Poteen (also spelled Poitín) is a type of traditional Irish distilled beverage. It is a clear, strong spirit that is made from a variety of ingredients, including barley, potatoes, sugar beet, and malt. Poteen is often compared to moonshine, as it is typically produced illegally and has a high alcohol content.
Poteen has a long history in Ireland, dating back hundreds of years. It was often produced in rural areas as a way for people to make use of surplus crops and to supplement their income. Poteen was also used as a form of currency in some areas, and it was sometimes given as a gift to friends and family.
The production and sale of poteen were illegal in Ireland for many years, but it was decriminalized in 1997. Since then, some producers have started to make poteen commercially, often using traditional methods and recipes. Poteen is still a relatively niche product, however, and it is not widely available outside of Ireland.
Poteen (Poitín) Cocktail Recipes
Poteen Hot Toddy
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz honey syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Hot water
In a heatproof glass, add the poteen, honey syrup, and lemon juice. Add the cinnamon stick, then fill the glass with hot water. Stir well and serve immediately.
Emerald Sour
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz blue curacao
- 1/4 oz agave nectar
- Lime twist, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime twist.
Poteen and Apple Cider
- 2 oz poteen
- 3 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 1/4 oz lemon juice
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Poteen Paloma
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/4 oz agave nectar
- Club soda
- Grapefruit wedge, for garnish
Combine the poteen, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Wild Irish Rose
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz rose syrup
- 1 egg white
- Dried rose petals, for garnish
Combine all ingredients except the garnish in a shaker without ice. Shake well, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with dried rose petals.
Poitín Manhattan
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Celtic Shandy
- 2 oz poteen
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 3 oz lager beer
- Lemon wheel, for garnish
Combine the poteen, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with the lager beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Poitín Punch
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz honey syrup
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz club soda
- Orange slice and cherry, for garnish
Combine all ingredients except the club soda in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a punch glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
The Connemara
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz green Chartreuse
- 1 sprig fresh thyme, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.
Poteen Collins
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- Lemon wheel and mint sprig, for garnish
Combine the poteen, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.
Poitín Sour
- 2 oz poteen
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Irish Martini
- 2 oz poteen
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Lemon twist or olive, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Poitín and Tonic
- 2 oz poteen
- Tonic water
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the poteen and top with tonic water. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Poteen Old Fashioned
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
Combine the poteen, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
Emerald Isle
- 2 oz poteen
- 1 oz green crème de menthe
- 1 oz heavy cream
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
About Poteen (Poitín)
Poteen, also spelled Poitín, is a traditional Irish spirit that is distilled from malted barley, potatoes, or grains. It is a clear, colorless spirit that is typically bottled at a high proof, ranging from 80 to 180 proof or even higher. Poteen has a long and storied history in Ireland, dating back to the 16th century when it was first produced by Irish moonshiners.
Origin: Poteen is believed to have originated in Ireland in the 16th century. At that time, Irish farmers and distillers began making the spirit as a way to supplement their income. It was illegal to produce and sell poteen until recently, but it remained popular among the Irish people, especially in rural areas.
Ingredients: The traditional ingredients used to make poteen include malted barley, potatoes, or other grains. The ingredients are mashed, fermented, and distilled to create the spirit. Today, many distillers also use herbs and other botanicals to add flavor to their poteen.
Flavor: Poteen has a strong, earthy flavor that is often described as harsh or raw. It can be quite potent due to its high alcohol content, but some distillers add herbs or botanicals to soften the flavor and create a more complex taste.
Proof: Poteen is typically bottled at a high proof, ranging from 80 to 90 proof or higher. Some distillers also produce barrel-aged poteen, which can be bottled at a lower proof.
Usage and Serving: Poteen can be consumed neat or used as a base for cocktails. It is often used in cocktails that require a strong, earthy flavor, such as the Irish Car Bomb or the Celtic Shandy. When serving neat, poteen is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Production and Manufacturer: Poteen is produced by a number of distillers in Ireland, both on a commercial and small-scale level. Some of the most popular brands of poteen include Bán, Bunratty, Knockeen Hills, and Glendalough.
Variations: There are a number of variations of poteen available today, including barrel-aged poteen, flavored poteen, and even honey-infused poteen. Some distillers also produce small-batch or limited-edition poteen that is only available for a short period of time.
Poteen (Poitín) can be mixed with a variety of mixers, sodas, and juices. Here are a few examples:
- Ginger beer: Poteen can be mixed with ginger beer for a spicy and refreshing drink.
- Apple cider: Poteen can be mixed with apple cider for a seasonal and flavorful drink.
- Tonic water: Poteen can be mixed with tonic water for a simple and classic cocktail.
- Lemonade: Poteen can be mixed with lemonade for a sweet and tangy drink.
- Hot chocolate: Poteen can be added to hot chocolate for a warm and comforting drink.
- Coffee: Poteen can be added to coffee for a boozy and energizing drink.
- Soda water: Poteen can be mixed with soda water for a light and bubbly drink.
- Orange juice: Poteen can be mixed with orange juice for a sweet and citrusy drink.
- Cranberry juice: Poteen can be mixed with cranberry juice for a tart and refreshing drink.
- Tomato juice: Poteen can be mixed with tomato juice for a savory and spicy drink.