St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17th and has become an iconic Irish holiday. It originated as a religious feast day honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture, with parades, dancing, music, and traditional Irish food and drink. When it comes to beverages, no St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete without a few Irish drinks to toast the holiday. But what exactly are the most popular Irish drinks to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day? Here is an overview of some of the top Irish drinks that are a staple part of March 17th celebrations all around the world.
Beer
Beer is one of the most iconic Irish drinks there is. Ireland has a long history and tradition of brewing beer, dating back thousands of years. These days, Ireland is home to several major breweries that produce a variety of high-quality stouts, lagers, ales and more. Some examples of popular Irish beer brands include Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp, Kilkenny, and Murphy’s. Of all these, Guinness Extra Stout is hands down the beer most closely associated with Ireland and St. Patrick’s celebrations. Its creamy and dark pour, paired with its roasted malt taste, makes it a quintessential St. Patrick’s Day drink. Guinness Draught and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout are other popular variants people often enjoy on March 17th. In Ireland, Guinness makes up over 50% of all beer sales! It’s no wonder Guinness is such a staple St. Patrick’s Day beverage all around the world.
Key Facts on Beer and St. Patrick’s Day
- Over 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide on St. Patrick’s Day each year.
- The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland is the #1 tourist attraction in the country, with over 1 million visitors annually.
- Guinness is brewed in 49 countries worldwide and sold in over 150.
- A proper pour of Guinness beer takes 119.5 seconds from the initial pour to settling with the creamy head.
- The term “Pint of Plain” is used to order a pint of Guinness in Ireland rather than just asking for a “Pint of Guinness.”
Irish Whiskey
Along with beer, Irish whiskey is another classic St. Patrick’s Day libation. Ireland has a centuries-old tradition of distilling whiskey, second only to Scotland in whiskey production. Today, Irish whiskey continues to grow in popularity worldwide, with distinct styles and brands to choose from. Some examples of top Irish whiskeys include Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore D.E.W., Powers, Redbreast and Green Spot. Jameson is the clear frontrunner, accounting for over 70% of Irish whiskey sales. Its smooth blend of pot still and grain whiskeys gives it a versatile flavor profile that shines when mixed in cocktails or enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Bushmills and Tullamore D.E.W. are other major Irish whiskey producers that offer great tasting blends. Beyond the big brands, whiskey connoisseurs may enjoy sampling premium single malt or single pot still Irish whiskeys like Redbreast, Greenspot or others. Any variety of Irish whiskey makes for an excellent St. Paddy’s Day spirit.
Key Facts on Irish Whiskey and St. Patrick’s Day
- Irish whiskey is spelled with an “e”, while Scotch whisky is spelled without.
- The best selling Irish whiskey, Jameson, sells over 7 million cases annually in over 130 countries.
- Irish whiskey saw a resurgence starting in the early 2000s after near extinction in the 20th century.
- The oldest licensed distillery in Ireland is Bushmills, dating to 1608.
- Some popular ways to drink Irish whiskey are neat, on the rocks, in cocktails like Irish Coffee or Whiskey Sour.
Irish Cream
For those with a sweet tooth, Irish cream liqueurs are a tasty St. Patrick’s Day treat. Irish cream is a cream liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and a blend of other ingredients that may include coffee, honey, vanilla and more. The most famous brand by far is Baileys Original Irish Cream. It combines Irish whiskey with cream and cocoa for a sweet, indulgent flavor. It can be enjoyed chilled, over ice or in coffee drinks or desserts. Other Irish cream options include Carolans and Saint Brendan’s. These liqueurs are especially popular among those looking for a sweet, creamy and accessible Irish drink to get into the St. Patrick’s spirit. An Irish coffee, made with Irish cream and coffee, is a delightful way to welcome the holiday.
Key Facts on Irish Cream and St. Patrick’s Day
- Baileys is the #1 selling liqueur in the world, with over 10 million cases sold annually across over 160 countries.
- It takes over 40,000 cows to produce the cream needed for Baileys each year.
