St. Patrick's Day is traditionally served with green beer and most likely whatever free bar snack is available.

This year, I think we can celebrate better than with stale green beer and nuts. In its place, we've rounded up 6 delicious (and always classy) cocktails and 6 mouth watering desserts:

Drinks 


1. DIY Shamrock Shake (Alcoholic Version!): We whipped this up last year, but this delicious recipe is yummy as ever and totally worth a repeat. It's half dessert/half drink and can be done virgin or with alcohol. 

2. Shamrock Shake Up: Essentially a mojito, but the green colour from the lime and mint garnish makes this a refreshing cocktail for St. Patty's Day. 

3. Irish Oatmeal: I love the idea of this drink! It combines Baileys Irish Cream, butterscotch liqueur and Goldschlager. Doesn't this sweet and spicy combo just make your mouth water? 

4. Lucky-tini: This cocktail contains melon liqueur which is universally known to be really, really, really good. It also calls for grape flavoured vodka but it's hard to find, so you could probably substitute with plain vodka and white grape juice or try this DIY jolly rancher infused vodka. 

5. Ginger Hooley: This ginger and whiskey drink has a nice bite to it!

6. Shamrocker: This one calls for tequila and I'm totally on board for anything with tequila. It has melon liqueur and orange juice for a citrus infusion. 

Dessert 
 

1. Mint Cheesecake: This cheesecake has a fresh mint cream in it that looks divine! Don't the spiral swirls look impressive? 

2. Leprechaun Chocolate Bark: The best thing about chocolate bark is how easy it is to make. Very kid-friendly and simple to make in large quantities to distribute to co-workers, friends or classmates. 

3. Beer Cupcakes: I made these beer cupcakes last St. Patrick's and I have to say that beer makes an excellent ingredient for cupcakes. They're moist and offer a bit of spice which is a nice alternative to the overly sweet desserts.  

4. Green Velvet Cake: Green velvet! Why have we not thought of this alternative to red velvet before? I think the whiskey flavoured frosting takes the cake, so to speak. 

5. Lime Cupcakes: This is an easy recipe and you can change up the colour for any holiday. 

6. Mint Chocolate Cookies: I'm a mint chocolate fiend, so naturally, I love these. The green candies on top add the perfect little touch! 

Which of these recipes look the best to you?

(additional images via livelovepasta.com)