Put an Irish spin on a classic cocktail with this Irish margarita! This green cocktail features Jameson Irish whiskey instead of the traditional tequila for a St. Patrick’s Day drink option. Best of all, you don’t need the luck of the Irish on your side to make this easy shamrock margarita!
With just 4 required ingredients (plus any garnishes or coloring you want to add), this Irish margarita recipe is a simple cocktail for your St Paddy’s celebration.
Jameson replaces the traditional tequila for a different flavor profile that coordinates perfectly with your corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. Of course, that’s not to say you have to wait for St Patrick’s to enjoy it – it’s great year round too (especially if you’re not a tequila fan)!
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker at home, don’t worry! You can use a mason jar with a lid or anything similar to shake your drink up. In a pinch, you can even just give it a stir in the glass (it will get a little more diluted but still be delicious).
Ingredients List
2 ounces Jameson Irish whiskey (or another Irish whiskey of choice)
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
2 drops green food coloring (optional)
Ice cubes
Optional Rim
Lime wedge
Salt or sanding sugar (I use gold sugar)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use any brand of Irish whiskey, but Jameson is one of the most common. You can also do 1 ounce whiskey and 1 ounce of tequila for a slightly more traditional flavor
Any orange flavor liquor works instead of triple sec, like Cointreau or O3
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but you can use prepared sour mix or bottled lime juice in a pinch
The simple syrup amount can be adjusted to taste (or omitted entirely). A good alternative is agave nectar
If you want your margarita to be very green, add 2-3 drops of green food coloring. Without added coloring, it will be more golden than green
For the optional rim, salt, sugar, or a combination thereof works great. You can also use colored green or gold sanding sugar for extra festiveness!
Step By Step Instructions
(Optional) To rim your glass, first run a wedge of lime around the top edge to wet it. Then, dip the glass onto a plate with sanding sugar or margarita salt, and twist to coat
Fill your glass with ice (crushed or cubes is ideal)
Place the whiskey, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup (along with food coloring if you’re using it) into a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice
Shake for 20-30 seconds, until everything is chilled and well mixed, then strain into your prepared glasses
Garnish with a slice of lime or sprig of mint if desired, and enjoy!
An Irish margarita is a twist on the classic margarita cocktail, typically made with Irish whiskey instead of tequila.
This substitution gives the drink a smoother, slightly sweet flavor profile with a hint of whiskey warmth.
Can I Use Any Type of Irish Whiskey for Making an Irish Margarita?
You can use any type of Irish whiskey for an Irish Margarita, but some popular choices include Jameson, Bushmills, or Tullamore D.E.W.
Each brand offers its own distinct flavor profile, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
What Ingredients Are in a Shamrock Margarita?
In addition to Irish whiskey, an Irish or shamrock margarita typically includes ingredients such as fresh lime juice, triple sec or orange liqueur, and a sweetener such as simple syrup or agave nectar.
Some variations may also incorporate Irish cream or ginger beer for added flavor, or use pineapple juice and blue curacao to add tropical flavor and green coloring.
How Should I Garnish an Irish Margarita?
Common garnishes for an Irish margarita include a lime wedge, slice, or twist for a traditional touch.
You can also rim the glass with salt or sugar for added flavor and visual appeal, or garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
What Is the Best Method for Mixing an Irish Margarita?
To mix an Irish margarita, simply combine the Irish whiskey, lime juice, triple sec, and sweetener in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
Alternatively, you can mix the ingredients directly in the glass and stir well.
Is an Irish Margarita Considered a St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail, or Can It Be Enjoyed Year-Round?
While an Irish margarita is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day festivities due to its Irish whiskey base, it can certainly be enjoyed year-round.
Its smooth, refreshing flavor makes it a versatile cocktail for any occasion. It’s also a great alternative option for those who do not enjoy tequila.
Can I Prepare a Batch of Irish Margaritas in Advance for Serving at a Party?
