to dry. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Mix 1½ cups creme de menthe, 1½ cups Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur, 1½ cups vodka, and 1½ cups half-and-half in a large pitcher or container. Stir well to combine.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the mixture until it’s time to serve. This can be done a few hours or even a day in advance.
When ready to serve, fill a large cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the pre-mixed liquid. Shake for 15-20 seconds to chill and mix thoroughly. Then strain into the pre-rimmed glasses and add toppings.
St Patrick’s Day Martini
Ingredients
- green sanding sugar
- simple syrup
- ice
- 2 ounces creme de menthe
- 2 ounces Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces half-and-half
- whipped cream optional for topping
- chocolate sprinkles optional for topping
Equipment
- 2 5-ounce martini glasses
- 2 saucers or small plates (wide enough for the rim of the glass to fit on)
- jigger or liquid measuring cup
- cocktail shaker
Instructions
- Place a small amount of simple syrup on one saucer and spread a layer of the green sanding sugar on the other.green sanding sugar, simple syrup
- Dip the edge of the martini glass in the simple syrup first and then in the sanding sugar. Make sure the rim is well-coated all the way around.
- Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice.ice
- Pour in the creme de menthe, Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueuer, vodka, , and half-and-half.2 ounces creme de menthe, 2 ounces Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur, 2 ounces vodka, 2 ounces half-and-half
- Shake well for about 15 to 20 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into the rimmed martini glass. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles if desired.whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles
Notes
- If you don’t have Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueuer, you can use regular Bailey’s with a dash of vanilla extract, a couple of drops of peppermint extract and a little green food coloring.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Have comments or questions about our St Patrick’s Day martini recipe? Tell us in the section below.