The History of Green Beer: Why We Dye Our Drinks for St. Patrick’s Day

Every year on March 17th, bars and breweries around the world serve up pints of vibrant green beer in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. But how did this tradition start, and why do we associate green beer with this Irish holiday? While the origins of St. Patrick’s Day date back centuries, the tradition of green beer is a relatively modern phenomenon with a fascinating history.

The Birth of Green Beer

The first recorded instance of green beer dates back to 1914 in New York City. Dr. Thomas H. Curtin, a coroner and physician of Irish descent, is credited with creating the first batch. During a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Schnerer Club in the Bronx, Dr. Curtin added a mysterious ingredient to beer, turning it a striking shade of green. That ingredient? A laundry whitener called “wash blue,” which contained an iron-based powder. Though safe in small quantities, it wasn’t exactly the most appetizing additive!

Despite this questionable start, the idea of green beer caught on. Over the decades, bartenders and brewers refined the method, replacing hazardous chemicals with simple green food coloring. By the mid-20th century, green beer had become a staple of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Irish-American communities and beyond.

Why Do We Still Dye Our Beer Green?

Green beer is a fun and festive way to embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, particularly in the United States, where the holiday has taken on a more celebratory and less religious tone. While Ireland itself didn’t traditionally serve green beer, global influences and tourism have led some Irish pubs to adopt the practice.

For many, drinking green beer is simply a playful way to participate in the holiday’s revelry. It complements other St. Patrick’s Day traditions, such as parades, wearing green clothing, and enjoying Irish music and dance. Plus, it makes for a great social media photo!

How to Make Your Own Green Beer

If you’re looking to celebrate at home, making green beer is easy. Simply add a few drops of green food coloring to a light-colored beer (such as a lager or pilsner), stir gently, and enjoy. The lighter the beer, the more vibrant the green color will appear. For a more natural alternative, some brewers use spirulina or matcha powder for a green tint.

Cheers to Tradition and Fun!

While green beer might not be a historic Irish custom, it has firmly established itself as a beloved St. Patrick’s Day tradition, particularly in the United States. Whether you’re toasting with a pint of green beer or a classic Guinness, the spirit of the holiday remains the same: celebrating Irish heritage, unity, and good cheer.

Sláinte!

Nick's Honeymoon To The UK

I recently embarked on an unforgettable honeymoon adventure across the UK, and as a proud beer enthusiast, I couldn't resist documenting the incredible brews I encountered along the way. From the bustling streets of London to the historic charm of Edinburgh and the stunning landscapes of Inverness, each stop was a treasure trove of flavor. I explored lively pubs renowned for their atmosphere and stumbled upon hidden gems that showcased the rich diversity of local craft beers. Each pint was a delightful experience, and I can’t wait to share the highlights of this journey!

Kicking off my journey in London, I gravitated towards the lighter side of the beer spectrum. With each mile I wandered through the vibrant streets, I craved refreshment rather than anything too heavy. Ciders and pale ales quickly became my go-to choices. England boasts some exceptional ciders, and I found myself smitten with delightful sips of Pulpit Flare and the crisp, fruity notes of Cornish Orchards Golden Cider. Each pour was a perfect companion to my explorations, keeping my spirits high as I soaked in the city’s charm!

When it came to beer, I savored an IPA that stood out dramatically from what I'm accustomed to back home. I also tried Nicholson’s Pale Ale, which offered a refreshing departure from the Dales Pale Ale and Sierra Nevada brews I usually enjoy. With its subtle hop presence, Nicholson’s was the ideal companion for a night filled with engaging conversations among the local crowd. Each sip was a delightful reminder of the unique character of British ales, perfectly suited for sharing stories and laughter long into the evening!

As we journeyed north to Edinburgh, the beers naturally grew a bit darker, though I still managed to sneak in a few refreshing lagers alongside my Wee Heavies and 80 Shillings. Among my favorites were the regal Innis & Gunn Lager and the ever-popular Tennent’s—true kings of Scottish beer. When the day came to a close and the chill of the grey Scottish weather settled in, I cozied up with a Belhaven 80 Shilling and a local Wee Heavy at The Queens Arms, savoring every sip.

Once we ventured further north to Inverness, we stumbled upon the fantastic Black Isle Brewing and Cairngorm Brewery, both of which crafted exceptional beers. The highlight was definitely Cairngorm's Bothy Strong Ale—rich, flavorful, and a perfect testament to the craftsmanship of Scottish brewers. Each stop was a new adventure in flavor!

Overall, my beer journey was nothing short of extraordinary! Every pour was a delight, and I was thrilled to discover a remarkable array of styles that are rarely seen back in the States. Each tasting experience showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of British brewers, making for an unforgettable adventure filled with flavor. It’s safe to say I didn’t have a bad beer, and I’m already dreaming of my next trip to explore even more!

MIAD Tap Handle Project

This past month, our Art Director Cole Krueger had the privilege of returning to his Alma Mater, The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design to work with Junior Product Design Majors on collaborative tap handles design project between us, the school, and our client Third Space Brewing.

After graduating with a BFA in Illustration from MIAD in 2007, Cole had always wanted an opportunity to return as a professional and work with students at the college on a tap handle project. So when Larry Murphy, a Product Design faculty member reached out to Cole over the summer about the opportunity, he couldn’t wait to dive in and immediately thought of reaching out to one of our best local clients, Third Space Brewing, about partnering with us on the project.

Third Space was enthusiastic about working with local students on a project and the students began working on concepts for tap handles for their flagship Happy Place brand, as well as their charitable “Pints with a Purpose” program.

Seeing the students excitement about this unique project and their well thought-out and impactful design work was a real treat! We want to thank MIAD for having us and Third Space Brewing employees Paul Mott and Lizzie Katt for being so accommodating and giving such great feedback. We hope to collab with MIAD again in the future!

Click the link below to read MIAD's web story about the project

https://www.miad.edu/product-design-students-design-custom-tap-handles