BOSTON — Tommy McCarthy’s Irish bar, The Burren, located just outside Boston, is renowned for pouring an impressive amount of Guinness. However, this St. Patrick’s Day, McCarthy is making a notable shift by stocking up on an array of nonalcoholic beverage options.
“It’s come a long way since we first opened,” stated McCarthy, who has been serving pints at this cherished establishment since 1996 after relocating from West Clare, Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day in Boston holds a unique significance; it’s a celebration deeply rooted in the city’s history. Historians note that Boston was the first U.S. city to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland on March 17, 1737, in honor of the Irish immigrants who had settled there.
While the day is often associated with heavy drinking, an emerging trend reveals that a growing number of individuals are enjoying St. Patrick’s Day festivities without alcohol. Many are opting for nonalcoholic beers, mocktails, and sober spaces, even right in the heart of Boston.
“St. Patrick’s Day is a significant drinking holiday, widely promoted,” said a sober advocate.
Despite the pressures associated with the day, many have discovered ways to celebrate without the risks of overindulgence.
The Burren experiences a surge in the popularity of nonalcoholic drinks throughout its four-day lineup of Irish music performances, with shows lasting up to 10 hours each day. McCarthy himself, a fan of Guinness, opts for nonalcoholic varieties while he plays the fiddle.
“I top it up with the real creamy alcohol head,” he explained. “You get the real cream and the taste of Guinness without the alcohol. It kind of beats all.”
Michelle Flynn, manager at Brendan Behan Irish pub in Jamaica Plain, noted that most bars now include nonalcoholic beers on their menus, marking a significant cultural shift.
“The neighborhood and society have changed immensely — especially among the youth,” she said.
This trend is not lost on business owners, as young adults today are reportedly drinking less compared to previous decades. Recent polling indicates that adults under 35 are less likely to consume alcohol compared to their counterparts from the early 2000s.
Further data reveals a decline in the number of young adults who drink regularly or acknowledge drinking excessively.
Michael Scelfo, owner of four cocktail bars in the Boston area, reported that demand for mocktails has surged since the pandemic, making them a staple on the menu.
“It’s now an integral part of the menu,” he stated, emphasizing the meticulous crafting of mocktails by bartenders.
For nearly 15 years, William Spencer Reilly has been hosting a “Sober St. Patrick’s Day” celebration in New York City, featuring Irish music, dance, and food, with potential plans to bring a similar event to Boston.
Reilly believes this initiative is crucial in redirecting the focus of St. Patrick’s Day from drinking to celebrating Irish heritage, while also dispelling negative stereotypes about the Irish.
Initially met with skepticism, Reilly now sees growing interest in sober celebrations and is in discussions with local leaders about expanding to Boston next year.
A general trend towards healthier lifestyles is influencing how individuals choose to celebrate holidays, as added awareness of the dangers of alcohol consumption becomes more prevalent.
“The risks associated with alcohol are well-documented,” noted Scelfo. “Today’s young generation is making health and wellness a priority, which is an encouraging trend.”
