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Content Created by Tracey of Baker Street Living 
Looking for a super simple way to add some festive fun to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Green beer is a classic party favourite that takes less than a minute to make, and it’s guaranteed to bring a little extra Irish cheer to your gathering!
Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a themed dinner, or just celebrating at home, here’s exactly how to make bright, festive green beer the easy way.
What You’ll Need
- Light-colored beer (lager or pilsner works best)
- Green liquid food colouring
- Clear Lager stein or pilsner glass (for the best colour effect)
- Shamrock stir stick (optional or long-handled spoon)
How to Make Green Beer
Step 1: Add Food Colouring First
Place 2-4 drops of green food colouring into the bottom of your glass. Make individual glasses instead of colouring an entire pitcher — the foam can get overly tinted if mixed in bulk.
Tip: Fewer drops are needed for light beer and more for darker ales.
Step 2: Pour the Beer
Slowly pour your beer into the glass. Tilting the glass at an angle while slowly pouring will reduce the foam or head on the beer. The beer will naturally mix with the food colouring as it fills, creating a bright green colour.
Step 3: Adjust If Needed
If the colour isn’t vibrant enough, gently stir or add one more drop of food colouring.
And that’s it! You’re done!
Tips and FAQs
Best Beers for Green Beer
For the brightest green colour, use pale beers such as:
- Lager
- Pilsner
- Light ale
- Blonde ale
Darker beers like stouts won’t show the green colour very well.
Fun St. Patrick’s Day Serving Ideas
- Add festive shamrock drink stirrers
- Rim glasses with green sugar
- Serve alongside Irish-inspired snacks
- Pair with themed decorations for a party-ready setup
Natural Plant-Based Colouring
If you want a natural green colouring:
- Spirulina powder – A tiny pinch can tint drinks green (very subtle)
- Matcha green tea powder – Also gives a green tint (and a mild tea flavour)
CAUTION – Organic options can affect flavour . Make sure you test first.
Best Food Colouring for Green Beer
Liquid food colouring is the easiest to use and yields the best results.
- McCormick® Green Food Colour – Classic and easy to find in most grocery stores
- Wilton® Green Food Colouring Drops – Works well for drinks and baking
NOTE – Gels and paste food colouring. The gel or paste will give you a richer shade with fewer drops, but will require more stirring and may create more foam.
Green beer is one of the easiest ways to add festive flair to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s quick, inexpensive, and always a conversation starter. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just enjoying a quiet toast at home, this fun tradition is sure to bring a little extra luck of the Irish to your day.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).