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St. Patrick's Drink with a French Flair
A flash of fresh green fun

They say that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day and in fact, it's so universally appealing, it may be the only national holiday that is recognized outside its native land.

Here in America, it has been observed for over two centuries, starting in 1737, when Boston held an official celebration. It began as a religious commemoration of the patron saint, Bishop Patrick who according to popular lore, gave such a powerful sermon it drove all the snakes out of Ireland.

Over the years, drinking beer tinted with green food coloring has become a beloved St. Patrick's Day tradition. Green is, after-all, the color of spring, Ireland and the shamrock. Legend also has it that the color attracts fairies and helps crop growth. That adds up to plenty of reasons to celebrate the holiday with green beer.

Another brilliant green cocktail is the Perroquet, served at Café Centro, New York. This continental cocktail combines Ricard with a dash of crème de menthe, for a sophisticated alternative to the usual green beer.

The Perroquet, a classic French aperitif, is said to mimic the flamboyance of a parrot after which it is named. At Café Centro, the Perroquet is served in a pilsner beer glass for added Irish flair.