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" data-orig-size="1880,1253" title="Happy St. Pat’s Day, But Why Green Beer?" data-image-title="a group of friends having drinks" class="post-thumbnail wp-post-image" data-orig-file="https://sprbrewcrew.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/pexels-photo-3851930.jpeg" data-image-description="" height="100" width="150" data-medium-file="https://sprbrewcrew.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/pexels-photo-3851930.jpeg?w=300" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-permalink="https://atlbeerguyblog.com/2023/03/17/happy-st-pats-day-but-why-green-beer/pexels-photo-3851930/" alt="Happy St. Pat’s Day, But Why Green Beer?" decoding="async" srcset="https://sprbrewcrew.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/pexels-photo-3851930.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://sprbrewcrew.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/pexels-photo-3851930.jpeg?w=300 300w" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-large-file="https://sprbrewcrew.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/pexels-photo-3851930.jpeg?w=645" />St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, is a day where people around the world don their best green attire, attend parades, and consume green beer. But have you ever wondered why we drink green beer on this day?
The origins of St. Patrick’s Day can be traced back to the early 17th century when the day was declared a religious holiday in honor of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Over time, the holiday evolved into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, with green being the traditional color associated with Ireland.
Green beer, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It is believed that the tradition of drinking green beer started in the United States in the early 20th century. At the time, the country was experiencing a surge in Irish immigration, and St. Patrick’s Day became an important day for Irish-Americans to celebrate their heritage.
One popular theory behind the origin of green beer is that it was started by a New York City bartender named Dr. Thomas Curtin. In 1914, he reportedly added a few drops of green food coloring to beer as a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The idea caught on, and soon other bars began to follow suit.
Another theory is that green beer became popular during Prohibition in the United States. During this time, it was illegal to sell alcohol, but people still found ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with clandestine gatherings. Green beer became a way to add some color and fun to these underground parties.
Regardless of its origins, green beer has become a staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world. Many bars and restaurants serve green beer on this day, and some even hold contests to see who can drink the most.
If you’re wondering how green beer is made, the answer is simple: food coloring. A few drops of green food coloring are added to a light-colored beer such as pilsner or lager. The resulting drink is a bright green color that is sure to catch the eye.
However, it’s worth noting that not everyone is a fan of green beer. Some people find the idea of coloring their beer unappealing, while others are concerned about the health effects of consuming food coloring.
If you’re looking for a more traditional way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you might consider trying an Irish stout such as Guinness. This rich, dark beer has been brewed in Ireland for over 250 years and is a favorite of many beer lovers around the world.
In the end, whether you choose to drink green beer or opt for a more traditional brew, the most important thing is to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones on this festive day. St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and there’s no better way to do that than by raising a glass and saying “Sláinte!”
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