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Green beer and seltzers have become an iconic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. While green beer is the more traditional drink for this holiday, green seltzers are a fun, modern twist for those who prefer a lighter, bubbly option. Whether you’re a beer lover or a seltzer fan, this guide will teach you how to make these vibrant drinks at home.
Where Did Green Beer Start?
Green beer has been a staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for over a century, but its exact origins are often a source of debate. The first record we have of green beer dates back to 1914, when Dr. Thomas Curtin, a New York City coroner and physician, allegedly served it at a St. Patrick’s Day party. He used a laundry whitener called “wash blue” to achieve the color—something we obviously wouldn’t recommend today!
The tradition took off, especially in Irish-American communities, and breweries began adopting safer food dyes to create the now-famous green pints. Today, it’s a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit and make any gathering a little more festive.
What Types of Beers Are Good to Make Green Beer?
Not all beers are created equal when it comes to making the perfect green beer. The type of beer you choose will impact how well the green dye shows up and how the final drink looks. Here are the best types of beer to use:
Light Lagers and Pilsners
These are the best choices for green beer because they are naturally light in color, allowing the green dye to stand out vividly.
A few notable options include:
Light Lagers & Pilsners
Blonde Ales and Kölsch
If you prefer something a little craftier, blonde ales and Kölsch beers are great alternatives. These beers have slightly more flavor than a standard light lager but still maintain a light color that works well with green dye.
Here are some great ones sold at Spec’s:
Blonde Ales and Kölsch
Wheat Beers
Wheat beers can be an interesting choice, offering a hazy appearance and a fuller body. The dye may not show up as vibrantly, but it still creates a festive drink.
Try one of these:
Wheat Beers
IPAs and Pale Ales
If you’re a hop lover, IPAs and pale ales can work, but be aware that their natural amber color might result in a deeper green or slightly murky effect. Stick to lighter pale ales for a better outcome.
Some great options include:
IPAs and Pale Ales
How to Make Green Beer
Now that you’ve chosen your beer, let’s turn it green!
What You’ll Need:
- One of the beers listed above
- Green food coloring (liquid or gel)
- Pint glass or beer mug
Steps:
- Pour your beer into a pint glass or beer mug.
- Add 2-3 drops of green food coloring for a light green shade. Add more if you want a darker green.
- Stir gently or swirl the glass to mix evenly.
- Enjoy your festive green beer!
What Types of Seltzers Are Good to Make Green Seltzers?
Green beer is a St. Patrick’s Day classic, but green seltzers are a fun, modern twist for if you prefer a crisp drink. Just like beer, not all seltzers are created equally when it comes to achieving that perfect green hue. Here are some of the best options:
Clear Hard Seltzers
For the best results, choose a clear hard seltzer. Clear seltzers work best because they have a transparent base, allowing the green dye to fully shine.
Some noteworthy seltzers:
Clear Hard Seltzers
Lemon or Lime Flavored Seltzers
Lemon and lime complement the green hue and make the drink feel more natural. Plus, adding citrus results in a bright, refreshing beverage.
Options include:
Lemon or Lime Flavored Seltzers
Cucumber Hard Seltzers
If you want to take your green seltzer to the next level, cucumber seltzers enhance the color theme while providing a fresh, smooth taste.
Try one of these:
Cucumber Hard Seltzers
How to Make Green Seltzers
What You’ll Need:
- Hard seltzer (clear or light in color)
- Green food coloring
- Ice (optional)
- Lime wedge (for garnish, optional)
Steps:
- Pour your hard seltzer into a clear glass over ice.
- Add 1-2 drops of green food coloring. Stir gently to mix evenly.
- Garnish with a lime wedge for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve and enjoy your bubbly, green seltzer!
Making green beer and seltzers is a simple yet festive way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, parties, and fun gatherings. Whether you prefer a classic pint of green beer or a bubbly green seltzer, both options are easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. So grab your favorite beer or seltzer, add some green, and toast to good times! Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Beer
Green beer is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day drink, typically regular beer dyed green using food coloring. It is not a special type of beer but rather a festive twist on classic brews.
The easiest way to make green beer is to add a few drops of green food coloring to a light-colored beer (like a lager or pilsner) and stir gently.
Light-colored beers, such as lagers, pilsners, or wheat beers, work best because they allow the green color to stand out. Dark beers like stouts don’t show the green as well.
Yes, as long as non-toxic food-grade coloring is used. Most bars and breweries use FDA-approved green food coloring or natural alternatives like spirulina.
No, green beer tastes the same as the original beer unless flavored additives are used. The food coloring doesn’t impact the flavor.
The first recorded instance of green beer dates back to 1914 in New York City, when Dr. Thomas H. Curtin, an Irish-American physician, dyed beer green for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Yes, many bars and breweries serve green beer on March 17th as part of their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Yes! Natural alternatives include spirulina powder, matcha, or wheatgrass juice, which can give beer a green hue without artificial dyes.
Pour the beer into a glass first, then add 1–2 drops of green food coloring and stir gently. Adding the coloring before pouring can result in an uneven mix.
Some craft breweries create naturally green beers using algae, herbs, or special brewing techniques, but most green beer is just regular beer with added color.
