Drinks

St. Patrick’s Day Green Beer Alternatives

This St. Patrick's Day, if green beer isn't your thing, these emerald sips will do the trick

By Michael Small /

Credit: DIDS’

Green beer isn’t the only thing you can drink to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

This St. Patrick’s Day, once you’ve had your fill of green beer, try one of these beverages blessed with the luck of the Irish

If you plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it’s almost certain that you’ll sit down and raise a glass to the patron saint of Ireland. And chances are your potable will come in a shade of green.

Yes, the green beer will be flowing, and thirsty merrymakers will gleefully lap it up. Charlie Bethell, general manager of Vancouver’s The Blarney Stone, says the pub will sell more than 100 kegs of delicious beer during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend!

And while green beer has become a cornerstone of the holiday, beer just isn’t for everyone. If the hoppy brew isn’t your thing, that doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the Irish festivities. For instance, Ceili’s Irish Pub and Restaurant is offering a Lucky Long Island Iced Tea – Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, melon liqueur, peach schnapps, cola, and fresh citrus – a 2oz drink that will only be featured on St. Paddy’s Day.

Remember, most clear cocktails can be ordered green, a request bartenders will surely cater to on March 17th. If you’re looking for something specific, there are plenty of delicious sips that you can request or make yourself.

St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails

The first two cocktails come from Katrina Schneider and Marissa Lambert-Power, two wonderful bartenders at Belmiro’s Restaurant and Lounge in Victoria.

The Green Belmiro

Gin lovers won’t be able to resist this unique sip. The fresh cucumber taste really sets it apart.

Muddle together 4 pieces cucumber and handful mint leaves and combine with:

  • 0.5 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
  • 1.5 oz. Hendrick’s gin
  • 4 oz. soda
  • Garnish with lime

Blueberry Collins

Don’t let the name fool you – this blueberry-lime fusion settles into a pale green after it is mixed. While definitely a sweet-tasting drink, the sugar is balanced out nicely by the soda. It’s a fun twist on the classic Tom Collins.

In a highball glass, mix over ice:

  • 2 oz. Stoli Blueberi
  • 3oz. club soda
  • 3oz. bar lime mix
  • Garnish with lime wedge

And from bcliving contributer Christina Symons:

The Tall ‘n’ English Cucumber Cocktail

This refreshing cucumber-infused drink is perfect for those hoping to fast-forward to summer.

While it doesn’t include any famous Irish whiskey, it gets a pass because of its vibrant green colouring. For this cocktail, you’ll need:

  •  125 mL (1/2 cup) roughly chopped cucumber
  •  Juice of one fresh lemon
  •  Handful of mint or lemon balm, chopped
  •  5 mL (1 tsp.) of honey simple syrup*
  •  45 mL (1.5 ounces) of gin (or vodka, if you prefer)

Here’s the full Tall ‘n’ English Cucumber cocktail recipe.

No matter what your drink of choice, there’s a beverage out there with your name on it this St. Patrick’s Day.