Make Your Own Green Beer – No Food Coloring Required!
St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. calls for Irish-themed celebrations, the pinching of nonbelievers, and lots and lots of Flubber-colored drinks. For festive party planners, the last point usually involves a grocery store trip to load up on artificial green food coloring – but not this year.
Struggling to cook healthy? We'll help you prep.
Enter matcha, a powdered green tea from Japan that will leave you with a naturally colored beer that’s both healthy and extra frothy.
Since matcha is made from shade-grown green tea plants, the leaves used in its production contain more of the chlorophyll responsible for turning water leprechaun green. It also gives you a (good enough) reason to down drink after drink – matcha is packed with EGCG, an antioxidant that has been linked to weight loss and lowered cholesterol. And in case you’re not convinced yet, matcha foams when mixed in water. Translation: Your brew will develop an extra thick, creamy head.
Ready to make your own matcha beer? We partnered up with Seth Piracci, owner of The Starliner bar in Brooklyn, New York, to create a better-for-you alternative to green Guinness for your upcoming St. Patty’s Day party.
Ingredients 1 teaspoon matcha, preferably ceremonial grade 1 ounce water ½ ounce lemon juice 1 (12-oz.) bottle pilsner beer
Note: We used Coors Banquet, but Piracci says any light beer will work just as well.
Preparation 1. In a shallow bowl, mix matcha in water with a whisk until a thin layer of foam forms over the top and there are no clumps. Add lemon juice.
2. Pour the matcha mixture into a pint glass, and SLOWLY top with beer to prevent the heavy foam from overflowing.
Where to Buy - For the matcha initiate: Teavana Organic Imperial Matcha Singles: 10-Pack - For green powder from guys who know their business: MatchaBar 30g Classic Tin - For the best of the best, delivered straight from Japan by a 300-year-old tea company: Any selection from Ippodo Tea Co.
Want to make a traditional cup of matcha instead? Watch and learn.
More Fun Foods for Your St. Patrick's Day Feast: