Drunk Leprechaun Cocktail Recipe

Drunk Leprechaun Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:28g

Alcohol content:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Drunk Leprechaun is a whimsical cocktail that's said to capture the mischievous spirit of the Irish folklore's tiny men. It's a favorite on St. Patrick's Day but has gained popularity year-round in bars that favor colorful and playful drinks.

  • Origin: The exact origins are unclear, but it's a modern creation.
  • Popularity: Loved by those who enjoy vibrant, Instagram-worthy cocktails.
  • Occasions: Perfect for themed parties, especially St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

How Drunk Leprechaun Tastes?

The Drunk Leprechaun is a delightful mix of sweet and citrus flavors with a hint of tropical essence, thanks to the orange juice and blue curacao. The vodka provides a smooth, strong backbone that carries the flavors well without overpowering them.

Interesting facts about Drunk Leprechaun

  • The vibrant blue color of the drink is reminiscent of the Emerald Isle's mythical charm.
  • It's a popular choice for bartenders to show off their mixing skills with layered drinks.
  • The name 'Drunk Leprechaun' adds a playful touch, making it a conversation starter.

Ingredients

A few good options for Drunk Leprechaun are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka: 1.75oz

Vodka is the neutral backbone of this drink, adding the alcohol content without overpowering the fruity flavors. The quantity ensures the cocktail packs a punch without making you feel like you've danced too many jigs with the leprechauns. If it's missing, you'll just have a fancy juice. If you're out of vodka, white rum could shimmy in as a substitute, changing the flavor profile to be slightly sweeter.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice: 3.5oz

Orange juice brings brightness and sweetness, perfectly balancing the vodka and giving you that taste of eternal Irish summers. Less juice makes a stronger drink, more juice and you might as well be at brunch. Without it, you're just left with a sad, blue spirit. Mandarin or tangerine juice could step in if oranges have taken the day off, offering a similar but distinct citrus twist.

Mary Mitkina

Blue Curacao: 1oz

This liqueur is what gives our Leprechaun his signature blue outfit, also adding a fancy orange flavor with a hint of exotic mystery. Without it, the Leprechaun loses its magic; the drink becomes a mundane, colorless cocktail. An alternative could be Triple Sec with a splash of blue food dye for color, but be careful, too much and you'll have a cocktail as blue as a Smurf!

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Drunk Leprechaun Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour the ingredients to the shaker and shake
  3. Strain cocktail into a chilled highball glass

Pro Tips

  • Chill the ingredients beforehand to ensure a refreshing cocktail.
  • If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of orange juice and add a splash of soda water.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Appetizers: The sweet and citrusy taste of the Drunk Leprechaun cocktail makes it a great pair with light appetizers like shrimp cocktail or bruschetta.
  • Snacks: Consider pairing with salty snacks such as nuts or pretzels, which will complement the sweetness of the orange juice and Blue Curacao.
  • Desserts: This cocktail's vibrant and fruity nature would pair well with lemon tarts or vanilla-flavored desserts.

Drink Pairings

  • Water: Always a good idea to alternate with water to stay hydrated.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Ginger ale or a citrus mocktail would complement the cocktail without adding to the alcohol content.

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What you could change in Drunk Leprechaun

  • Vodka: You can use any good quality vodka, but for a more Irish twist, try using an Irish vodka.
  • Blue Curacao: If you don't have blue curacao, you can use another blue liqueur or even a splash of blue food coloring with a dash of triple sec for flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with D here

And of course - twists🍹

Twist #1: Emerald Isle Leprechaun

Replace Blue Curacao with Midori melon liqueur to give the cocktail a green hue reminiscent of the lush Irish landscape. This twist will add a sweet melon flavor, making your Leprechaun taste more like a fruity adventure in the emerald woods.

Ingredients: Vodka, Orange Juice, Midori Melon Liqueur Recipe: Same as above, but with Midori.

Twist #2: Leprechaun's Gold Rush

Add a splash of Goldschläger to the mix for some cinnamon spice and literal gold flakes, turning your drink into a pot of liquid gold at the end of the rainbow.

Ingredients: Vodka, Orange Juice, Blue Curacao, Goldschläger Recipe: Same as above, adding Goldschläger at the end.

Twist #3: Shamrocked Leprechaun

Infuse the vodka with fresh mint leaves for a few hours, then build the cocktail as usual. This will add a refreshing minty note, making your leprechaun feel like he's dancing a jig in a field of shamrocks.

Ingredients: Mint-infused Vodka, Orange Juice, Blue Curacao Recipe: Infuse vodka with mint leaves, then follow the original recipe.

In case you forgot basics how to make Drunk Leprechaun

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

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Frequently Asked Questions on Drunk Leprechaun

How can I make the Drunk Leprechaun non-alcoholic?

For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the vodka with sparkling water or soda, and use a non-alcoholic blue syrup in place of the Blue Curacao.

What kind of glass is best suited for the Drunk Leprechaun?

A highball glass is traditionally used for the Drunk Leprechaun to showcase its layered effect, but you can also use a Collins glass if preferred.

Can I make a large batch of the Drunk Leprechaun for a party?

Yes, you can scale up the ingredients proportionally and mix them in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Just remember to add the Blue Curacao slowly to maintain the layers when serving.

Is there a specific technique for layering cocktails?

Layering is typically done by carefully pouring each ingredient over the back of a spoon to gently disperse the liquid and create distinct layers based on the density of the liquids.

How do I store leftover Blue Curacao?

Blue Curacao should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it's best to consume it within a few months for optimal flavor.

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