3 Avocado-Infused Cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day

Author: Pati Jinich

While chalk full of Irish tradition, St. Patrick’s Day has become universally celebrated across the globe. As a lass who grew up in Mexico, the holiday wasn’t really on my radar until I moved to America, where it’s celebrated nationwide with rivers dyed green, parades, and general revelry. When I heard about this daylong celebration of all things Irish and all things green, I couldn’t think of a better addition to the festivities than the gloriously green (and delicious!) avocados from Mexico!

Yes, avocados are very Mexican, but this versatile, noble fruit complements so many international cuisines. This creamy, sleek textured, and nutty flavored wonder goes global with ease because it’s available throughout the year and once you know how to gently squeeze one in the palm of your hand to check the ripeness, you can consistently pick out a great one every time.

So today, amid the leprechaun jokes and pinches given to those not wearing green, we eat Irish food and drink Irish beverages with gusto. Alongside the mounds of corned beef and dark beer, avocados can lend their gorgeous green hue to the occasion, but they also can give a nutritional boost to the celebrations. After all, one-third of a medium avocado (50 grams) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, making it a healthy choice to help meet nutrient needs. And the month we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day also happens to be National Nutrition Month.

I got to thinking about how the famously green Avocados From Mexico could help create the perfect way to toast the Irish. In Ireland, people clink glasses and say, “Sláinte (slan-cha)!” In Mexico, “¡Salud!” (sal-ood)! In the U.S., the sentiment is the same: “Cheers!”

With that cross-cultural spirit of celebration in mind, here are three cocktails I developed to serve your friends on St. Patrick’s Day.

1. Avocado and Dulce de Leche MartiniThe elegant lines of a martini glass make it fun to hold and sip almost any combination poured into it. But on St. Paddy’s Day, make yours green. This one is indulgent — creamy, sweet, and delicious. It blends avocado with vodka, a hint of vermouth, and both dulce de leche and sweetened condensed milk. More milk helps blend the concoction into one of the smoothest martinis you’ll ever taste.
2. Avo-Clover ShakeThis cool, green cocktail gives a nod to the lucky shamrocks that grow in Irish fields: It’s sweetened with honey made by bees that feed almost exclusively on clover nectar. Create the base by mixing avocado with nutritious frozen yogurt, instead of ice cream. Silver tequila adds another Mexican ingredient to this avo-green shake. Make it kid-friendly by simply leaving out the liquor.
   • ½ Avocado from Mexico, diced
   • 1 Tbsp clover honey
   • 1 cup  vanilla frozen yogurt
   • 1 cup  orange juice, freshly squeezed
   • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
   • 2 Tbsp silver tequila, optional

   In the jar of a blender, place the diced avocado, clover honey, frozen yogurt, orange juice, mint leaves, and tequila if using. Puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

3. Green MachineNow, this fun, green cocktail is like a jolt of energy in a glass — full of superfoods that make it great for the health-conscious consumer. My research revealed that clover isn’t the only green, leafy plant that the Irish are known for: They also eat lots of curly kale! Combine that veggie with our green avos, a little Irish whiskey, some apple cider, fresh ginger, and lime juice, and you’ll have a creamy cocktail with zing. It’s perfect for toasting the Irish — and adds a little nutrition to boot!
   • ½ Avocado from Mexico, diced
   • 2 cups curly kale, steam removed and coarsely chopped
   • 1 ½ cups apple cider
   • 2 tsp fresh ginger, chopped
   • Splash whiskey

   In the jar of a blender, place the diced avocado, curly kale, apple cider, agave syrup, fresh ginger and lime juice and puree until completely smooth. Strain into cup.

   Drop 4 to 5 ice cubes in a large tumbler, pour the mixture on top, add a splash of your favorite whiskey, and drink up!

   I selected these three cocktails just for St. Patrick’s Day, but I hope they give you the bug to do a little experimenting yourself. For more inspiration, check out Avocados From Mexico’s other drink ideas on its site: the unbelievable Avocado Margarita, a creamier version of the Mexican favorite, or the Maria Verde, a tangy, green version of the Bloody Mary made with avos and tomatillos.

   To make any of these amazing, nutrient-rich cocktails, you’ll have to blend all of these ingredients to a drinkable consistency with super-ripe avocados. Check out Avocados From Mexico’s helpful “how-to” avo tips page to learn everything from how to ripen avocados quicker by burying them in rice for a couple of days to learning how to preserve a ripe avocado by simply placing it in the fridge.

   Follow these tips and you’ll have the perfect avos to use on St. Patrick’s day — or any day. I believe regional food reflects the people of the region. In the case of the avocado, it’s like the humble, hardworking Mexican people — generously lending its wonderful attributes to cuisines of Ireland on this festive day.

   You know, come to think of it, the people of Mexico have a lot in common with the humble, hardworking people of Ireland — another reason to celebrate what’s become a cross-cultural holiday. “¡Salud!”

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