Do You Feel Lucky? Happy St. Pat's!!!!!

Yet another fun holiday falls upon us this weekend... St. Patrick's Day! If there's ever a day to pretend you have Irish roots or need an excuse to drink (a ton), this is the day. This year, St. Patty's Day falls on a Sunday (are you thinking St Patrick's Day Brunch??), so for those of you who had a taxing work week... relax and let loose on this fun-filled event. Okay, so we all know that green beer, beads, decadent Irish food and garb, and parades take over on this holiday but let's take a look at the actual origin...

Each year St. Patrick's Day falls on March 17th to honor the accepted date of Saint Patrick's death in 493 CE. St. Patrick is the figure most prominently associated with bringing Christianity to Ireland. There are little details known about his mission to Ireland but, of course, popular legends appear. The shamrock comes from the popular myth that St. Patrick used the 3 leaves on the plant to explain Catholicism's holy trinity to the Irish. Because Lenten fasting and abstaining from alcohol are lifted for the day, St. Patrick's Day has become a worldwide celebration of "Irishness" and Irish culture!! 

So... where do the biggest celebrations take place?! 

New York City: Since 1762, New York has held the biggest celebration for this holiday. Don't expect to see floats and other commercial aspects of parades- the City is all about sticking to Irish roots. 150,000-250,000 marchers line fifth avenue and create quite the speculation! Check out clips from last years parade: 

Boston: The second largest parade in the United States takes place in South Boston. Is there a more Irish city? You can be sure to find colorful floats, music, and good Irish cheer at this parade. 

Dublin: You can't get more authentic than Ireland itself. The Dublin parade is just one of the many events that takes place during the week-long celebration. This year for the first time, the parade is inviting 8,000 people around the world to march! They can expect a carnival atmosphere with tons of Irish pride that over 1.6 million people attend annually. 

Now.. let's get into something we all secretly want the details on... THE DRINKS!

It's no surprise that St. Patrick's Day is the holiday most closely linked with drinking beer. The signature St. Patty's Day beer has become that of a cheap, light beer spiked with green dye. But are you craving an actual good beer that still has some Irish roots? Sip on one of these..

Celtic Ale

Irish Red, Samuel Adams

Want to ditch the beer altogether? You're not alone!!! Mix things up with an Irish cocktail that are delicious substitutes to beer...

Emerald Isle

Ingredients:

2 oz. Barrymore Pinot Grigio
4 cucumber chunks
5 mint leaves
¾ oz. lime juice
¾ oz. simple syrup
1 oz. soda water

3 mint sprigs and a cucumber slice

Prep:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber and mint leaves. Fill shaker with ice and add lime juice, simple syrup, and wine. Shake vigorously. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with three mint sprigs and a cucumber slice. 

Shamrock Shape-up

Ingredients:

1½ oz. Absolut Miami
1 oz. simple syrup
¾ oz. lime juice
6 mint leaves
1 oz. soda
Garnish: mint sprig

Prep:

Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup and lime juice in a shaker. Add Absolut Miami, shake, and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda, and garnish with a mint sprig.

Didn't think we'd forget about good, old-fashioned Irish Whiskey did you? Pour it in to a strong coffee to create one of our favorites and a favorite in Irish pubs thats rivals the popular Guinness. 

However you plan on celebrating this crazy exciting holiday on Sunday - eat some good food, drink some good drinks, and wear some green. Or don't if you're in the mood to get pinched around. It's not too early to start getting in the festive mood.. check out these celebs who have St. Patty's Day fever already!

Remember to keep up with us in a few different ways.

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm