Happy Hours Last Longer
With Irish Whiskey Cocktails
It is perfectly okay to enjoy your whiskey neat or on the rocks. But Irish Whiskey cocktails can effectively highlight the spirit of your celebrations. They can manifest nostalgia and enhance the flavor profile of the occasion.
Thanks to Irish Whiskey, classic cocktails like Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Mint Julep, Rob Roy, or Whiskey Sour will never be the same again.
Celebrate the best of whiskey characteristics with Irish Whiskey Cocktails! You can always find something new in creative whiskey drinks like a rye-spiked Northern Standard, the Scotch-based Paris Between the Wars, or the balmy Irish Whiskey kissed Gaelic Punch.
Every home bartender should be aware of what is happening around the drinks they serve. And every whiskey enthusiast should try some, if not all of the best whiskey cocktail recipes we are mentioning here.
We are certain that you understand that Irish Whiskey is for more than being sipped neat. Most often it is not the first type of whiskey home cocktail enthusiasts or bartenders turn to when mixing a drink. This spirit cannot be ignored. Irish Whiskey flavors work in everything from hot drinks to refreshing sippers.
These drinks can also be spiced up with chocolate, coffee, or even fruit. Try some of these cocktails to experience just how versatile Irish whiskey spiked drinks can be.
12 Best Irish Whisky Cocktails
Irish whiskies portray a unique flavor. They are altogether unlike any other type of whisky. The Irish flavor is light and fruity. It comes along with a light floral scent alongside tones of nuts and vanilla. The finishing note of Irish Whiskey is smooth and mellow. Compare this with the spicier finish of bourbon and other whiskey types.
Here is a short list of the top Irish whiskey cocktails that make the most of its smooth flavor. Begin with the Classic Irish Coffee and go on to try the Irish mule. Or choose to go for the even more delicious Irish Sour straight away. Mixing them up as Jameson cocktails is also a good idea. Or use any other Irish whiskey you can lay your hands on. They’ll all work delightfully well for you to go through the year. Nonetheless, we prefer them on the regular!
Here we begin and go now with the top drinks & Irish whiskey cocktails…
Classic Irish Coffee
Nothing is more soul-warming than combining bitter coffee, butyraceous whisky, and bubbly whipped cream. The Irish Coffee drink has been trendy across the world since the early 1950s. Moreover, it has also inspired several variations on the spiked coffee theme. With over 300 cocktail recipes in our library, this one is a fast favorite of cocktail experts.
This is how you make the best Irish coffee. Make this classic whiskey and coffee drink with just a few ingredients. Try a Classic Irish Coffee! You would love the booze in your cup of joe.
Classic Irish Coffee Ingredients
- 6 ounces of warm coffee
- 1.5 ounce Irish whiskey (Jameson or any other brand)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (brown or white)
- Lightly whipped heavy cream
Mix the specified amount of warm coffee with a shot of Irish Whiskey. Add a spoonful of sugar and top up the drink with fresh or whipped cream. Though several spiked coffee predecessors existed in Austria, Cuba, and Latin America during the early 19th century, this modern version was invented in Ireland around the 1950s. The Classic Irish Coffee is known as Carajillo in Spain and Latin America.
The Dubliner
The Dubliner is an elegant citrusy spin on Manhattan. It borrows the sophistication of the city and selectively combines Irish Whiskey with sweet vermouth. However, the Irish version gets a splash of the orange-flavored Grand Marnier, along with a few dashes of orange bitters. A green cherry garnishes the drink to emphasize Emerald Isle ties.
For over a century the Manhattan has managed to remain one of the most popular cocktails across the world. The Irish version is also a combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters garnished by a green cherry. This cocktail embodies the classic spirit-forward nature and aromatic style of whiskey-based drinks.
