As someone who’s written about beer and whiskey for over a decade, I always get the same question around this time of year: Is beer kosher? But Jewish drinkers should be asking a more specific question—is beer “kosher” for Passover?
Is beer OK to drink during Passover?
And the answer? Nope. Absolutely not. Not even a sip.
Beer is made from fermented grain—typically barley, wheat or rye—and that puts it directly in the category of chametz. During Passover, anything that’s fermented and grain-based is off-limits if you’re observing the holiday. So even if a beer has kosher ingredients or was brewed in a facility that keeps things clean, it’s still not kosher for Passover.
So, no beer. No bourbon. No rye whiskey. No “I’ll just have one.” None of it.
Now, outside of Passover? That’s where things open up a bit.
Is beer kosher?
Most beers aren’t non-kosher in the classic sense. They don’t contain pork or shellfish. And unless you’re drinking a stout brewed with bacon or an oyster porter (yes, that’s a real thing), you’re probably in kosher-style territory. In fact, many craft breweries—even here in St. Louis—stick to plant-based ingredients and don’t add anything that would raise eyebrows.
But being “technically fine” and being certified kosher aren’t the same thing. True kosher beer needs rabbinical supervision, ingredient certification and a clean facility that meets strict standards. Breweries like Jailbreak in Maryland have gone through the process and now make officially kosher beer. But that’s the exception, not the norm.
In St. Louis, local favorites like 4 Hands, Schlafly, Civil Life and Urban Chestnut use simple, clean ingredients. No hechsher on the bottle, but nothing traif either.
So yeah—outside of Passover, you’re probably fine if you’re not keeping strictly kosher. But once the matzah hits the table? Beer’s gotta go.
What to sip instead of beer this Passover
No beer during Passover? No problem. If you’re looking for a festive pour that won’t break the rules, here are five options that are kosher for Passover—and totally sippable:
- Wine (duh)
It’s not just allowed—it’s required. Just make sure it says “Kosher for Passover” on the label. - Potato vodka
Skip the grain-based stuff. Go for brands made from potatoes, sugarcane or fruit. - Slivovitz
A plum brandy with old-world roots. Still a staple at many Ashkenazi seders. - Tequila
Look for 100% blue agave tequila with kosher-for-Passover certification. It’s real, and it’s delicious. - Righteous Road’s Fifth Cup
Made in the St. Louis area, this kosher-for-Passover liqueur is infused with biblical fruit flavors. The new Fifth Cup Barrel Reserve adds a bit of oaky depth.
Jordan’s 5 classic-style cocktails that are kosher for Passover
1. The citrus spritz
Ingredients: Potato vodka, fresh lemon juice, a splash of seltzer and a lemon twist
Vibe: Light, refreshing and seder-approved. Serve over ice in a tall glass.
2. The Fifth Cup Manhattan
Ingredients: Righteous Road Fifth Cup Liqueur + potato-based or Passover-approved whiskey (if you have one)
Vibe: Deep and smooth, with a fruity kick. Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass. Optional: a cherry if it’s kosher.
3. The Slivovitz Sour
Ingredients: Slivovitz, fresh lemon juice, a dash of honey syrup
Vibe: Ashkenazi soul meets classic cocktail structure. Shake it up and serve over ice.
4. The Passover Paloma
Ingredients: Kosher-for-Passover tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, a splash of soda water
Vibe: Bright, slightly bitter, perfect with brisket or matzah tacos (yes, those exist).
5. The apple cider old-fashioned
Ingredients: Apple-based brandy or hard cider reduction, dash of bitters (check for kosher certification), orange peel
Vibe: A spring twist on a cold-weather staple. Stir gently, sip slowly.
