Jackson Free Press

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day is not only a national tradition, but it's also an excellent excuse to party in the middle of March. And a St. Paddy's celebration just isn't complete without raising your glass and making a toast to good health and good friends. The question is, what should you put in the glass? There are all manner of delightful Irish, Irish-inspired or just plain festive beverages to serve on this holiday. Here are some favorites.

Irish Flag
Nothing celebrates St. Paddy's day than actually drinking the Irish Flag.

1/3 ounce Irish Cream (something like Bailey's)
1/3 ounce green crème de menthe
1/3 ounce Grand Marnier orange liqueur

Pour the crème de menthe into a glass. Slowly pour the Irish cream over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the Creme de Menthe.Then slowly pour the Grand Marnier over the back of the spoon so that it floats on top of the Bailey's Irish creme.

Irish Punch
It's not really Irish, but it is green and delicious.

2 big jugs of green Hawaiian Punch
1 liter of vodka

Mix all the ingredients together in a big punch bowl (or trash can if you so choose) and serve in cups with ice.

Sweet Potato Splash
Can't have a St. Paddy's day in Jackson without getting some pink in the mix.

1/4 ounce melon (pink) liqueur
1/2 ounce rum
1 ounce vodka
7-Up to taste

Pour vodka and rum into glass. Fill to taste with 7-Up. Float melon liqueur on top.