Green Beers - How to Make Them and Why People Drink Them on St Patrick's Day
Hey there, fellow beer enthusiasts and St Patrick's Day revelers! As someone who's spent more St Paddy's Days behind the bar than I can count, (before this I used to run a busy city centre Irish bar) let's dive into the world of green beers.
My Journey Behind the Bar
Having managed an Irish bar during these festive times, I've seen it all – from the cautious sippers to the downright daring chuggers. And yes, green beer flows like the River Liffey on St Patrick's Day. Some think it’s tacky, some wonder why, why in the world would you dye a beer green - others just see it as a good o’time. Whatever the case, I know you want one. So, let's get to the heart of it all.
The Tradition of Green Beer
St Patrick's Day, a day where everyone claims a bit of Irish heritage, is a sea of green from head to toe. I mean, have you got your St. Patrick’s day outfit sorted? But where does green beer fit into this Irish extravaganza?
A Splash of Green History
Despite this being something we do on St Patrick’s day and despite it being Irish through and through, it’s actually an American invention. Much like the Tequila slammer.
Thomas Curtin was an American physician and the man credited with the invention of green beer. He made green beer for a St. Patrick's Day party at the Schenerer Club of Morrisania located in the Bronx in 1914 and the rest is history.
Why Do People Drink Green Beer on St Patrick's Day?
So, why do people guzzle down green beers on St Paddy's Day? It's all about joining in on the fun, feeling a part of something bigger. There is no cultural relevance behind it. It doesn’t signal good luck for the year a head or a show of respect. It’s literally because St Patrick’s day is green, so why not make beer green.
It also doesn’t change the flavor so it literally is 100% just for a bit of fun.
The Irish Connection
Now, let's tackle a myth that's as persistent as the four-leaf clover – do the Irish really drink green beer?
Debunking the Myth
Here's the scoop – the Irish, in their homeland, don't typically go for green beer. They have a rich tradition of stouts, ales, and lagers that don't need a hue change. In my years behind the bar, I've had my fair share of Irish patrons shaking their heads at the sight of the neon green concoctions. But hey, that's the beauty of St Patrick's Day celebrations worldwide – it's a fusion of Irish heritage and global revelry.
Traditional Irish Beers for St Patrick's Day
For those who want to keep it authentic, there's a treasure trove of traditional Irish beers to explore. Guinness, Murphy's Stout, and Smithwick's Red Ale are staples on St Patrick's Day. These brews carry the spirit of the Emerald Isle, and let me tell you, serving a perfectly poured Guinness on St Paddy's Day feels like winning a pot of gold.
How Irish Pubs Celebrate the Day - From Dublin to New York
Irish pubs around the world, from the heart of Dublin to the bustling streets of New York, have their unique spin on St Patrick's Day celebrations. The common thread? A genuine sense of camaraderie and an abundance of Irish hospitality. It's not just about the drinks; it's about the experience, the laughter, and the shared stories.
Remember, there is much more to Irish drinking then simply enjoying a green beer. Check out this guide to what else you should be drinking on St Patrick’s day.
Crafting Your Own Green Beer
Now, let's get hands-on. How do you turn your ordinary beer into a vibrant green masterpiece?
Ingredients Needed for Green Beer
You don't need a leprechaun's touch to make green beer; a few drops of green food coloring will do the trick. Just make sure it's safe for consumption – we're aiming for festive, not toxic! Add a few drops to your beer, give it a gentle stir, and voila! Green beer is born.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Green Beer at Home
Pick Your Poison: Choose a beer that suits your taste buds but is on the lighter side, such as a pilsner.
Add a Splash of Color: A little goes a long way. Start with a drop or two of green food coloring and adjust to your desired shade.
Gentle Stirring: Don't go all tornado in the glass; a gentle stir is all you need to distribute the color evenly.
Presentation is Key: Serve it in a clear glass to showcase the vibrant color. Trust me; Instagram will thank you.
Tips for Serving and Presenting Green Beer in Style
If you're hosting a St Patrick's Day shindig, then first of all, read this 6 step St Patrick’s day party planning guide, secondly, presentation matters. Dust off those shamrock-shaped coasters, grab some festive pint glasses, and let the green beer take center stage. It's not just a drink; it's a visual spectacle.
