Irish whiskey is the perfect spirit to experience and enjoy neat. That way, you can taste all the different aromas and feel the smoothness of the various whiskey creations the country has to offer. However, Irish whiskey is also a great and complex base for many cocktails. From refreshing classics to bold, spirit-forward drinks, Irish whiskey can hold its own in all kinds of recipes. In this blog post, we’ll show you three great recipes for cocktails with Irish whiskey.
The Tipperary
The Tipperary might not be one of the most famous whiskey cocktails; however, its roots date back to the early 20th century. In this cocktail, the Irish whiskey is mixed with sweet vermouth, green Chartreuse, and Angostura bitters. The smooth blend of the herbal aromas and the mellow nature of the whiskey feels balanced and offers new layers of flavour with each sip.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Irish whiskey
- 25 ml sweet vermouth
- 15 ml green Chartreuse
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Garnish: Orange twist
Those ingredients sound familiar to you? Most of them are also part of the widely known Manhattan cocktail, which is, however, made with American whiskey.
Image source: Ash Edmonds on Unsplash
Whiskey Sour (Irish Style)
If you’re looking for a fresher and fruitier alternative, a whiskey sour might be the cocktail for you. Whiskey sour is easily made and combines the natural smoothness of Irish whiskey with a sweet and refreshing citrus finish. Its ingredients, next to the spirit, are fresh lemon juice, syrup, and often egg white, which adds to the texture of the cocktail and gives it the signature frothy top. For a vegan alternative or a lighter style, however, you can also leave out the egg white.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Irish whiskey
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Optional: Egg white for a creamy texture
- Garnish: Lemon twist or cherry
The whiskey sour is a great alternative for anyone who thinks Irish whiskey is a bit too strong when enjoyed neat, and a great introduction to Irish whiskey cocktails for beginners. But of course, it’s also a favourite and a go-to refresher for seasoned whiskey lovers.
Irish Mule
Give the Moscow Mule an Irish twist by replacing vodka with whiskey! Like that, you can create the well-known spicy and refreshing drink, but with a smooth whiskey base. The ginger beer matches perfectly with the Irish whiskey, while a splash of lime keeps the cocktail bright and fresh.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Irish whiskey
- 100 ml ginger beer
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- Garnish: Lime wedge and mint sprig
The Irish Mule is perfect for everyone who loves zesty and fizzy cocktails with a little bit of bite. It’s easy to make, and its freshness makes it a perfect drink for summertime. Don’t forget to serve it in a copper mug for the classic mule style, which also helps keep your drink cool.
Image source: Susie Burleson on Unsplash
Does making cocktails with Irish whiskey sound great to you? Then learn how to do it in our new Cocktail Masterclass at the Irish Whiskey Museum! And if you just want to enjoy the whiskey and let others do the work, you can do that, too, at our bar—whether you prefer the spirit neat or mixed into a delicious cocktail.
Image source header: Poul Hoang on Unsplash