Yes, you can easily prepare a batch of Irish margaritas up to 48 hours in advance for a party or gathering. Simply mix the ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Stir well before pouring into individual glasses over ice.
Are There Any Non-Alcoholic Alternatives for the Irish Margarita?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic mocktail version of an Irish margarita by omitting the whiskey and triple sec. Simply combine fresh lime juice, orange juice, and a sweetener such as agave nectar or simple syrup, then serve over ice for a refreshing mocktail option.
Add ginger beer for a spicy, bubbly variation option.
Recipe Pro Tips
For a frozen variation, add all ingredients and 4-5 cubes of ice to a blender. Blend or pulse on high until you reach a slushie consistency. Pour into your glass and garnish as normal
As a general rule, one fresh lime gives about 1 ounce of juice when squeezed. This can of course vary by the size and variety of your limes, but is a good starting guideline, especially if you’re scaling the recipe
Serving and Storage Tips
Glassware. A margarita glass (traditional or stemless) is the most common serving option, but you can also use a mason jar, martini glass, rocks glass, or pint glass
This recipe scales well for parties. You can mix everything (excluding ice) in a pitcher 24-48 hours in advance (I don’t recommend more due to the fruit juice). Adjust the sweetness or taste (or omit and let guests do it individually later). Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then pour into individual glasses with ice and garnish before serving
Whether you call it an Irish margarita or a shamrock margarita, this festive cocktail is perfect for your St Paddy’s celebration! Jameson (or your favorite Irish whiskey) replaces tequila for a spin on a classic drink.
Color it green to make it even more suited for the holiday, or leave it au naturel and enjoy it year round. Even though it fits well for your St. Patrick’s Day meal, it’s a great alternative for those who don’t like tequila to enjoy a margarita.
Irish Margarita With Jameson (Green Shamrock Margarita)
This Irish margarita has just 4 ingredients, with Jameson Irish whiskey replacing the traditional tequila. It’s green, shamrock inspired, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!
2OuncesJameson Irish whiskey(or another Irish whiskey of choice)
1Ouncetriple sec(or another orange liquor)
1Ouncefresh lime juice
½Ouncesimple syrup(or to taste)
Ice cubes
Optional Rim
Lime wedge
Coarse salt or sanding sugar(I use gold sugar)
Instructions
(Optional) To rim your glass, first run a wedge of lime around the top edge to wet it. Then, dip the glass onto a plate with sanding sugar or margarita salt, and twist to coat
Lime wedge, Coarse salt or sanding sugar
Fill your glass with ice (crushed or cubes)
Ice cubes
Place the whiskey, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup (along with food coloring if you’re using it) into a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice
Shake for 20-30 seconds, until everything is chilled and well mixed, then strain into your prepared glasses
Garnish with a slice of lime or sprig of mint if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
You can use any brand of Irish whiskey, but Jameson is one of the most common. You can also do 1 ounce whiskey and 1 ounce of tequila for a slightly more traditional flavor
Any orange flavor liquor works instead of triple sec, like Cointreau or O3
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but you can use prepared sour mix or bottled lime juice in a pinch
The simple syrup amount can be adjusted to taste (or omitted entirely). A good alternative is agave nectar
If you want your margarita to be very green, add 2 drops of green food coloring. Without added coloring, it will be more golden than green
For the optional rim, salt, sugar, or a combination thereof works great. You can also use colored green or gold sanding sugar for extra festiveness!
For a frozen variation, add all ingredients and 4-5 cubes of ice to a blender. Blend or pulse on high until you reach a slushie consistency. Pour into your glass and garnish as normal
As a general rule, one fresh lime gives about 1 ounce of juice when squeezed. This can of course vary by the size and variety of your limes, but is a good starting guideline
A margarita glass (traditional or stemless) is the most common serving option, but you can also use a mason jar, martini glass, rocks glass, or pint glass
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and actual 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!
