The Meaning of Saint Patrick’s Day & Saint Patrick's Day Inspired Drinks You Can Try
Did you know Saint Patrick was not Irish? According to History.com, he was born in Great Britain. He was a Christian deacon who was imprisoned by Irish raiders when he was 16. During his imprisonment, he turned to religion for refuge from loneliness. He later became a Christian priest and ministered to Christians in Ireland and worked to convert those who were not Christian. Upon his death, he was proclaimed a saint by the people he ministered to and was celebrated for spreading Christianity.
Since then, Saint Patrick’s Day has become a celebration in different parts of the world. It began as a religious feast day during the 17th century and has evolved to include opportunities for connection across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods & drinks, music, dancing, and everything green. Historically, Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted on this celebratory day, allowing people to break fasts with a feast. The indulgence tradition on Saint Patrick’s Day has remained though its religious significance may be less observed.
Saint Patrick’s Day Inspired Drinks You Can Try
Last Word Cocktail
- Gin
- Maraschino liqueur
- Green Chartreuse
- Lime Juice
Green Bloody Mary
- Tomatillos
- Yellow Tomatoes
- Celery
- Jalapeno
- Fresh Cilantro
- Horseradish
- Cumin, Salt & Pepper
- Vodka – or use another favorite spirit like gin or tequila
Green Apple Martini Mocktail (non-alcoholic)
- Green Apple Juice
- Sparkling Water
- Simple Syrup or Stevia
- Lemon Juice
- Green Apple
- Ice
Sugar-Free Apple Cider Martini
- Unsweetened Apple Cider
- Vodka
- Sugar-free Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- Orange Bitters
- Ice
- Garnish: Sliced Apples and Cinnamon Stick
Sugar-Free Appletini
- Vodka
- Sour Apple Liqueur
- Lime Juice
- Stevia
Fun Fact: Did you know that cabbage is trending at the moment?
According to this New York Times article, Cabbage is showing up on restaurant menus from Los Angeles to New York City.
Why is cabbage associated with Saint Patrick's Day?
When Irish Americans carried over the Saint Patrick’s tradition, they added corned beef and cabbage to their celebrations because corned beef was an Irish staple. Because cabbage was the most affordable vegetable to them in America, the corned beef and cabbage pairing has remained a Saint Patrick’s Day-associated dish.
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Sources
https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/who-was-saint-patrick
https://dishesdelish.com/appletini-cocktail/
https://www.davidlebovitz.com/the-last-word-cocktail-recipe/
https://www.platingsandpairings.com/green-bloody-mary/
https://www.jcookingodyssey.com/non-alcoholic-green-apple-maritni/
https://ketology.net/cocktails/festive-sugar-free-apple-cider-martini/