Get Ready to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans -- With a Green Beer

How Do You Make Green Beer?

Legend has it that the first green beer got its color from a small amount of laundry whitener called Wash Blue thanks to a coroner named Dr. Thomas Hayes Curtin. Curtin was a toastmaster for a St. Patrick's Celebration hosted by a social club in the Bronx (that's right, green beer on St. Patrick's is an American tradition).

 Apparently, the amount of detergent added was so small that people could imbibe without any ill-effects. Luckily, as times progressed, people developed new ways to craft green beer, primarily using food coloring.

 You might assume it's a few drops of green, but often it's blue food dye (which is why Wash Blue worked in the first place). The blue mixes with the yellow-tinted beer to create the iconic green-hued brew.

Where to Get a Green Beer in New Orleans This St. Patrick's Day

NOLA is known for several specialty cocktails, but don't miss an opportunity to snag a green beer when you're in New Orleans for St. Patrick's Day. More than likely, you'll be able to find an emerald ale at most of the St. Paddy's hot spots, like Pat O'Brien's and Parasol's.

However, when several locals got to add their two cents about the best places for green beer in New Orleans, these were the top three.

Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar

Eat and drink until you “can't no mo!” Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar has been a St. Paddy's tradition with many locals for decades. The neighborhood sports bar is a go-to for watching games, kicking back with friends, and enjoying your favorite beverage. It's an extremely popular stop during St. Patrick's festivities.

The Bulldog

The Bulldog has two locations in New Orleans, one in Mid-City and the original one Uptown. You can enjoy a green beer at both (and even bring your pup on the patio). The bar started with the dream of four local New Orleanians who wanted to focus on how marvelous draft beers could be. They serve locally-sourced, craft beers and imports.

Gennaro's Bar

If you're looking for a laid-back, low-key place to enjoy your green bear, head to nearby Metairie, under the bridge at Causeway and Metairie Road. There you'll find Gennaro's Bar, the oldest bar in Metairie, hosting St. Patrick's Day events and serving green beer and lots more. Order a mouthwatering, finger-licking-good po-boy from Bear's while you're there.

Going Green in New Orleans

After you've had your fill of green cocktails and St. Patrick's Day shenanigans, rest easy in your comfy New Orleans hotel room. Before you know it, you'll be ready for round two.