by Holly
How much fun is it to drink green beer on St. Patrick’s Day? After all, St. Patrick’s is the one holiday of the year where everyone is Irish and green beer is such a fun novelty for all revelers (over 21, of course) on this special day!
This recipe is super easy to make and goes perfectly with, you guessed it, corned beef and cabbage or Irish Stew! Paired with a mug of green beer everyone will be raising a glass and saying ‘Cheers!’ in no time!
What is Green Beer?
Undoubtedly, green beer is an American invention, certainly not Irish. A physician first colored beer green for his party back in 1914 and the trend really took off!
Nearly everything can be turned green on St. Patrick’s Day, why not beer?
How to Make Green Beer
Green beer looks brightest when a pilsner, lager, or pale ale is used.
- Pour half the beer into the beer glass.
- Add 2 to 4 drops of green food coloring to the glass.
- Stir and fill the glass to the top with the remainder of the beer.
Even the foam will turn bright green!
If your glass is chilled/frozen and you add the food coloring first, it can freeze to the bottom which is why I add half of the beer frist. Another option is to add a few drops of food coloring right to the can/bottle of beer before pouring it.
How to Make It Without Food Coloring
For a non-food coloring method (one that won’t stain your teeth or your clothes), here are three alternatives to turn beer green!
- Stir about 1 tablespoon of wheatgrass juice into a glass of beer.
- Put 1/2 teaspoon of spirulina in a small bowl, whisk in a little beer and then pour into a beer glass and add the rest of the beer.
These options will result in a change in the flavor of the beer but will result in a fun green color!
St. Patricks Day Favorites
- Colcannon Recipe (Cabbage and Potatoes)
- Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (Video)
- Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie)
- My Favorite Reuben Sandwich
- Lamb Stew (Irish Stew)
- Reuben Sandwich Sliders
Green Beer
Servings 1 beverage
Course Beverage, Drink
Cuisine American, IrishIngredients
- 12 ounces light beer
- 2-3 drops green food coloring additional if required
Instructions
- Chill glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes if time allows.
- Fill the glass half full of beer and add 2 drops of food coloring.
- Pour the remaining beer over top.
- Very gently stir to combine and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
