7 Guinness cocktails that are seriously easy to make

ST PATRICK’S Day is synonymous with Guinness.

While Ireland’s patron saint probably wouldn’t approve of the copious amounts of the black stuff necked in his name every March 17th, it remains the drink of choice for any discerning reveller on St Paddy’s Day.

Even so, it’s nice to mix things up every now and then with a few Guinness led cocktail creations. Each of these recipes comes with the official seal of approval from Guinness and are well worth sampling on the big day.

7. Guinness Bloody Mary

What you'll need:

1.5 oz. Vodka

3 oz. tomato juice

2 pinches celery salt

2 pinches pepper

Seafood seasoning

2 dashes hot sauce

2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

1 squeeze lemon

2 oz. Guinness Draught

How to make it:

1. Add all ingredients except beer into an ice filled cocktail shaker.

2. Shake gently and strain into an ice filled glass.

3. Top off drink with Guinness Draught.

4. Garnish with a celery stalk and lime wedge.

6. Newly Minted

Guinness says: "Taste how the chocolate notes in Guinness complement the refreshing mint flavour."

What you'll need:

1 fluid oz White Crème De Menthe.

Guinness Draught (can).

Fresh mint leaves.

How to make it:

1. Pour White Crème De Menthe into an ice filled glass.

2. Top with a can of Guinness Draught.

3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy.

5. Dean Swift

"This drink is a variation of the Bishop, a traditional 19th century warm wine punch. In this version, we included Irish whiskey and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, which add a beautiful malty character," Guinness says. "This is delicious when made with Guinness Draught as well."

It can be made as a single serve or as a larger warm punch for parties. A crock pot on the lowest setting will keep the cocktail mixture warm for an extended period.

What you'll need:

1 oz. Johnnie Walker Whisky

2 oz. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout

1 oz. Claret or Bordeaux style wine

0.25 oz. Demerara syrup

1 teaspoon Allspice Dram Liqueur

Grated nutmeg

How to make it:

1. Combine all the ingredients except the whisky in a saucepan and heat the liquid.

2. Pour into a preheated glass and add Johnnie Walker Whisky to the top.

3. Grate with fresh nutmeg and enjoy.

4. St James's Flip

What you'll need:

1 oz. Rum

0.5 oz. sweetened condensed milk

1/2 of a fresh egg

1.5 oz. Guinness Draught

Grated nutmeg

How to make it:

1. Combine all wet ingredients in a cocktail shaker and dry shake without ice.

2. Add ice to the shaker and continue to shake until the mixture is smooth and frothy.

3. Strain cocktail into a small goblet and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

3. Guinness Black Velvet

"A curiously silky, velvety drink where the effervescence and dry biscuit notes of sparkling wine provides a curious coupling with Guinness Extra Stout (Guinness Original)."

What you'll need:

Guinness Original

Champagne

How to make it:

1. Mix the cold Guinness Original and Champagne and serve in a Champagne flute.

2. Wilde Oscar

"This cocktail is also delicious when made with Guinness Draught," Guinness says.

What you'll need:

1.5 oz. Bulleit Bourbon

1 oz. Guinness Original

0.5 oz. Rich Simple Syrup

Dash of Botanical Bitters

How to make it:

1. Stir all ingredients in an ice filled mixing glass.

2. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube.

3. Garnish with a large orange peel and maraschino cherry.

1. Parts Unknown

"Guinness with blackcurrant is a classic combination. The blackcurrant flavour balances the bitterness of the stout and complements the natural dark fruit flavours," Guinness says. "In this drink we have created a tropical style drink, which would be at home in a Tiki Lounge as well as a pub."