The Best Beers to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: Rich Stouts, Irish Brews & Green Sips

St. Patrick’s Day is the one day each year when everyone claims a bit of Irish spirit—and rightly so. Whether you’re raising a glass at a local pub, hosting a lively gathering at home, or simply enjoying a quiet toast to the Emerald Isle, choosing the right beer can elevate the celebration. While green-dyed lagers often steal the show, the craft beer world offers far more interesting ways to honour the holiday.

From rich, roasty stouts that echo Ireland’s brewing heritage to hop-forward IPAs and even non-alcoholic options, there’s a St. Patrick’s Day beer for every palate. This guide walks you through the best brews to sip this March 17th, including standout selections from BrewDog’s lineup that bring bold flavour and festive spirit to your glass.

Why St. Patrick’s Day Calls for a Great Stout

St. Patrick’s Day and stout go together like shamrocks and green. The deep roasted malt, coffee-like bitterness, and creamy mouthfeel of a well-crafted stout mirror the soul of Irish brewing tradition. While many reach for a pint of the famous dry stout from Dublin, craft breweries have expanded the category with exciting variations—chocolate stouts, barrel-aged versions, and even non-alcoholic stouts that don’t compromise on flavour.

For a truly memorable St. Patrick’s Day, consider a stout that offers complexity beyond the standard pint. BrewDog’s NANNY STATE is a standout non-alcoholic stout that delivers bold roasted notes and a satisfying body without the alcohol. It’s perfect for designated drivers, those observing Dry March, or anyone who wants to enjoy the full stout experience while staying sharp for the festivities.

• Look for stouts with chocolate or coffee notes to complement traditional Irish soda bread or rich stews.
• Serve stouts slightly below cellar temperature (around 50–55°F) to let the malt character shine.

Green Beer? Go for a Hazy IPA Instead

Green beer is a St. Patrick’s Day staple, but the artificial colouring often masks mediocre lager. Why not opt for a naturally vibrant IPA that brings both colour and complexity? Hazy IPAs, with their cloudy, golden-green hue and juicy hop profile, are a fantastic upgrade. They look festive in a glass and deliver layers of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit that keep your taste buds engaged.

BrewDog’s Jack Hammer is a bold, bitter IPA that cuts through the richness of corned beef or shepherd’s pie. Its intense hop character and clean finish make it a crowd-pleaser for hop heads and casual drinkers alike. For a slightly softer, more approachable option, the Gluten Free Punk offers the same iconic Punk IPA flavour profile but in a gluten-free format—ideal for guests with dietary restrictions who still want to join the toast.

• Serve hazy IPAs in a tulip glass to capture the aromatic hop oils.
• Pair with sharp cheddar, pickled onions, or spicy sausage rolls for a perfect pub-style snack board.

Non-Alcoholic Options: Celebrate Without the Hangover

St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to mean a morning-after regret. More and more people are choosing low- or no-alcohol beers to enjoy the social ritual without the side effects. The craft non-alcoholic category has exploded in quality, and BrewDog leads the charge with beers that taste every bit as good as their full-strength counterparts.

NANNY STATE is a robust non-alcoholic stout that proves you don’t need alcohol to enjoy deep, roasted flavours. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to sip all evening without the buzz. For a lighter, crisper option, the Lost Lager Glass might catch your eye—but the real star is the beer itself: a clean, refreshing lager that pairs beautifully with pub grub. And if you’re looking for a complete non-alcoholic variety, the Mello Mixed Pack offers a curated selection of sessionable brews that keep the party inclusive.

• Non-alcoholic stouts and lagers work wonderfully in beer cocktails—try a NA black and tan.
• Stock up on NA options early; they sell fast around holidays.

Spirited Alternatives: Canned Cocktails for the Holiday

While beer is the traditional St. Patrick’s Day drink, canned cocktails have carved out a festive niche. They’re convenient, portable, and often pack a punch of flavour that complements the celebratory mood. BrewDog’s cocktail range, including the Try Hi Ball collection, offers ready-to-drink options that are perfect for parties or outdoor gatherings.

For a truly unique St. Patrick’s Day treat, consider the Abstrakt Toasted Marshmallow & Madagascan Vanilla Vodka. This indulgent spirit captures the warmth of toasted marshmallows and the creamy sweetness of vanilla—ideal for sipping neat, mixing into a spiked coffee, or crafting a dessert cocktail. It’s a conversation starter that adds a playful twist to your holiday spread.

• Mix the Abstrakt vodka with ginger beer and lime for a festive ‘Irish Mule’.
• Canned cocktails are great for St. Patrick’s Day parades or outdoor events where glass isn’t allowed.

How to Build the Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Beer Flight

A beer flight is a fantastic way to sample multiple styles and keep the celebration interesting. For St. Patrick’s Day, curate a flight that moves from light to dark, showcasing the diversity of craft beer. Start with a crisp lager or gluten-free option, move to a hoppy IPA, and finish with a rich stout. This progression lets guests appreciate the range of flavours and find their personal favourite.

Include a non-alcoholic option like NANNY STATE so everyone can participate. Pair each beer with a small bite: a salty pretzel with the lager, a slice of sharp cheddar with the IPA, and a dark chocolate square with the stout. The BrewDog Bar Blade is the perfect tool for serving draught-style pours at home, giving your flight a professional touch.

• Use small 4–6 oz pours to keep the flight manageable.
• Label each glass with the beer name and a fun St. Patrick’s Day fact.

This St. Patrick’s Day, skip the green dye and reach for craft beers that truly celebrate the spirit of Ireland and great brewing. Whether you choose a bold stout, a juicy IPA, or a non-alcoholic alternative, BrewDog’s lineup has something to make your holiday memorable. Explore the NANNY STATE non-alcoholic stout for a rich, guilt-free toast, or browse the full collection to build your perfect St. Patrick’s Day beer flight.