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My boyfriend is always disappointed when he remembers that I don’t like beer. Regardless of his attempts to convert me, I just don’t like it. I’m much more of a cocktail, mixed drink kind of gal.

However, I may have to give beer a second look after reading the March issue of Real Simple. Featured in their monthly “simple list”, here are 6 beer cocktails for you to try out this St. Patrick’s Day:

Beer Shandy: Divide one 12-ounce bottle lager and 1/2 cup sparkling lemon soda between 2 glasses. Garnish with lemon slices.

Stout and Ice Cream Float: Divide one 12-ounce bottle stout between 2 glasses. To each, add 1/2 cup coffee ice cream.

Gingery Apple Beer: Divide one 12-ounce bottle lager, 1/2 cup apple cider, and 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger between 2 glasses filled with ice.

Cherry Stout Fizz: Divide one 12-ounce bottle stout and 1/2 cup cherry cola between 2 glasses filled with ice.

Beer Bloody Mary: Divide one 12-ounce bottle lager and 1 cup tomato juice between 2 glasses filled with ice. To each, add 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish, 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco, and a pinch each of celery salt and black pepper.

Stout Royale: Divide one 12-ounce bottle stout, 1 cup sparkling wine, and 1 tablespoon creme de cassis (black currant liqueur) between 2 glasses.

[source: March 2010 issue of Real Simple]