Green Eyed Leprechaun Cocktail

This is a fun St. Patrick’s Day libation that tastes like you’re on a tropical vacation. Melon liqueur and rum are mixed with fresh juice and a touch of coconut cream for a sweet, creamy Green-Eyed Leprechaun cocktail that will surely bring good luck.

Today, my family will do a shot or two, and then we’ll be eating Irish Bangers And Mash, homemade Dutch Oven Irish Soda Bread, and finishing with an Irish coffee, decaf, of course!

Green Eyed Leprechaun?

St. Patrick’s Day was a big deal when I lived in Houston. Some clubs brought it outside for a street party with great music, cocktails, and street food. The party was always sold out and very crowded and lasted into the wee hours of the morning. I first tasted a Green-Eyed shot at one of the street parties and loved it. So, why not sip on something that tastes similar but is larger at home? This is a drink that I look forward to all year, and I resist the urge to make one until March 1st.

What Ingredients Are Needed?

• Midori Liqueur is a very sweet and mildly flavored liqueur containing a blend of melons, such as cantaloupe, honeydew, and musk melon.
• White rum
• Coconut cream—in a can. It should specify that it’s coconut cream, not coconut milk. I like using this brand.
• Lime juice – use fresh if possible, but this is a great brand.
• Pineapple juice – fresh is always best, but I hate dragging out my juicer for a small amount of juice. I like using this brand.
• Fresh or canned pineapple chunks, frozen and some unfrozen, as a garnish.
• Ground cinnamon
• Maraschino cherries

Did You Know:

• The original Green Eyed shot was the official drink of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
• If you can’t find Midori, Bols Melon liqueur or De Kuyper Melon liqueur are good substitutes.
• For a less sweet cocktail, try using the French liqueur Chartreuse. It is bright green with a slight herbal note, and although less sweet, it is still very pleasing in this cocktail.
• Want to lessen the alcohol content? Try using a melon puree. Throw some melon cubes into a blender, spoon the puree into a fine mesh strainer, and let the juice drip. Save the juice for another use. Use the puree in the cocktail.

Steps To Make This Cocktail

1. Pour Midori into a tall glass.
2. Blend the rum, coconut cream, lime juice, pineapple juice, and pineapple chunks until smooth and creamy in a blender or using an immersion blender and a smoothie cup.
3. Pour gently on top of the green liqueur in the tall glass.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a skewered pineapple chunk, and maraschino cherry.

More Irish Cocktails To Try

• Espresso Irish Cream
• Boozy Irish Mint Shake
• Brandy Alexander

Print