Bright green, minty-fresh, and just the right amount of spirited—this cocktail is like Ireland in a glass. The Emerald Isle is a refreshing blend of gin, green crème de menthe, and a dash of bitters. It’s cool, crisp, and surprisingly simple to make. I’ve made this drink countless times for spring get-togethers and cozy evenings alike, and I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails with you.
Emerald Isle
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Martini or cocktail glass
Ingredients
– 60 ml (2 oz) gin
– 30 ml (1 oz) green crème de menthe
– 2 dashes aromatic bitters
– Ice cubes
– Optional: fresh mint leaf or lime zest for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop a martini or cocktail glass in the freezer while you prepare the drink. A cold glass keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Use fresh ice—it makes a difference in taste and temperature.
- Pour in the ingredients. Add the gin, crème de menthe, and bitters over the ice.
- Stir well. Give it a good 20–30 second stir. You’re not just chilling the drink—you’re also diluting it slightly to smooth out the flavor.
- Strain into your chilled glass. Use a strainer to pour the cocktail cleanly into the glass, leaving the ice behind.
- Garnish if you’d like. A small mint leaf or twist of lime zest adds a nice finishing touch and a pop of aroma.
Tips & Tricks
– Use a good-quality gin. It’s the backbone of the drink, so go with one you enjoy on its own.
– Don’t go overboard on the crème de menthe. It’s sweet and strong—a little goes a long way.
– If you don’t have crème de menthe, mix 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract with 1/2 tablespoon simple syrup as a quick substitute.
– Want a slightly drier version? Use just 15 ml (1/2 oz) of crème de menthe and add an extra dash of bitters.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
– You can pre-mix the gin and crème de menthe and store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving and add the bitters fresh.
– Don’t store a fully mixed cocktail with ice—it’ll water down too much.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is a great pre-dinner sipper or after-dinner minty treat. I especially love pairing it with:
– Smoked salmon canapés – the smoky, salty bite contrasts beautifully with the cocktail’s minty brightness.
– Roasted almonds or cashews – nutty, savory snacks that balance the sweet edge of the crème de menthe.
– Dark chocolate squares – the bitters in the drink play nicely with rich cocoa notes.
Emerald Isle Variations
If you’re feeling creative, here are a few fun twists:
Shamrock Martini
– Swap the gin for vodka
– Add a splash (15 ml / 0.5 oz) of Irish cream
– Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with mint.
Leprechaun’s Delight
– Mix gin, 15 ml (0.5 oz) lemon juice, and 1 tsp sugar
– Shake and strain into a glass
– Top with soda water for a fizzy, citrusy version
Celtic Twilight
– Combine gin, 15 ml (0.5 oz) elderflower liqueur, and a dash of absinthe
– Stir with ice, strain, and garnish with a lemon twist
Virgin Emerald Isle
– Mix 30 ml (1 oz) mint syrup with 120 ml (4 oz) sparkling water
– Add a squeeze of fresh lime
– Serve over ice for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
Common Questions
Can I make it without alcohol?
Absolutely. Use non-alcoholic gin or just mint syrup and soda water with lime for a refreshing mocktail version.
What’s the best time to enjoy it?
It’s a go-to for St. Patrick’s Day, but I also love it on warm evenings when I want something cool and herbaceous.
Is it a strong cocktail?
It’s on the boozy side, thanks to the gin, but the crème de menthe softens it with sweetness. You can always reduce the gin slightly if you prefer it lighter.
Can I make a batch for a party?
Yes! Combine gin and crème de menthe ahead of time (scale up as needed). Keep chilled, then stir with ice and bitters just before serving.
What’s a good garnish?
A mint leaf or a strip of lime zest adds a nice touch, both visually and aromatically.
How do I make it look fancy?
Try rimming the glass with sugar, or serve it in a frosted glass. The bright green color really pops.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights when I want something cool, quick, and just a bit fancy. Whether you’re toasting to Irish roots or just in the mood for something minty and bright, the Emerald Isle is a lovely little gem of a drink.
