Applebee’s Tipsy Leprechaun Drink Recipe

I have a little story about this copycat Applebee’s Tipsy Leprechaun Drink Recipe. Last March, my husband and I were vacationing in Atlanta. It was March 17th—St. Patrick’s Day! – and everyone knows that means celebrating with something green and fun. You know what that means – time for a Leprechaun drink!

We stopped at Applebee’s, where their Tipsy Leprechaun drink caught my eye. I’d heard rumors about how good it was, but tasting it myself? Wow! It was sweet, colorful, and totally delicious.

After we got home, I found a copycat version from a YouTube video and tweaked it until it tasted just like Applebee’s magic. Now, I make it all year round! Today, I’m sharing my simple, spot-on recipe so you can enjoy it too.

Why You Will Love This Copycat Recipe

You’re going to love this drink because it’s super simple and tastes just like Applebee’s version! It uses only 4 easy ingredients and takes 5 minutes to mix up.

The bright green color makes it perfect for parties, and the sweet, fruity flavor feels like a vacation in a glass. Plus, it’s way cheaper than going out.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s my favorite way to celebrate or just relax after a long day.

Applebee’s Tipsy Leprechaun Drink Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this refreshing green drink:

1. Irish Whiskey (1 ¾ oz)

This is the main part of the drink. I always use Jameson because it’s smooth and has a soft, warm flavor. It adds a little kick but blends well with the sweet parts of the drink. You can use another Irish whiskey if that’s what you have.

2. Blue Curaçao (1 oz)

This bright blue liqueur gives the drink that famous green look when mixed with pineapple juice. It tastes sweet and a bit like orange candy. You’ll find this in the liquor section of most stores. There’s no exact sub for this one if you want the same color, but Triple Sec adds a similar taste (just not the green).

3. Pineapple Juice (2 oz)

This adds a tropical sweetness and helps make the drink green. I like using 100% pineapple juice. You can use canned or bottled — both work great. Dole is one brand I trust, but use whatever you find.

4. Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)

Just one cherry goes on top. It adds a nice pop of red and a sweet little bite after the drink. These are easy to find in the baking or drinks section of your store.

5. Ice Cubes

Ice keeps the drink cool and fresh. Regular cubes are fine, or you can crush them if you like that texture better.

Kitchen Tools Needed

1. Glass: I use a tall glass or margarita glass to show off the green color. Applebee’s serves it in a Mucho glass, but any 12-16 oz glass works.
2. Jigger or Measuring Cup: To measure the whiskey, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice accurately. This keeps the drink balanced.
3. Spoon or Stirrer: For mixing the ingredients right in the glass. A regular spoon works fine.

How To Make Applebee’s Tipsy Leprechaun Drink

Let’s make this step-by-step. It’s super easy and takes just a few minutes.

Step 1 | Prep Your Glass

Grab a tall glass or margarita glass. Fill it about halfway with ice cubes to keep your drink cold. I sometimes use crushed ice for a fun look, but regular cubes are great too.

Step 2 | Pour the Whiskey

Add 1 ¾ oz of Irish whiskey (I use Jameson) directly into the glass. That’s about 3 tablespoons plus a little more. The whiskey gives a smooth, warm kick.

Step 3 | Add Blue Curaçao

Pour 1 oz (about 2 tablespoons) of blue curaçao into the glass. This blue liqueur mixes with the juice to make that awesome green color and adds a sweet, citrusy taste.

Step 4 | Add Pineapple Juice

Pour 2 oz (about ¼ cup) of pineapple juice into the glass. This brings in the tropical sweetness and helps create the green hue. Use 100% juice for the best flavor.

Step 5 | Stir It Up

Use a spoon or stirrer to mix everything gently for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll see the drink turn a vibrant green as the ingredients blend. Make sure it’s well-mixed for the best taste.

Step 6 | Garnish and Serve

Drop a maraschino cherry on top for a fun, colorful garnish. The red cherry looks so cool against the green drink. Add a straw, give it one last quick stir, and you’re ready to sip!

Chef’s Tips

• Chill Your Juice: Cold juice means less melting ice and a stronger flavor.
• Sugar Rim: For extra fun, rub the glass rim with lemon juice and dip it in green sugar before adding ice.
• Stronger/Sweeter: Add ½ oz more whiskey for a kick, or a splash of lemon-lime soda for extra sweetness.
• No Jigger? Use tablespoons: 1 oz = 2 tablespoons.
• Big Batch: Multiply ingredients by 4 and mix in a pitcher. Pour over ice when ready!

Proper Storage Tips

This drink is best when you make it fresh and drink it right away. The ice keeps it cold and the flavors taste best when they’re mixed fresh. If you need to save some for later, you can put it in your fridge for up to 2 hours. But don’t leave it too long because the ice will melt and make it watery.

If you want to make a big batch for friends, mix all the liquid parts together first. Keep this mix in your fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pour it over ice and add your cherry. This way everyone gets a fresh, cold drink.

Don’t try to freeze this drink. The alcohol won’t freeze right and it will taste bad when it melts. Also, don’t make it too far ahead of time. The pineapple juice can start to taste funny if it sits too long with the alcohol.

How to Serve This Drink

This Applebee’s Tipsy Leprechaun Drink is perfect for so many times. I love to make it when friends come over for dinner. The green color makes everyone happy and excited. It’s great for St. Patrick’s Day, but you can make it any time you want something fun and tasty.

I like to serve it with some light snacks like chips or crackers. The tropical taste goes well with salty foods. You can also serve it with Irish food like shepherd’s pie or fish and chips. It makes a great start to any meal.

When I have people over, I sometimes make a few of these drinks before they come. I keep the mixed liquid in a pitcher in my fridge. Then when guests arrive, I just pour it over ice and add the cherry. Everyone thinks I’m so good at making drinks, but it’s really super easy.

This drink is also nice for hot summer days. The cold pineapple juice and ice make it very refreshing. My husband and I like to drink these on our back porch when it’s warm outside. It makes us feel like we’re on vacation.

Applebee’s Tipsy Leprechaun Drink Recipe FAQs

1. What is the alcohol in Applebee’s Tipsy Leprechaun?

The main alcohol is Irish whiskey. Most Applebee’s locations use Jameson, which has a smooth and slightly sweet taste. It’s balanced out by sweet blue curaçao and pineapple juice, so the drink doesn’t taste too strong.

2. Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes, you can! For a non-alcoholic version, skip the whiskey and blue curaçao. Use orange juice and a splash of lemon-lime soda to get a similar fruity, fun taste. Add green food coloring if you want to keep that bright look.

3. What makes the drink green?

It’s the mix of blue curaçao and yellow pineapple juice. When those two come together, you get that cool green color. No need for food coloring — it happens naturally.

4. Is this drink very strong?

Not really. It’s smooth and easy to sip. The pineapple juice and blue curaçao balance out the whiskey. But remember, it still has alcohol, so enjoy it slowly.

5. Why did my drink turn out too strong or too sweet?

Measure carefully! Too much whiskey makes it harsh; too much curaçao makes it syrupy. Stick to the recipe, then adjust later. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lime. Too strong? Add a splash of soda.

This copycat Applebee’s Tipsy Leprechaun Drink Recipe is one of my favorite drinks to make at home. It’s easy, tasty, and always makes people smile.

The bright green color and sweet tropical taste make it special for any time of year. Give it a try and see how much you love it too!