Popular Beers for St Patrick's Day
Let's broaden our beer horizons beyond the green hue and explore the world of traditional Irish brews.
Traditional Irish Stouts and Ales
Guinness: The king of stouts, known for its velvety texture and iconic cascade effect as it's poured. Murphy's Stout: A smooth, chocolaty stout that's a delightful alternative to Guinness. Smithwick's Red Ale: A malty and slightly sweet ale, perfect for those who prefer a lighter brew.
Regional Variations in Beer Choices
St Patrick's Day celebrations aren't a one-size-fits-all affair. Depending on where you are, you might find local breweries putting their spin on Irish-inspired beers. Explore and savor the diversity in beer choices.
Recommended Beers for Those New to Irish Brews
If you're new to the world of Irish beers, don't be overwhelmed. Start with a classic like Guinness, and let your taste buds embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Irish brewing.
Other St Patricks Day Drinks
If you’re curious to what else you should be drinking on St Patricks day, check out this ultimate guide here, or the following;
Irish Whisky
Irish Whisky such as Jamesons is an absolute must for St Patrick’s Day. Check out this guide for the best Irish whisky’s and everything you need to know to look like a pro ordering it at a bar.
Baileys
The Christmas classic and original Irish cream. If you don’t like Whisky, your next option will be a cold Baileys on ice for St Patrick’s Day. Check out this guide to the best ever Baileys drinks you can easily make at home.
Guinness
If you’re a beer drinker then please stay away from the green colored lager and stick to the black stuff - Guinness.
Baby Guinness
We also must remember this is a party. So with that being said, What is the best shot for St Patrick's Day? The answer - The Baby Guinness.
The Irish Flag Shot
Once you’ve nailed the Baby Guinness, you’ll be ready for the ultimate layered shot - The Irish flag shot
Liquid Luck
A cocktail with the cutest ever shamrock garnish that anyone can make at home - The liquid luck
St. Patricks Day Drinking Games
Now if you’re looking to have a little fun whilst enjoying your green beers this St. Patricks day, then why not check out our St. Patricks Day drinking games, or our ultimate party planner which includes a whopping 22 St Paddy’s day drinking games, bingo cards, and more.
This pack contains:
22 Drinking games split into 3 categories (games you need nothing to play, games you only need a coin, and games you need random objects you’ll already have)
4 Bingo Cards - either print them off or send them around the group on your phone. The bingo cards are made to be played in ANY bar. Just check of the things you see out and about and when you complete a line, you win!
2 Blank bingo card templates so you can make your own.
The ULTIMATE St. Patricks day drinking game designed to be played in any bar or pub on Paddy’s day.
5 of the best St. Patricks Day cocktail recipes for your pre-drinking or party planning
An array of party planning tips including party checklists and St Paddy’s day bucket lists for when you’re out and about
Green Beer Recipe
Green Beer
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour your beer in a glass.
- Mix in a couple drops of green food dye and lightly stir.
- Different food dye will need different amounts added, same goes for different beer choices. The best thing to do is have one beer as a tester, once you a ratio of drops per bottle of beer, just add that many drops to the bottle before pouring into a glass. The pour will mix it for you without the need to stir - meaning you keep the fizz intact.
Notes
Drinking Games
If you're looking to play some drinking games whilst enjoying your green beer, check out these St Patrick's day drinking games that can be played from anywhere.
What Beer to Use
For the beer, you'll be tempted to go Irish. However, Irish beers tend to be darker and you'll end up with a murky green color. For something more vibrant stick to a lighter beer, such as American Lagers (Budweiser, Coors, Pabst Blue Ribbon) or German Pilsners (Troegs Sunshine Pils, Sierra Nevada's Nooner Pilsner).
Nutrition Facts
Calories
4.23Fat
0.05 gSat. Fat
0.05 gCarbs
0.94 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
0.94 gSugar
0.91 gProtein
0 gSodium
0 mgCholesterol
0 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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