Who is ready for St. Patrick’s Day? In Chicago we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Saturday before. And “celebrate” is an understatement. We dye our river green. It’s borderline overboard. To help you get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, I have collected some recipes perfect for the holiday. Whether you are planning a wild party, or a quieter calmer day, I have got you covered with a collection boozy St. Patrick’s Day recipes that have alcohol as an ingredient.
My father taught me that you “need to lay a solid foundation” if you are planning to spend your day drinking. Start your day off right, and eat these Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Pancakes that are both delicious and completely on theme.
Love beer? This French Onion Soup made with my favorite beer, Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale, is rich and hearty and it would be easy to make enough to feed a crowd.
Want to make a dinner that isn’t corned beef? Make Beef Tips with a Bourbon Sauce, it’s so good my mother often serves it during the holidays.
Looking for dessert? Chocolate Irish Cream Cupcakes are made by combining cupcakes made using a mix with homemade frosting.
This Whiskey Chocolate Caramel Cake is a chocolate cake, topped with a layer of whiskey caramel, and then topped with a whiskey whipped cream frosting. Chocolate, whiskey, and caramel is an unbeatable flavor combination. You could certainly make cupcakes instead of cake too.
How about cupcakes that look a bit more festive? Sprite Zero Cupcakes are a reduced fat, easy to make, cupcake variation that can be topped with green icing and sprinkles.
How about a boozy milkshake that is better than a shamrock shake? This milkshake has irish cream and vanilla ice cream and it doubles as dessert and a cocktail.
Are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago on Saturday? Here is my post from last year listing some of the city’s annual events. Plus, the newly opened, and super chic, Virgin Hotel is hosting a trio of events at their restaurants. The cafe, Two Zero Three, is going to be converted into an indoor beer garden during the parade, the diner, Miss Ricky’s, will be serving special beers plus grab and go grilled cheeses, and the second floor restaurant, The Commons Club is serving a complete English breakfast with ales and porridge (and you get a free beer with each entree).