St. Patrick's Day: Classic Irish Food & Drink Recipes

On St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s Irish. And you know what that means? We get to indulge in some delicious dishes we don’t typically cook. For generations, families in Ireland have been gathering around the heart of the home, using time-old recipes, and leaving the front door open for everyone to come in. 

If you’ve ever stayed at a family-run B&B in Ireland, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Whether it’s warm soda bread on a cool morning or beef stew beside a fire, there are so many hearty meals you, too, can cook this year. We’re delighted to share a few of those recipes with you, many of which date back quite a few generations. 

Irish Stew

Arguably the most traditional Irish dish, Irish stew is simple, rich, and perfect on a chilly March evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lamb or beef, cut into chunks

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and brown the meat.

2. Add the onions and cook until softened.

3. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring well.

4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.

5. Add potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper, and thyme. Reduce heat and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

6. Stir occasionally, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.

7. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Irish Soda Bread

No day is complete without a loaf of homemade soda bread. This rustic, slightly dense bread is quick to make and pairs perfectly with butter and jam or that hearty stew you just made.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

3. Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring until a dough forms.

4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for a minute.

5. Shape into a round loaf and place on the baking sheet.

6. Cut a deep ‘X’ on top of the dough.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Let cool before slicing.

Irish Brown Bread

If you enter an Irish pub on any given day and order a bowl of soup, it’s likely to be paired with delicious bread. It’s hearty, nutty, and made with whole wheat flour and buttermilk.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 tbsp honey or molasses (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and honey or molasses until combined.

4. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

6. Let cool before slicing and serving with butter.

Colcannon

We’ve been talking about a lot of meat here. If you’d like a vegetarian dish, this one is surprisingly flavorful. Colcannon is a traditional Irish mashed potato dish that includes cabbage or kale for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ head of cabbage, shredded

• 1 stick (½ cup) butter

• ½ cup milk or cream

• 2 green onions, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash.

2. While potatoes are boiling, sauté cabbage in half the butter until soft.

3. Mix the cabbage into the mashed potatoes.

4. Add the remaining butter, milk, and green onions. Stir well.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Bangers and Mash

A comforting Irish dish, bangers and mash pairs flavorful sausages with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich onion gravy.

Ingredients:

• 6 pork sausages

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup milk

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tbsp flour

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook sausages until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add onions and cook until caramelized.

4. Sprinkle in flour, stirring well, then slowly add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Simmer until thickened, then return sausages to the pan to coat in the gravy.

6. Serve sausages over mashed potatoes with onion gravy drizzled on top.

Guinness Beef Pie

This savory pie is filled with tender beef simmered in a rich Guinness gravy, then baked under a golden pastry crust.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) Guinness stout

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 sheet puff pastry

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large pot, brown the beef in batches.

3. Add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened.

4. Stir in tomato paste and flour, coating everything evenly.

5. Pour in Guinness, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is tender and sauce has thickened.

7. Pour filling into a pie dish, cover with puff pastry, and brush with egg wash.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Irish Coffee

Th best way to finish your meal is with a warm treat that combines coffee and whiskey with a touch of cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee

• 1 shot (1.5 oz) Irish whiskey

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• Heavy cream, lightly whipped

Instructions:

1. Pour hot coffee into a mug.

2. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved.

3. Add Irish whiskey and stir.

4. Gently pour whipped cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top.

5. Sip and enjoy!

Shamrock Shake

We can’t forget the kiddos. For a festive, non-alcoholic treat, you can try this creamy green milkshake for their after-dinner treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ tsp peppermint extract

• 4 drops green food coloring

• Whipped cream and cherry for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring until smooth.

2. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and a cherry.

3. Enjoy your festive green shake!

Emerald Isle Cocktail

If you prepare these in advance, these vibrant green cocktails look fabulous when you set them out on the counter. 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• ½ oz green crème de menthe

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Ice

• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add gin, green crème de menthe, and bitters.

3. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

5. Enjoy your festive green cocktail!

Irish Mule

Finally, let’s put a twist on the classic Moscow mule. 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Irish whiskey

• ½ oz lime juice

• 4 oz ginger beer

• Ice

• Lime wedge and mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.

2. Pour in Irish whiskey and lime juice.

3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.

4. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint.

5. Enjoy the refreshing, spicy flavors!

Cheers to a Delicious St. Patrick’s Day!

Whether you're enjoying a cozy evening at home or hosting the whole village, these classic Irish food and drink recipes will bring a taste of Ireland to your table. Here at Your Life Buzz, we love creating a full menu with you before every holiday. Be sure to come back as we start to prepare for Easter. 

And, as the Irish blessing goes, may the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields.