St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday that celebrates Irish culture. Many people like to enjoy alcoholic drinks like beer and whiskey to celebrate. However, there are plenty of festive non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day too!
Why have non-alcoholic drinks on St. Patrick’s Day?
Here are some key reasons to offer non-alcoholic drinks on St. Patrick’s Day:
- For those who don’t drink alcohol for personal or health reasons
- For designated drivers who want to celebrate without impairing their judgement
- For children and teens below the legal drinking age
- For those limiting alcohol intake or on medication that shouldn’t mix with alcohol
- For pregnant women and new mothers who want to join in the celebrations
- For anyone who wants to celebrate the holiday without alcohol
Having festive non-alcoholic options allows more people to take part in St. Patrick’s Day festivities. It also promotes responsible celebration by giving party hosts and bartenders more inclusive offerings.
Traditional non-alcoholic Irish drinks
Here are some traditional non-alcoholic Irish beverages that are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day:
Irish Breakfast Tea
No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without a cup of hearty Irish breakfast tea! This rich black tea is robust and smooth. It pairs excellently with Irish soda bread, scones, and other baked goods.
Irish Coffee (non-alcoholic)
For a non-alcoholic take on the classic Irish coffee, prepare a cup with strong black coffee, sugar, and whipped cream on top. For an extra festive touch, use green food coloring to tint the whipped cream green.
Hot Toddy (non-alcoholic)
A warm non-alcoholic hot toddy can be made by steeping Irish breakfast tea with lemon, honey, cloves, and cinnamon.
Barley Water
This light and sweet barley-infused water has been drunk in Ireland for centuries. Make it by boiling pearl barley with water then straining it before serving. Flavor it with lemon, lime, orange or herbs.
Festive non-alcoholic drink ideas
You don’t have to stick to only traditional Irish drinks for St. Patrick’s Day. Get creative with these festive options:
Sparkling Lime Green Lemonade
For an eye-catching non-alcoholic drink, mix lemonade, lime juice, and club soda. Sweeten it with simple syrup then top it off with festive green maraschino cherries.
Virgin Irish Mule
For the non-alcoholic take on an Irish mule, mix ginger beer, lime juice and fresh mint leaves. Top with a splash of club soda and serve over ice.
Shamrock Shake
Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint extract. Dye it bright green with food coloring. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
Green Apple Spritzer
Mix green apple juice with club soda and lime juice. Garnish with apple slices.
Virgin Colada
Blend pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime, and ice. Top with whipped cream, shredded coconut and a cherry.
Mocktails
For a more sophisticated non-alcoholic option, try making these flavorful mocktails:
Sparkling Shamrock
Muddle lime wedges and mint leaves in simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with ginger ale and garnish with mint and lime.
Emerald Isle
Muddle kiwi and lime wedges with simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with lemon-lime soda. Garnish with kiwi.
Pot O’ Gold
Rim a glass with gold sugar. Fill glass with cranberry juice, orange juice, grenadine and a splash of club soda. Garnish with an orange slice.
Lucky Lime Fizz
Mix lime juice, agave syrup and club soda over ice. Top with mint leaves and lime wedges.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to revolve around alcoholic drinks. There are plenty of festive and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages to help you celebrate Irish culture. From traditional barley water to creative green mocktails, you can toast to good times on St. Paddy’s Day without the alcohol. Offering non-alcoholic options also makes the holiday more inclusive and family-friendly.