This easy 3 ingredient cocktail is perfect for St Patrick’s Day! The drunken leprechaun, also known as an Irish screwdriver, is a green twist on the classic cocktail. Instead of vodka, I’m using Jameson to give it that Irish flair!
Who doesn’t love a 3 ingredient cocktail? You don’t need anything fancy aside from a way to measure and a glass to put it in to enjoy this festive green cocktail.
While it’s actually naturally green due to the ingredients, you can also add some green food coloring if you’d like to change the shade or make it even more vibrant (but that’s totally optional).
This drink gives off tropical vibes thanks to the orange juice and blue curacao or Hpnotiq liquors, and the Jameson offers a slightly sweeter finish than the traditional vodka would. It makes for a smooth, tasty drink that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients List
2 ounces Jameson Irish whiskey (or another Irish whiskey brand of choice)
2 ounces Hpnotiq (or blue curacao)
4 ounces orange juice
Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can absolutely substitute vodka in place of the Irish whiskey for a more “traditional” screwdriver taste. However, the Irish whiskey pairs well with the tropical flavors and gives it an Irish twist!
Blue curacao is the traditional blue liquor of choice. However, I personally hate the taste of it, so I use Hpnotic instead (which is a tropical flavored blue liquor that’s a vodka and cognac mix). You can also use Midori or another green liquor!
If preferred, you can split the orange juice with another tropical juice flavor, such as pineapple, guava, or mango, to create different flavor variations
Sparkling option: Use 2 ounces orange juice for the color, then top the drink with orange-flavored sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy version!
Garnishes are optional, but an orange slice and maraschino cherry are the most common options
Step By Step Instructions
Add Irish whiskey and blue curacao (or other blue liquor) to a glass, and stir to combine
Fill the glass with ice
Top with orange juice (adjust color with green food coloring if needed – I use one drop to get a more vibrant color instead of pea green)
An Irish screwdriver, also known as a drunken leprechaun, is a green cocktail typically enjoyed during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It is made with a combination of Irish whiskey instead of vodka, orange juice, and a blue liquor such as blue curacao.
The ingredients are mixed in a glass with ice, then garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Can I Customize the Ingredients in a Drunken Leprechaun Cocktail?
Absolutely! You can use different types of Irish whiskey, the more traditional vodka, or a mix of both. Try Hpnotiq instead of blue curacao, or Midori melon liquor.
You can even experiment with different juices to add different colors and flavor profiles, like pineapple, mango, or other tropical flavors.
What Is the Ideal Ratio of Ingredients for a Drunken Leprechaun Cocktail?
The ideal ratio of ingredients for a drunken leprechaun cocktail can vary depending on personal taste. However, a common ratio is 1 part Irish whiskey, 1 part blue curacao, and 2 parts orange juice.
You can adjust the ratios to make the cocktail stronger or milder according to your preference.
Should I Serve a Drunken Leprechaun Cocktail Chilled or at Room Temperature?
A drunken leprechaun cocktail is typically served chilled, over ice.
If you want to avoid dilution, you can always shake it in a shaker with ice and then strain into a chilled glass.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of a Drunken Leprechaun Cocktail?
Yes, to make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of the drunken leprechaun, use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute or apple juice (sparkling or regular).
Omit the blue curacao and use blue or green food coloring, or a blue sports drink to turn the orange juice component green.
Can I Make a Batch of Drunken Leprechaun Cocktails in Advance for a Party?
Yes, you can easily make a batch of drunken leprechauns in advance for a party or gathering. Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings needed, mix them together in a pitcher or large container, and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Stir the mixture well before pouring into glasses filled with ice and garnishing as desired.
Recipe Pro Tips
Glassware. You can use any sort of clear glass you want for this recipe! Juice glasses, pint glasses, highball or Collins glasses, hurricane glasses, and stemless wine glasses are all great choices
Storage and Serving Tips
To make a pitcher for a party, simply scale the recipe for the desired number of servings. Note you may need to adjust the color with food coloring, as it looks different on a larger scale
Store in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. Stir and pour into individual glasses filled with ice for serving
If you prepare it in advance, don’t add any carbonated components like sparkling water if you’re making a fizzy variation. Instead, add those during serving for maximum fizziness!
This drunken leprechaun (or Irish screwdriver) is a fun green cocktail that’s perfect for St Patrick’s Day! Instead of the traditional vodka component, I’m using Jameson Irish whiskey to give it that seasonal flair and smooth finish.
Then it’s just orange juice and a blue liquor component to make your drink green for St Paddy’s. With just 3 ingredients, it takes just minutes to throw together, so this cocktail is also perfect for entertaining.
For a spooky green drink, make sure to check out my Green Ghost Cocktail. While you could have it for St Patrick’s because of the color, the name makes it much more suited for Halloween!
The drunken leprechaun, or Irish screwdriver, is an easy 3 ingredient cocktail for St Patrick’s Day. The green color and Jameson Irish whiskey make for a fun, tropical sip!
2OuncesJameson Irish whiskey(or another Irish whiskey of choice)
2Ouncesblue curacao(or Hpnotiq)
4Ouncesorange juice
Green food coloring(optional)
Ice cubes
Instructions
Add Irish whiskey and blue curacao (or other blue liquor) to a glass, and stir to combine
2 Ounces Jameson Irish whiskey, 2 Ounces blue curacao
Fill the glass with ice
Ice cubes
Top with orange juice (adjust color with green food coloring if needed – I use one drop to get a more vibrant color instead of pea green)
4 Ounces orange juice, Green food coloring
Garnish if desired and enjoy!
Notes
You can absolutely substitute vodka in place of the Irish whiskey for a more “traditional” screwdriver taste. However, the Irish whiskey pairs well with the tropical flavors and gives it an Irish twist!
Blue curacao is the traditional blue liquor of choice. However, I personally hate the taste of it, so I use Hpnotic instead (which is a tropical flavored blue liquor that’s a vodka and cognac mix). You can also use Midori or another green liquor!
If preferred, you can split the orange juice with another tropical juice flavor, such as pineapple, guava, or mango, to create different flavor variations
Sparkling option: Use 2 ounces orange juice for the color, then top the drink with orange-flavored sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy version!
Garnishes are optional, but an orange slice and maraschino cherry are the most common options
Glassware. You can use any sort of clear glass you want for this recipe! Juice glasses, pint glasses, highball or Collins glasses, hurricane glasses, and stemless wine glasses are all great choices
To make a pitcher for a party, simply scale the recipe for the desired number of servings. Note you may need to adjust the color with food coloring, as it looks different on a larger scale
Store in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. Stir and pour into individual glasses filled with ice for serving
If you prepare it in advance, don’t add any carbonated components like sparkling water if you’re making a fizzy variation. Instead, add those during serving for maximum fizziness!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and variety of ingredients, any garnishes added, size of glasses and ice cubes, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