Dubliner Cocktail Ingredients
- Irish Whiskey (preferably Jameson)
- Sweet Vermouth
- Dashes of Orange bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnishing
The Manhattan was first created around the 1880s. However, the exact origins of the drink are still a puzzle. Credible records place its creation at the Manhattan Club in New York. Some say that the drink originated with a guest Dr. Iain Marshall at the club. While others dubiously claim that the drink was first mixed for Lady Randolph Churchill. Another story claims that the Manhattan was created by a bartender called Black. However, it is hard to corroborate any of these theories. Nevertheless, the Dubliner cocktail recipe retains the same accepted proportions. The only change is the spirit and garnishing element.
Irish John Collins
This whiskey cocktail is absolutely a spin on the Classic Tom Collins. Nevertheless, this frothy and refreshing highball drink never disappoints anyone. So, get set to try this fun whiskey drink with the Irish spirit.
The John Collins actually swaps in bourbon whiskey in place of gin and lemon juice for Tom Collins. And this Irish version ends up swapping bourbon for Irish Whiskey. The Irish John Collins is essentially a sparkling whiskey sour, that is served along with soda water in a highball glass. Irish Whiskey is a bit bolder than the subtle botanical gin. However, the Irish John Collins Cocktail is an enjoyable drink that works great in all kinds of seasons and occasions.
Irish John Collins Ingredients
- Irish Whiskey
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Soda water
Acceptably mix the ingredients in a cocktail jar before adding soda water. Typically, this modern version of an Irish John Collins cocktail is a recent take. The gin version of this cocktail dates back to 1869. It was then supposedly named after a waiter in London. ‘John Collins’ was also the original name for the gin version of this drink. It was changed to Tom Collins only when ‘Old Tom Gin’ Jerry Thomas recorded the recipe in his popular 1876 bartending book. There is still some confusion between the two names. However, the International Bartender’s Association even calls the gin version the John Collins Cocktail.
Irish Maid Cocktail
This drink is a refreshingly pleasing herbaceous cocktail. It stars Irish Whiskey, along with cucumber, elderflower liqueur, and lemon. This cocktail is most convenient to make at home. Moreover, it is a perfect drink to impress guests any time of the year.
It should not be surprising when the Irish Maid Cocktail wins over a crowd. This is where a refreshing Irish Whiskey stares over the fresh flavors of cucumber, elderflower liqueur, and lemon. The Irish Maid is a perfect balance between sweet and sour. It comes along with floral and botanical notes that shine throughout. In fact, the boozy enough Irish Maid is perfect in style. Here is a little more about the drink and how to go about making one.
Irish Maid Cocktail Ingredients
- Irish Whiskey
- Cucumber
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
This drink is a play on the Kentucky Maid where the Irish Whiskey comes last. It represents the Irish spirit along with cucumber, lemon juice, and St Germain elderflower liqueur. The original bourbon-based Kentucky Maid was created by bartender Sam Ross in 2005 at the ‘Milk and Honey’ in New York. Ross is also the face behind other modern classics including the Paper Plane and the Penicillin. He is well known for his riffs on classic cocktails with exclusive twists. The Irish Maid Cocktail is no surprise. It is similar to the old classic Whiskey Smash. Instead of muddling mint, though, The only difference is that you will muddle a few slices of cucumber to bring herbaceous notes in place of mint.
Irish Mule
This is yet another tasty spin on the classic Moscow mule. All you need to do is just swap out vodka with Irish Whiskey. You will love the spicy finish that makes this cocktail irresistibly refreshing.
Meet the Irish Mule! Here is a refreshingly brief summary of how to use up a bottle of Irish Whiskey. This one is a spin on the Classic Moscow Mule. This drink is bubbly and light along with a spicy whiskey finish. The Irish Mule is a good initiating drink into whiskey cocktails. It is a way to create more fun at parties Making Irish Mule is all the more easier. All you have to do is pour the three ingredients into a jar. This is just your kind of cocktail if you are looking forward to avoiding fancy drinks. Here is more on how you make this bubbly mule variation.
