As March rolls around and St. Paddy's Day gets closer, the hunt for that perfect party drink starts to feel pretty real. Especially for those of us with a drop or two of Irish blood running through our veins—or, honestly, anyone just looking to have a good time! So, in search of something truly special to bring to the St. Patrick's Day shindig this year, we decided to hit up someone who knows a thing or two about spirits and how to mix em'! We dropped in on our friend Kelly Tolbert, the brains and talent behind Shake Stir Pour, Prescott's go-to mobile bartending service.

Kelly, ever the gracious host, rolled out the red carpet and gave us a cocktail masterclass. She whipped up three drinks that are sure to elevate your St. Patrick's Day game: Fool's Gold, the Gimlet Flip, and her signature Kelly's Irish Coffee. Whether you're throwing the biggest bash of the year or just having a few friends over, these cocktails are guaranteed to transform your St. Paddy's Day from just another night to one for the history books.

The Fool's Gold, with its luxurious blend of Irish whiskey, smoky Islay Scotch, homemade ginger honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a frothy egg white, is not just a cocktail—it's a statement. Topped with shimmering edible gold flakes, it's a drink that commands attention, making it the perfect opener for any festive gathering.

Next, the Gimlet Flip takes a classic and turns it on its head. Incorporating London dry gin with a dash of simple syrup, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and then adding a twist with egg white and heavy cream, Kelly crafts a silky, complex cocktail that's both refreshing and indulgent. Garnished with a twist of lime zest, this drink is a testament to Kelly's ability to innovate while honoring tradition.

But it was her signature Kelly's Irish Coffee that truly stole the show. This isn't your average Irish coffee; Kelly's version elevates the classic with freshly brewed espresso, a generous helping of Irish whiskey, a splash of Irish cream, and a crown of freshly whipped heavy cream. It's a warm, inviting concoction that wraps you in comfort, perfect for winding down the evening or as a luxurious treat on a chilly night.

Fool's Gold: A Golden Twist on Tradition

This dazzling cocktail is a masterpiece of flavors, blending the rich warmth of Irish whiskey with the smoky notes of Islay Scotch. The addition of ginger honey syrup and lemon juice, topped with the velvety smoothness of egg white, creates a drink that's both complex and refreshing. The final touch of edible gold flakes makes the Fool's Gold a luxurious and eye-catching choice for your St. Patrick's Day toast.

Ingredients:

• Irish Whiskey

• Islay Scotch

• Ginger Honey Syrup

• Lemon Juice

• Egg White

Method:

1. Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and dry-shake (without ice) to emulsify the egg white.

2. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.

3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

4. Garnish with edible gold flakes for a lavish finish.

The Gimlet Flip: A Creamy Citrus Delight

Redefining the classic Gimlet, this version introduces a creamy texture and an extra layer of flavor with the addition of heavy cream and a frothy egg white. The fresh lime juice provides a citrusy kick, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of simple syrup, making the Gimlet Flip a refreshing and indulgent drink.

Ingredients:

• London Dry Gin

• Simple Syrup

• Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

• Egg White

• Heavy Cream

Method:

1. Dry shake the egg white until frothy.

2. Add ice, gin, simple syrup, lime juice, and heavy cream to the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

3. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass.

4. Garnish with fresh lime zest and a twist for a vibrant touch.

Kelly's Irish Coffee: A Cozy Classic with a Twist

Kelly's Irish Coffee offers a warm and inviting twist on the traditional Irish Coffee, perfect for those chilly St. Patrick's Day nights. The combination of fresh espresso, Irish whiskey, and Irish cream, topped with freshly whipped heavy cream, makes for a comforting and indulgent drink that's sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Espresso

• Irish Whiskey 

• Irish Cream

• Fresh Whipped Heavy Cream

Method:

1. Pour fresh espresso into a glass.

2. Add Irish whiskey and Irish cream.

3. Top with a generous dollop of freshly whipped, frothy heavy cream.

4. Garnish with coffee beans for an aromatic finish.

These three cocktails from Shake Stir Pour transcend ordinary drinks; they're a celebration of creativity, tradition, and the joy of friendship. As you slip into your green attire and gather with loved ones, let these sophisticated sips elevate your celebration, turning a simple gathering into an experience. Whether you're aiming to host the season's highlight or a cozy get-together, Kelly's creations are not just beverages—they're the essence of memorable moments. Toast with one (or all) of these exquisite concoctions and ensure your St. Paddy's Day is talked about long after the evening ends.