St. Patrick’s Day falls during Lent, allowing Catholics to set aside their Lenten restrictions for a day of feasting and celebration in honor of St. Patrick. It was a time for people to relax and enjoy themselves, which helped drinking beer become a central part of the holiday tradition.
Guinness®, Murphy’s Irish Stout, Smithwick’s™ Red Ale, Harp™ Lager, and Kilkenny™ Irish Cream Ale are some of the most popular Irish beers but Irish ciders (like Magners Original Irish Cider® and Longueville House Cider) have also become popular. We can’t forget about green-tinted beer either! Whether in an Irish pub or at home with friends, beer is a staple of St.Patrick’s Day, symbolizing camaraderie, cheer and the spirit of the Irish.
Don't overlook Irish beer just because you’re not a beer drinker - it’s also a fantastic ingredient for cooking! When you think of Irish beer, stout is what often comes to mind. This dark, dry brew boasts rich, toasty notes of coffee and chocolate. Despite its bold appearance, it contains less alcohol than you might expect and is perfect for enhancing desserts while also adding depth to stews, seafood and more. Try Cooperstown Distillery's Irish Coffee for a decadent St. Patrick's Day drink - perfect for adults to enjoy!