Best Beers To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is a holiday that involves a lot of drinking, and beer is a popular choice. The holiday is a feast day held in honour of St. Patrick, and Christians are allowed to put aside their Lenten restrictions on food and alcohol consumption on this day. The celebration has evolved to include not only St. Patrick but also Irish culture, history, and traditions. While Guinness is the classic choice for a St. Patrick's Day drink, there are many other beers to choose from.

Green beer

If you want to achieve a bright green colour, it is recommended to use blue food colouring instead of green. This is because the blue dye will mix with the light yellow hue of the beer to create a brilliant green colour. Adding green dye to beer will result in a dull, swampy colour.

It should be noted that if you want to drink like an Irishman and celebrate the Emerald Isle's heritage on St. Patrick's Day, a pint of Guinness or a shot of Irish whiskey would be more appropriate.

Irish coffee

While St. Patrick's Day is often associated with drinking a pint of Guinness or a glass of green beer, Irish coffee is also a popular choice for those looking to celebrate with a warm, boozy drink. Irish coffee is a cocktail made with sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream. It's the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold day and can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.

To make Irish coffee, start by brewing your favourite coffee. A dark roast is recommended for its bold flavour, but a medium roast will also work if you prefer a more balanced drink. Next, add a sweetener like sugar or maple syrup to taste. You can use regular granulated sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup, which blends more easily and enhances the flavour of the whiskey. Then, pour in a generous amount of Irish whiskey—a one-ounce shot is standard, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. Finally, top it off with whipped cream for a touch of indulgence. If you want to get fancy, you can sprinkle some ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

There are also variations of Irish coffee that you can try. For example, the Buena Vista Irish Coffee uses two sugar cubes and lightly whipped cream that is poured over the back of a spoon. The Irish Cream Coffee is made with equal parts Irish whiskey and Bailey's, and is garnished with a Maraschino cherry. If you're looking for a sweeter option, the Bailey's Irish Coffee substitutes Bailey's for the Irish whiskey, resulting in a fuller-bodied drink.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, Irish coffee is a delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and warm up on a chilly day.

Baileys cocktails

While St. Patrick's Day is often associated with drinking a pint of Guinness or a glass of green beer, cocktails made with Baileys are also a popular choice. Baileys Irish Cream is a rich liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa, and it can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cocktail. Here are some Baileys cocktail recipes to try:

Mudslide

A Mudslide is a perfect choice if you're craving something sweet and decadent. It's a frozen drink made with Baileys, chocolate liqueur, and vodka. To make it even more indulgent, garnish the glass with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and top it with whipped cream and more chocolate syrup.

Chocolate Martini

This martini is a chocolate lover's dream, made with Baileys Irish cream and chocolate liqueur. It's a great option if you're looking for a sweet and sophisticated cocktail. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the martini with shaved chocolate or a pinch of cocoa powder.

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail that combines Baileys with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream. It's the perfect warm and creamy drink to enjoy on a cold day. For an extra special treat, try making Ree Drummond's version, which she describes as "sweet, creamy, boozy, divine."

Boozy Shamrock Shake

If you're looking for a festive St. Patrick's Day treat, try making a Boozy Shamrock Shake. This shake combines Baileys with vanilla ice cream and dehydrated mini marshmallows for a delicious and festive dessert cocktail.

Nutty Irishman

The Nutty Irishman is a playful take on the classic Irish cocktail. It combines Baileys with hazelnut liqueur and is topped with a generous dollop of homemade Irish cream whipped cream and crushed hazelnuts. It's a fun and nutty twist on a traditional favourite.

Flat White Martini

This martini is a unique blend of Baileys, brewed espresso, and vodka. It's a sweet and satisfying cocktail that's perfect for capping off a St. Patrick's Day dinner or any other special occasion.

In addition to these cocktails, you can also get creative and experiment with your own Baileys-based creations. Whether you're looking for a festive drink or a year-round treat, Baileys cocktails are a delightful way to indulge.

Guinness

St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of Irish heritage and culture, and there's arguably no beer more iconic to Ireland than Guinness.

The Guinness Storehouse Experience

If you're lucky enough to be in Ireland for St. Patrick's Day, a trip to the Guinness Storehouse is a must. The Storehouse hosts a five-day celebration of Irish music, art, food, beer, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy modern and traditional Irish creative arts, including live music, Irish dancing, and contemporary performances. The celebration culminates in a showcase of Irish music talent, with approximately 95 Irish artists and 20 international artists performing over 855 songs and six different dance styles.

For those who can't make it to Ireland, celebrating St. Patrick's Day at a pub with a pint of Guinness is a great alternative. Many pubs will have special events and activities, such as rugby viewing parties and live music, to enhance the festive atmosphere. Some pubs may even offer personalised posters and invitations to help spread the word about their St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

If you want to show your love for Guinness on St. Patrick's Day, the official Guinness Webstore offers a range of St. Patrick's Day-themed merchandise. From clothing to glassware and accessories, you can find exclusive items featuring the iconic Guinness brand. The collection includes T-shirts, hoodies, tankards, pint glasses, and more, all in vibrant shades of green and gold.

Irish whiskey

St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of all things Irish, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a drink that has its origins in Ireland? While green beer and Guinness are popular choices, for those who want to try something different, Irish whiskey is a great alternative.

When choosing an Irish whiskey to drink on St. Patrick's Day, you will be spoilt for choice. Some well-known brands include Bushmills, Jameson, Redbreast, and Tullamore D.E.W. For example, Bushmills offers a range of blends and single malts, including their Bushmills Original and Bushmills 10, 12, 16, and 21-year-old single malts. Jameson, another iconic brand, has options like their Black Barrel and Orange whiskeys. Redbreast has their 12, 15, 21, and 27-year-old single pot still whiskeys. Tullamore D.E.W., a well-known blend, also has a single malt offering.

So, this St. Patrick's Day, why not explore the diverse and delicious world of Irish whiskey? Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, there's an Irish whiskey to suit every taste.

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