5 Healthy Drinks to Replace Green Beer on St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day 2024! Green is everywhere, and so is green beer. This year, why not explore healthier alternatives that keep the spirit of the holiday alive and contribute to your overall well-being? 

There's a world of healthy green drinks that offer more than just a nod to the emerald isle. From cucumber-infused water to energizing matcha tea, here's a list of our top five refreshing drinks to replace green beer (and each drink promises to hydrate, nourish, and revitalize). 

5 Healthy Green Drinks Beyond Green Beer for St. Patrick's Day

1. Cucumber-Infused Water

This is a classic with an optional twist that travels well (to any St. Patrick's destination or for a hike the day after). If you really want to be bold, add kiwi slices and lime juice.

1. In a large pitcher, combine the cucumber slices (and optionally the kiwi and lime juice) with water.
2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the cucumber to infuse.
3. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

Health Highlight: Cucumber-infused water is not only a hydrating treat but also aids in detoxification and provides a subtle, refreshing flavor that encourages increased water intake.

2. Orange, Kale, and Pineapple Juice

This juice combines the hearty greens of kale with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and the citrusy tang of orange, creating a delightful and healthful juice.

1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by thoroughly washing the kale leaves. Peel the oranges, removing as much of the white pith as possible to avoid bitterness. Chop the pineapple into chunks suitable for your juicer or blender.
2. Juicing: If you're using a juicer, feed the kale leaves, pineapple chunks, and orange sections through the juicer one at a time. Alternate between the greens and the fruits to maximize juice extraction.
3. Blending (Alternative to Juicing): If you don't have a juicer, you can use a blender. Combine the kale leaves, pineapple chunks, and orange sections in the blender. Add a half cup of water to help the ingredients blend smoothly. Blend until completely smooth. For a smoother texture, you can strain the blended mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp.
4. Serving: Serve the juice immediately to enjoy its full nutritional benefits. For an extra refreshing drink, serve over ice or refrigerate for about an hour before serving.

Health Highlight: This Kale, Pineapple, and Orange Juice is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Kale is a superfood loaded with vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like potassium and calcium. Pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and is rich in vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that can aid digestion. Oranges are another excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients make a potent health-promoting beverage perfect for boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and providing a refreshing energy lift.

3. Matcha Green Tea

We've got an option for tea lovers as well. Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, renowned for its vibrant green color, distinctively grassy flavor, and multitude of health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants, enhanced mood and concentration, and metabolism-boosting properties.

1. Sift the matcha powder into a cup to remove any lumps.
2. Add hot water and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the tea is frothy.
3. Sweeten with honey or agave syrup to taste.

Health Highlight: Matcha is rich in antioxidants, boosts metabolism, and enhances mood and concentration, making it a perfect beverage for a healthy start to your day.

4. Minty Pea and Avocado Smoothie

The Minty Pea and Avocado Smoothie is a creamy, refreshing blend of sweet peas, rich avocado, and vibrant mint leaves, packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients for a nourishing and energizing drink.

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth, adding sweetener to taste.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint.

Health Highlight: Avocado provides healthy fats, while peas offer plant-based protein, making this smoothie a nutritious and satisfying option.

5. Green Apple Ginger Juice

This drink combines the tanginess of green apple with the zing of fresh ginger, creating a refreshing and invigorating beverage perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

1. In a blender or juicer, combine the green apples, ginger, and lime juice. Add water if using a blender to help the ingredients combine smoothly.
2. Blend or juice the ingredients until completely smooth. If using a blender, you may wish to strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp.
3. Serve the juice over ice cubes in a tall glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Health Highlight: This Green Apple Ginger Juice is not only refreshing but also packed with health benefits. Green apples are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, while ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and digestive health benefits. Lime adds a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants, making this juice a potent immune booster.

Hydrating, Healthy, and Green Drinks on St. Patty's Day

Exploring these five vibrant drinks offers a delightful way to enjoy the holiday with healthier alternatives to green beer. Each drink has its unique flavors also. From the refreshing zest of Kale, Pineapple, and Orange Juice to the soothing calm of Matcha Green Tea. The Cucumber-Infused Water and Green Apple Ginger Juice stand out as perfect hydrating options, while the Minty Pea and Avocado Smoothie creates a long-lasting cold drink that can be sipped on through the night.