- Baileys Original Irish Cream contains 17% alcohol by volume and has a shelf life of 24 months.
- An Irish Coffee combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey and Irish cream, sweetened with brown sugar.
- Other ways to serve Baileys or Irish cream are on the rocks, blended in milkshakes or drizzled over desserts.
Irish Cider
Cider is quickly growing into one of the most popular alcoholic beverages, with innovative cideries popping up around the world. Ireland has an expanding cider culture of its own, producing traditional and contemporary versions perfect for toasting St. Patrick. The cider style most associated with Ireland is Irish dry cider. It is crisp, dry and effervescent, comparable to many English ciders but often with its own lively character. Brands like Magners, Bulmers and O’Hara’s exemplify this style. There are also some producers making creative ciders that add Irish spins, like cider aged in whiskey barrels or versions that incorporate Irish honey or spices. Cider provides a lighter and more approachable option compared to beer or spirits on St. Patrick’s Day.
Key Facts on Irish Cider and St. Patrick’s Day
- Ireland was once the largest producer of cider in the world up until the early 1900s.
- Bulmers and Magners are the two major Irish dry cider brands, synonymous with the Irish cider category.
- Modern craft cidermakers like Stonewell and Longueville House have brought creativity and innovation back to Irish cider.
- Big international brands like Heineken and Coors have introduced Irish style ciders to their lineups.
- Dry Irish cider pairs especially well with rich foods like Irish stew or Shepherd’s pie.
Irish Coffee
No list of quintessential St. Patrick’s Day drinks would be complete without mentioning Irish coffee! This hot cocktail brings together two excellent Irish libations: Irish whiskey and coffee. Recipes vary, but the essential ingredients in an Irish coffee are hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and a layer of thickened cream on top. The coffee helps cut through the richness of the whiskey, while the cream lends a smooth, comforting finish. The drink was invented in 1940s Ireland as a pick-me-up for weary travelers. It has since become a classic Irish cocktail ideal for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, especially for those looking for a delicious spiked and warming non-alcoholic drink option. Salud!
Key Facts on Irish Coffee and St. Patrick’s Day
- Irish coffee was invented by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port in Limerick in the 1940s.
- To properly make an Irish coffee, the cream is gently poured over the back of a spoon to float on top.
- In Ireland, you won’t find whipped cream used, only lightly thickened pouring cream.
- The coffee used is strong black coffee, like an Americano. Espresso can work too.
- The ideal Irish coffee glass is a stemmed glass that tapers outward towards the top.
Irish Soda Bread
In addition to beverages, traditional Irish soda bread is a staple food item closely tied to St. Patrick’s Day. This quick bread gets its rise from baking soda rather than yeast. It is wonderfully easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Recipes vary in whether butter, eggs, raisins, oats or other ingredients are added. The resulting bread has a signature coarse, speckled texture and a slightly sweet, tangy taste. Soda bread makes the perfect accompaniment to a St. Patrick’s Day Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. It’s delicious served warm slathered with butter or toasted up over the next few days. Baking up some Irish soda bread is an easy and tasty way to celebrate the holiday!
Key Facts on Irish Soda Bread and St. Patrick’s Day
- Irish soda bread dates back to the 19th century when baking soda became widely available.
- It rose to popularity because it was quick to make and used inexpensive ingredients.
- The buttermilk in the dough react with the baking soda to rise the bread rather than yeast.
- Irish soda bread is best served warm or toasted, within a day or two after baking.
- Soda bread makes an excellent accompaniment to salty dishes like Irish bacon or ham.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating Irish culture, and there’s no better way to do that than with classic Irish food and drink. Beer, whiskey, Irish cream, cider and Irish coffee are iconic beverage options that capture the spirit of the holiday. For food, baking up some Irish soda bread is the perfect traditional touch. However you choose to celebrate, incorporating some of these classic Irish tastes into your St. Patrick’s Day festivities is sure to make the occasion even more special. No matter where you are in the world, take the opportunity on March 17th to raise a glass with friends to these wonderful Irish traditions! Sláinte!