St. Patrick's Day goes hand-in-hand with parades, wearing green and stick-to-your-bones kind of meals. This year, why not shake up tradition with some lesser-known yet deliciously festive fare? Here are some unexpected drinks and food to add a twist to your St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Emerald Isle Smoothies
Ditch the artificially colored green beer for something robust and just as festive with the Emerald Isle Smoothie. This vibrant drink gets its green hue naturally from healthy green ingredients. It's a refreshing palate cleanser amidst the heavier St. Patrick's Day drinks served throughout the day.
Blend together spinach, avocado, green apple, banana and a splash of apple juice or almond milk. Add some honey or agave for sweetness and voila – you have a hearty beverage. Accompany the smoothie with Rogue Apple Nicotine Pouches to bump up the flavor meter.
Pair this smoothie with some whole-grain toast topped with smoked salmon for a light and satisfying St. Patrick's Day breakfast. Or serve it alongside some hearty Irish stew for a refreshing contrast.
Possible image: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/st-patricks-day-green-beer-with-clover-leaves-and-leprechaun-hat-on-white-table-on-gm1368340339-438346259?phrase=green+smoothie+irish&searchscope=image%2Cfilm
Irish Coffee
Nothing warms the soul quite like a classic Irish Coffee. While it may not be as flashy as some of the other drinks, it's a timeless choice that offers both comfort and a little caffeine kick. But, don’t settle for basic ingredients; make sure they are quality items that you can be proud to serve.
To make an Irish Coffee, brew a strong pot of coffee and add in Irish whiskey and brown sugar to taste. Top it off with lightly whipped cream, and you've got a deliciously comforting drink. Remember, the key is to sip the coffee through the cream!
Couple this strong, sweet beverage with a traditional Irish breakfast or enjoy it as a post-dinner treat. It also goes beautifully with a slice of warm apple pie and Rogue Nicotine Original Pouches for a fulfilling moment.
Possible image: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/coffee-with-irish-whiskey-and-whipped-cream-in-glass-gm1169443186-323282674?phrase=irish+coffee&searchscope=image%2Cfilm
Black Velvet
The Black Velvet cocktail is a luxurious blend of stout beer and champagne. It's a unique and indulgent choice for those looking to step up their beverage game. If at first glance you’re questioning the combination, we suggest you try it before you knock it.
To make a Black Velvet, fill a champagne flute halfway with chilled stout and top it off with sparkling wine. The result is a dark, rich and bubbly drink that's as festive as it is refined.
This elegant cocktail pairs beautifully with a cheese and a plentiful charcuterie board or even with some decadent chocolate desserts. It's the perfect way to toast to St. Patrick and celebrate in style. We also suggest having Rogue Mix Packs available for your guests 21 and up that are looking to make an extraordinary flavor adventure with their cocktail choice.
Possible image: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/refreshing-cold-black-velvet-cocktail-gm1365687382-436468139?phrase=black+velvet+cocktail&searchscope=image%2Cfilm
Clover Club Cocktails
A Clover Club Cocktail might not be the first drink you think of for St. Patrick's Day, but this classic gin cocktail has a festive pink hue that makes it look like a blushing shamrock. We know you’ll come back to this special concoction again and again throughout the year.
The cocktail is straightforward to make: shake together gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup and an egg white. The egg white gives the drink a creamy, frothy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sharpness of the gin and the sweetness of the raspberry syrup.
Pair this sophisticated cocktail with some smoked salmon canapés or oysters for a St. Patrick's Day celebration that's a cut above the rest. Don’t forget to match the beauty of the drink with the fruity flavor of Rogue Berry Pouches to complete this unique experience.
Possible image: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/pink-clover-club-cocktail-with-egg-white-foam-and-raspberry-garnish-gm1066353480-285156494?phrase=clover+club+cocktail&searchscope=image%2Cfilm
Luck of the Irish Scones
Who said scones were only for tea? These buttery delights can be the star of your St. Patrick's Day spread too. Traditionally, Irish scones are slightly sweet, crumbly and often served with jam and cream. They provide a wonderful contrast to the more savory dishes usually associated with the holiday.
Making them is as simple as combining flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter and milk. For an added touch of Irish authenticity, you could incorporate some currants or raisins into the mix. Bake until golden brown and serve hot out of the oven.
Pair these scones with a traditional Irish coffee in the morning. They also go wonderfully with a fruit salad or a selection of Irish cheeses for a well-rounded, festive brunch. Don’t leave out the Rogue Honey Lemon Nicotine Pouches to sweeten the whole experience and could become a tradition that isn’t just limited to St. Paddy’s Day.
Possible image: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/home-made-scones-on-a-plate-gm178598798-22250185?phrase=rish+sconeirish+sconess&searchscope=image%2Cfilm
St. Paddy's Day Pretzels
Pretzels may be more associated with Oktoberfest than St. Patrick's Day, but hear us out. These twisted treats can easily be turned into a festive snack by adding a sprinkle of green sea salt or a dip in some green mustard.
Homemade pretzels require only a few basic ingredients: yeast, sugar, flour, salt and butter. After the dough is prepared and shaped, the pretzels are boiled briefly in a baking soda solution before baking. This gives them their classic chewy exterior and soft interior.
Make sure to have an array of dips, including traditional mustard, beer cheese dip or even a creamy spinach and artichoke dip. Of course, they go wonderfully with a cold Irish beer and the sophisticated flavoring of Rogue Tabac Nicotine Pouches.
Possible image: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/german-bread-pretzels-with-beer-on-a-wooden-table-top-view-gm1304686208-395771714?phrase=homemade+pretzel&searchscope=image%2Cfilm
Savor the Flavors
So there you have it – five unexpected items that can help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Serve these up alongside your favorite Irish soda breads, stews and sweets to make a truly traditional holiday feast that you can be proud to dish out to friends and family. And know that Rogue is here to make sure your gatherings are something to remember.
