The 17th of March, Saint Patrick’s Day, the patron saint of Ireland, has become an international holiday, and our non-alcoholic drinks shop helps you to celebrate alcohol-free Saint Patrick’s Day (and without a hangover).
Those responsible for the universal character of this celebration were the first Irish who emigrated to different countries. They would gather wherever they were to celebrate their patron saint’s day wearing the colours of their flag and toasting with beer.
Interesting facts about St. Patrick’s Day
Why the 17th March?
Because the 17th March 461 was the day St Patrick, whose real name was Maewyn Succat, died. The son of a Roman officer, he was kidnapped as a teenager by pirates who took him to Ireland and forced him to work as a sheep herder. He managed to escape to France, converted to Christianity and returned to Ireland to spread it in the lands of his captors.
Why the shamrock?
It seems that on the very spot where Dublin Cathedral stands today, St Patrick baptised parishioners with water from a local well. The saint used a shamrock to explain the mystery of the Holy Trinity: one Triune God, three divine persons and one true God.
Why green?
On St. Patrick’s Day, everything is green: green hats, green balloons, everything from buildings to rivers. It’s dyed green for St Patrick’s Day, which is a huge source of pride for Irish people everywhere. In the past, the Colosseum in Rome, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, the London Eye, the Empire State Building in New York and Christ the Redeemer in Rio have all turned green on 17 March. Also the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña and the Magic Fountain of Montjuic in Barcelona.
It is also very common these days to dye beer green. To do this, just add food colouring to any of our non-alcoholic beers. An alcohol-free green Saint Patrick’s can make the experience more fun.
How long have Saint Patrick’s parades been held?
Strangely enough, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not held in Ireland, but in Boston (USA) in 1737. In 1766, the first “official” parade for the Irish National holidays was held in New York, where it has been held continuously for 250 years. Last year’s version of the parade had to be suspended, as it was this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ireland did not start holding its parade until 1903. The highlight of the beautiful Eire is the Dublin parade, a huge and colourful theatrical event that runs through the historic city centre with entertainment of all kinds and bands.
How to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?
We make it easy for you. A good way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day without alcohol is with an Athletic Brewing All Out. This is a non-alcoholic stout brewed with special malts and inspired by the traditional Irish stout. Its aroma and flavour will take us to the green meadows, to freshly cut firewood, to the fire of a hearth.
Don’t be fooled by the word “beer“, ginger beer is a non-alcoholic drink,
If you don’t like beer, don’t worry, maybe it’s time for you to try ginger beer. Don’t be fooled by the word “beer”, ginger beer is a non-alcoholic drink. It is a sweet, slightly spicy drink, very refreshing and with a slight lemony aroma. Try Fentimans Ginger Beer, made with natural botanicals.
On our website you will also find alcohol-free spirits such as Lyre’s Coffee Originale, to prepare authentic non-alcoholic Irish Coffee; or ISH alcohol-free spirits, which have won multiple awards.
Remember that if you want to add a more festive and Irish touch to your drink, just add a few drops of green food colouring.
And now . . . Sláinte!
