Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey that is distilled and matured in Ireland. It is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, as well as other grains such as wheat and rye, and is aged in oak casks for at least three years. Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, mellow flavor and is often triple-distilled, which contributes to its distinctive character. There are several different types of Irish whiskey, including single malt, single pot still, blended, and grain whiskey, each with their own unique characteristics. Irish whiskey is enjoyed both neat and in cocktails, and has a long and rich history in Irish culture.
What Can Irish Whiskey be Mixed With?
- Ginger ale or ginger beer: A classic Irish whiskey and ginger ale/beer combination is known as an “Irish Buck” or “Jameson and Ginger.” It’s refreshing and easy to make.
- Lemon-lime soda: Irish whiskey and lemon-lime soda is a simple and refreshing combination that works well for casual gatherings.
- Apple cider: Irish whiskey and apple cider make for a cozy and warming fall cocktail. Add a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Coffee: Irish whiskey is a natural fit for coffee cocktails, such as the popular “Irish Coffee” which is made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream.
- Sweet vermouth: Irish whiskey and sweet vermouth can be used to make a delicious variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail, known as the “Irish Manhattan.”
These are just a few examples of mixers that can be used with Irish whiskey. Experiment with different ingredients and find your own favorite combinations!
Irish Whiskey Cocktails Recipes
Irish Buck
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- Ginger ale or ginger beer
- Lime wedge Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Irish whiskey and top with ginger ale or ginger beer. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and garnish with the lime wedge.
Irish Sour
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Egg white (optional) Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Irish Coffee
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz brown sugar syrup
- 5 oz hot coffee
- Heavy cream Build in a glass or mug, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Float heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
Irish Mule
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- Ginger beer
- Lime juice Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice. Add Irish whiskey and top with ginger beer. Squeeze in lime juice to taste and garnish with a lime wedge.
Emerald
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1/4 oz green Chartreuse Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Blackthorn
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/2 oz sloe gin
- 1 dash orange bitters Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Irish Rose
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 3/4 oz dry vermouth
- 3/4 oz raspberry syrup
- 3/4 oz lemon juice Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Nutty Irishman
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz hazelnut liqueur
- 1 oz cream Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with grated nutmeg.
Irish Tea Party
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 3 oz hot black tea Build in a glass or mug, stirring to dissolve the honey syrup. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick.
Irish 75
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Sparkling wine Shake Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice and strain into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.
Tipperary
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz green Chartreuse Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Irish Maid
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 3/4 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Cucumber slices Muddle cucumber slices in the bottom of a shaker. Add remaining ingredients and ice, shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice.
Dublin iced coffee
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 3/4 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/2 oz amaretto
- 2 oz cold coffee
- Cream Shake all ingredients with ice except cream, and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Float cream on top and garnish with grated nutmeg.
Irish Gold
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 3/4 oz peach schnapps
- 3/4 oz orange juice
- 3/4 oz pineapple juice Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry and an orange twist.
Celtic Twilight
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1/2 oz Pernod absinthe
- 2 dashes orange bitters Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Irish Boulevardier
- 1 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Irish Sour Apple
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz sour apple liqueur
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a slice of green apple.
Blushing Whiskey Sour
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz raspberry syrup
- 1 egg white Dry shake all ingredients first (without ice) to emulsify the egg white. Then, shake again with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a raspberry and a lemon twist.
Dubliner
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 oz cold brew coffee
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Whipped cream Shake all ingredients with ice except whipped cream, and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with whipped cream and garnish with grated chocolate.
The Ginger Irishman
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz ginger liqueur
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda Shake Irish whiskey, ginger liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wheel.
About Irish Whiskey
Origin:
Irish whiskey has a long history, dating back to the 6th century when Irish monks started distilling spirits. It was the most popular spirit in the world until the early 20th century. Irish whiskey is protected by a Geographic Indication, meaning it must be made on the island of Ireland.
Ingredients:
Irish whiskey is made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley that is mashed, fermented, and distilled. Other grains such as wheat or rye may also be used. The spirit is then aged in oak barrels.
Texture and Proof:
Irish whiskey is typically smoother and less peaty than Scotch whisky. It has a light, golden color and a silky texture. The proof can vary, but it is usually between 80 and 100 proof (40% to 50% ABV).
Usage and Serving:
Irish whiskey can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks, but it is also a versatile spirit that can be used in cocktails. It pairs well with flavors such as apple, honey, ginger, and coffee.
Production and Manufacturer:
Irish whiskey is produced by a number of distilleries in Ireland, including Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore D.E.W., and Kilbeggan. The production process is regulated by the Irish Whiskey Act of 1980, which specifies the standards for making Irish whiskey.
Variations:
Irish whiskey can be categorized into several types, including single malt, single grain, blended, and pot still. Single malt Irish whiskey is made from 100% malted barley and distilled in a pot still. Single grain Irish whiskey is made from other grains in addition to barley. Blended Irish whiskey is a mix of different types of whiskey. Pot still Irish whiskey is made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley that is distilled in a pot still. Other variations include flavored Irish whiskey, such as honey or apple-flavored, and cask-finished Irish whiskey, which is aged in different types of barrels, such as sherry or port.