(ARA) - For most people, St. Patrick's Day is just a time to party. But for the Irish, it is a national holiday where friends and families get together -- as they have for generations -- in the long Irish tradition of storytelling and blarney. They share stories about their husbands, wives and kids, and funny anecdotes from work, continuing to talk until they're all talked out.

Originally a religious holiday, March 17 has evolved into more of a secular celebration of Irish tradition. In Ireland, food and drinks serve the purpose of warming the surroundings and making friends feel at home. For your main dish, serve Irish stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage, or Shepherd's Pie. To finish, try something festive: Serve a drink with an Irish twist -- one that contains whiskey.

The Irish have been drinking whiskey since the 12th century, when Monks are rumored to have brought it over from England. The first commercial whiskey distilleries were established in Ireland during the 18th century, and to this day, Irish drinks and coffees remain one of the most popular ways to finish a festive holiday dinner.

Here are some drink recipes from Old Bushmills Distillery:

Mint Kiss

2 parts Irish Cream
Splash of green crème de menthe
1 part cream or milk
Chocolate syrup

Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. It tastes like your favorite chocolate mint cookie.

Irish Cream Cafe

1/2 ounce Irish Cream
1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
1/2 ounce hazelnut liqueur
6 ounces coffee
Whipped cream
Cinnamon

Pour ingredients into a tall coffee mug. Top with fresh hot coffee. Finish with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Courtesy of ARA Content