St. Patrick's Days

Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day. After all, who can resist green suspenders and pots of gold? Even if you're not a member of the green-eyed, red-haired clan, however, you can still be declared an honorary Irishman for the purposes of celebration. St. Patrick's Day, which falls on March 17, the date of the saint's death in 461 A.D., is a time for merriment, creative limericks, festive music - and all the Irish whiskey and beer you can handle.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Although technically a religious holiday commemorating the transition from Pagan Ireland to Christianity, St. Patrick's Day has long been synonymous with eating and drinking. People from all over the world - and from every cultural background imaginable - flock to local Irish pubs for frothy mugs of Guinness beer and shots of Tullamore Dew. You might not remember the number of people you pinched or how many Irish songs you played on the juke box in the corner, but you'll know you had a good time.

If you're not fond of beer or strong Irish whiskey, you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a green cocktail at the pub. An Irish martini, for example, has half a shot of Irish whiskey combined with half a shot of vermouth and three ounces of your favorite vodka. Or, if you really want to be festive, add a green-tinted liquor to any alcoholic drink, such as absinthe or green crème de menthe.

Of course, drinking is not the only way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and the holiday is traditionally known more for food than alcohol anyway. Colcannon, shepherd's pie and barley and lamb stew are all popular treats around the Irish dinner table, particularly in colder locales. Soda bread is another popular favorite, especially as an appetizer, and corned beef is fashionable with Irish-Americans (along with the complementary cabbage).

For dessert on St. Patrick's Day - assuming you have room after the feast and the drinking - Roscommon rhubarb pie is a distinct favorite among the Irish. And after dinner, you can chase the beer with a mug of Irish coffee, which is traditionally laced with Irish whiskey and a healthy dose of thick cream.

A Place to Celebrate