Happy St. Patrick's Day from UNION Bar & Soda Fountain!

As we gear up to celebrate all things green, lucky, and full of good cheer, we're taking a moment to blend a bit of Irish heritage with the timeless magic of the classic American soda fountain. At UNION, we love nodding to that nostalgic era of hand-mixed sodas, creamy floats, and fizzy fun—perfect for raising a glass (non-alcoholic or otherwise) this March 17.

Did you know there's a fascinating historical tie between Irish immigrants and the rise of soda fountains in the U.S.? In the mid- to late-1800s, waves of Irish arrivals—many fleeing the Great Famine—settled in bustling cities like New York. Archaeological digs have uncovered piles of soda water bottles in old Irish immigrant homes, showing how popular this bubbly, refreshing drink became. Soda water was seen as a healthful, affordable alternative to alcohol, aligning with the temperance movement that had support in some Irish communities. It even became a subtle symbol of pride and adaptation in their new American life. Ginger ale, originally invented in Ireland in the 1850s, crossed the Atlantic and found its way into soda fountains too—often used to settle stomachs or just enjoy a crisp sip.

Soda fountains themselves boomed during that time (and especially during Prohibition), serving as community hubs where "soda jerks" crafted creative concoctions with syrups, seltzer, and ice cream. They offered a fun, family-friendly spot—much like how Irish pubs serve as social gathering places back home. While traditional Irish pubs focus on pints and whiskey, the soda fountain scene provided a temperance-friendly counterpart that Irish Americans embraced.

And speaking of green... enter our Pro Tip for the ultimate St. Patrick's Day treat: the Green River Soda Float!

This electric-green lime soda (a true soda fountain classic invented in 1916 in Iowa and popularized in the Midwest) pairs perfectly with a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream for a fizzy, creamy float that's as festive as it gets. The bright green hue ties right into St. Paddy's vibes—think Chicago dyeing the river green, but way more delicious and drinkable.

Green River Soda Bottles

Green River Float

Green Lime Soda

How to make (or order) your Green River Float at UNION:

• Start with 2-3 generous scoops of our creamy vanilla ice cream in a tall glass.

• Slowly pour in chilled Green River soda (or ask us to whip one up with our house-made lime soda for that authentic fountain flair).

• Watch it foam up into fizzy perfection—top with whipped cream and a cherry if you're feeling extra lucky!

It's refreshing, nostalgic, and perfectly green for the holiday. Whether you're stopping by for a sober celebration, pairing it with our craft cocktails, or just craving that old-school soda shop magic, this float captures the spirit of the day.

Come raise a Green River Float with us this St. Patrick's Day —we're open and ready to toast to good friends, great history, and even better drinks. Sláinte (and cheers)!

See you at the counter! 🍀✨