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St. Patrick’s Day in America is bigger than just a one-day celebration. It’s a cultural event filled with parades, traditions, and—of course—drinks. While cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago are famous for their celebrations, there’s one unexpected city that goes all out: Savannah, Georgia.
What makes Savannah such a St. Patrick’s Day hotspot? And how did this holiday transform from a religious feast day into a green-clad, Guinness-fueled festival? Pour yourself a Dubliner cocktail, and let’s dive in.
How St. Patrick’s Day Came to America
St. Patrick’s Day, originally a Christian feast day, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. But in Ireland, the holiday was mostly religious until the 20th century. No green beer. No massive parades.
So, how did it become a massive celebration in America? Irish immigrants.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, millions of Irish immigrants came to the U.S., bringing their culture and traditions with them. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in America happened in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers in the British army. Over time, more cities adopted the parade tradition, using it as a way to show pride in Irish heritage.
Fast forward to today, and St. Patrick’s Day in America is a blend of history, culture, and pure cel
ebration. And one of the biggest celebrations? Savannah, Georgia.
Savannah, GA: An Unlikely St. Patrick’s Day Hotspot
When you think of big St. Patrick’s Day parades, you probably think of Boston or New York—places with large Irish populations. So, why does Savannah, Georgia throw one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S.?
It all goes back to early Irish settlers. Savannah was home to Irish Catholic immigrants as early as the 1800s. By 1824, the city held its first official St. Patrick’s Day parade, and it has only grown since.
Today, Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is the third largest in the U.S., bringing in over 400,000 visitors each year. The city even dyes its fountains green in celebration! It’s a mix of tradition, Southern charm, and Irish pride, making it one of the most unique places to celebrate March 17th.
Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a great Irish-inspired cocktail. That’s where The Dubliner comes in.
The Dubliner Cocktail Recipe
This whiskey-based cocktail is smooth, slightly sweet, and perfect for celebrating. It’s a nod to Irish heritage with a modern twist—just like St. Patrick’s Day itself.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey (Jameson or The Dubliner work well)
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- ½ oz Benedictine
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in as a garnish.
Take a sip, and enjoy the balance of sweet, herbal, and smooth whiskey notes—a perfect drink to toast St. Patrick’s Day.
The Tradition Lives On
Whether you’re celebrating in Savannah, New York, Boston, or just at home, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to honor Irish heritage, share great drinks, and enjoy the company of friends. The Dubliner cocktail is the perfect way to raise a glass to history, tradition, and good times.
So this March 17th, mix up a Dubliner, throw on something green, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—wherever you are.
Sláinte! 🍀🥃
