Why We Drink on St. Patrick's Day and How To Enjoy It Safely

St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional holiday of merriment, shamrocks, green attire, and, of course, drinking, lots of drinking. Apart from New Year's Eve, Saint Patrick's Day is the booziest holiday of the year. According to one source, 13 million pints of Guinness are sold in that single day. Hard liquor sales such as Irish Whiskey (Jameson, Jameson Black Barrell, and Tullamore Dew) almost triple each year.

So why do people raise their glasses so enthusiastically on this Irish holiday? Let’s delve into the reasons behind this spirited tradition: St. Patrick’s Day began as a feast commemorating the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Since it falls in the middle of Lent, Christians were allowed to set aside their Lenten restrictions on food and alcohol consumption on this day. And boy, did they set them aside. The holiday turned into a day of indulgence for everyone.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred in America in the 1840s. Thousands of Irish immigrants, escaping the potato famine, brought their traditions to the New World. The parade tradition grew, encompassing St. Patrick and Irish culture, history, and a hearty dose of revelry. So, when you raise that pint of Guinness or sip your Irish whiskey, you’re partaking in a centuries-old tradition. Of course, please be sure to have a designated driver or use a ride-share service if you partake in the tradition a little too much.

Lite Rock 96.9

1
Know Your Limit and Plan Ahead
Knowing your limit is a smart and protective way of knowing how much you can handle while also having fun. Make sure you plan ahead and know how many drinks you're going to be having.
2
Eat Before You Drink
It may sound like an easy action but eating food before a night of drinking. Drinking on an empty leads to intoxication quicker so make sure you eat something filling
3
Beware of unfamiliar drinks
If you don't know the drink, then don't have anything to do with it. Stick to your go-to drinks
4
Appoint a Designated Driver or Use a Ride Share
If you really want to let loose, then make sure you have a designated driver to help you monitor how many drinks you have had and to be your ride to prevent an accident. If you can't find a ride, then your next best bet is either Uber or Lyft