What do beverage brands have in store for St. Patrick's Day?
Guinness: US tour
Guinness is ready to take center stage in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, particularly in its homeland.
But there are also plenty of activations around the globe: including the US.
Here, the brewer has already been celebrating Sundays up to the big day with its Lucky Sundays program, with events in select cities.
The first event included football legend Joe Montana; while other events have included Lucky Sundays Brunch with celebrated chef Dennis Prescott in Charleston, S.C.; and with James Beard Award winner chef Kwame Onwuachi in Brooklyn, NY.
"Guinness first unveiled its iconic tagline 'It's A Lovely Day for a Guinness' to the world in 1954 and in the years since we've consistently proved this declaration to be true," said Joyce He, Guinness Brand Director.
"This St. Patrick's Day is no different and we're inviting everyone to join us at home, in the pub and elsewhere.
"Because that's what it's all about – bringing friends, families, and communities together.”
Bud Light: St. Patrick's Day bottle
Bud Light is bringing back its St. Patrick’s Day bottle in the US.
Fans can snag the limited-edition bottles at participating and bars and local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations including Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Savannah, GA); Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Tampa, FL); Lucky Stache Bash: St. Patrick’s Day Block Party (Nashville, TN); Lower Greenville Block Party (Dallas, TX); Downtown St. Pat’s Parade (St. Louis, MO).
Baileys Mint Choc Shake
Baileys Mint is back with a limited edition twist: with Mint Choc Shake.
The new limited edition flavour blends the Irish spirit of Baileys Original Irish Cream (17% ABV) with fresh mint, dark chocolate and creamy vanilla flavors.
Whether it’s drizzled over ice cream, served in a shake or shared with friends, the drink is ‘simply mint to be’, says the brand. To celebrate its new flavor, Baileys has also released two new serves to enjoy: the Mint Choc Milkshake and the Mint Choc Sipper.
The Mint Choc Milkshake combines smooth vanilla ice cream and the liquor, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Alternatively, those looking for a shorter serve need look no further than the Mint Choc Sipper: the iconic green liquid topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
The latest launch brings a St Patrick’s Day twist to the signature branding of its Baileys Original Irish Cream, complete with splash designs and a mint green colourway.
Charlotte Gibbon, Director of Gins, Pimms, Baileys and Non-alc at Diageo, said: “At Baileys, we’re sticking to our Irish roots by launching Mint Choc Shake around St. Patrick’s Day. Treating should be an everyday occasion, but our latest limited edition flavour offers a completely unique experience to shake things up this year. Delicious on its own or enjoyed as the Mint Choc Shake and Mint Choc Sipper, our new flavor is perfect for mint lovers.”
Jameson's bus tour
Jameson Irish Whiskey has announced its brand-new bus will be bringing the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to London on Sat 16 – Sun 17 March: decked out with all its Irish flair.
Irish comedian and actress Aisling Bea will deliver a warm welcome and a safety briefing that’s sure to give passengers (winners of a competition run earlier this month) a good old Irish laugh before they enjoy the ride.
The Jameson bus is kitted out with everything needed for the best Paddy’s Day ever, complete with a fully stocked bar so passengers can enjoy some signature Jameson, Ginger & Lime cocktails whilst getting from A to B on the double-decker’s maiden voyage (with their seatbelts on, of course).
Josh McCarthy, Brand Director for Jameson UK, said: "We’re proud to be launching our very own Jameson bus on such a big day for an Irish brand, and St. Patrick’s Day will always hold a special place in our hearts. The attention to detail inside the bus has to be seen to be believed and we can’t wait for as many people as possible to come and join us, raise a glass for the maiden voyage of our Jameson bus and keep your eyes peeled for the bus popping up around the UK in 2024 and beyond."
‘Stout’s out, espresso martini’s are in!'
How many people feel they should drink a beer on St. Patrick’s Day, instead of a beverage they’d actually enjoy?
According to research carried out by coffee liqueur brand Kahlúa, 60% of Brits would rather drink an espresso martini over a stout to celebrate the emerald isle. And a third of Americans feel they have to order a beer on St. Patrick’s Day, even if they don’t want one.
2024 should be the year to stir things up, says Kahlúa: and the brand was ‘show up in unexpected ways by reminding drinkers that they don’t have to settle for a drink they don’t really want.
Kahlúa is activating in three key markets, encouraging drinkers to Stir Up their celebrations: based on creating an espresso martini with the coffee liqueur.
- In the UK, Dirty Martini bars in London, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester will run from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th, for 2-4-1 Espresso Martinis
- In Ireland, Kahlúa has teamed up with iconic Dublin pub Hogans on Fade Street. Hogans will be serving 100 complimentary black and creamy Espresso Martinis on a first come, first served basis from 1pm this St. Patrick’s Day.
- In the US, Kahlúa is offering consumers an Espresso Martini on them. Starting on March 13 while supplies last.
Gin cocktails
Ryan Reynold’s Aviation Gin brand has created some specialty St. Patrick’s Day cocktails: including Ginness Butteredbeer, Clovers and Cream, Pot O’Gold, Arthur’s Negroni and more.
Each of the cocktails were created at the distillery in Portland, Oregon.
Arthur’s Negroni, for example, calls for Guinness Zero, sweet vermouth, Campari and Aviation Gin.
19 Crimes' Irish rogue
Created for St. Patrick’s Day in 2023, and returning this year, 19 Crimes presents its limited edition, ‘stout style’ blend.
The wine highlights one of 19 Crimes’ most notorious rogues, Ireland’s John Devoy: who was exiled to America. From there, Devoy became the mastermind behind the Catalpa rescue, freeing six fellow Irish prisoners in ‘the most daring prison escape in Australian history’.
The wine is ‘rich in color and bold in flavor, with aromas of coffee and chocolate, complemented by hints of a vanilla frame with a black fruit core.’