Irish Mule Cocktail Ingredients
- Irish Whiskey
- Ginger beer
- Lime juice
This whiskey-based modern spin on the Moscow Mule is easy to make. However, the original classic cocktail was first introduced in the 1940s. Perhaps the drink was only meant to be a ploy to sell more vodka. The mule partly belongs to a family of cocktails called bucks. These drinks are normally made with ginger ale or beer, along with citrus juice and liquor. A Moscow Mule as such is a vodka buck. And the Irish Mule is a whiskey buck. The Classic Moscow Mule made its way to the list of the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktail drinks long back. What you need to do is swap in Irish whiskey for vodka. And lo’ you get the Irish Mule!
Irish Old Fashioned
This is the oldest cocktail there is! The Irish version of the Old Fashioned recipe uses the standard ingredients and approach for an authentic timeless experience.
This is barely a cocktail recipe. It is just a lightly sweetened boozy drink with bitters. But then the Old Fashioned has become one of the most famous of all classic drinks. The recipe of this cocktail dates back to the early 1800s. It wasn’t classic then but the drink gained popularity over time. However, you can always have your own spin on an Old Fashioned. But we consider the Irish touch to be perfect. Just add a few tricks to make the most immaculate version of this cocktail. And watch the Irish spirit shine.
Irish Old Fashioned ingredients
- Irish Whiskey
- Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Sugar cube
- Water
The Old Fashioned name was coined because this drink literally started as a cocktail. It was the first cocktail that came into existence. It is documented that the word cocktail was first defined in 1806 through a local newspaper in New York. The Balance and Columbian Repository called it a ‘Concoction of Spirits’, including ‘Bitters, Sugar, and Water.’ They were considered essentials for the Old Fashioned recipe. Then more cocktails came along during those times. Only they needed a name for that original whiskey drink. They decided to call it the ‘Old Fashioned’.
Irish Sour
This cocktail is also known as the Jameson Sour as Jameson is synonymous with whiskey. This version of the Whiskey Sour makes a delightfully smooth boozy drink. Wherein, Irish Whiskey gives the cocktail a balanced flavor.
Not sure what to do with a bottle of Jameson? Or you just want to jazz up with the standard whiskey sour! Try the Irish Sour aka Jameson Whiskey Sour. The Irish Whiskey in the cocktail gives the drink a smooth flavor without the spicy finish you get of bourbon. The Irish Sour is a perfect way to use up a bottle of Jameson. However, take a few notes on how to utilize Irish Whiskey.
Irish Whiskey Sour Ingredients
- Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Lemon juice
- Maple syrup
- Or simple syrup
The Whiskey Sour as such is an iconic classic cocktail going back a couple of centuries. This drink was first mentioned in a cocktail book during the 1870s. The Whiskey Sour cocktail now is on the list of the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. It therefore has an official designation. This cocktail typically uses a bourbon or rye whiskey according to standards. But you can switch the same with Jameson Whiskey.
Note: Maple syrup is the best option as a natural sweetener in the drink. Moreover, It adds a nuance to the flavor of the cocktail. It is our preferred choice against the forthright sweetness of simple syrup. But then you can use whatever you lay your hands on.
Irish Whiskey Ginger
The Whiskey Ginger is an easygoing cocktail. Moreover, it is so refreshing! Whiskey and ginger ale smoothly combine with each other. You can also use ginger beer instead. See what you have on hand.
This is a classic combination that will make one of the most convenient cocktails. Whiskey and ginger ale pair perfectly well. The spicy notes of the spirit subtly meld into the sweet and frothy notes of the ale. Just remember to add a squeeze of lime and a big ice cube. And here you go! You need not be a big fan of ginger ale or ginger beer cocktails, but there is whiskey around here. You can make Irish Whiskey Ginger with either. Nevertheless, it is normally made with ale. Just add what you have, and mix it up well.
Irish Whiskey Ginger Ingredients
- Irish Whiskey
- Ginger ale or Ginger beer
- Lime or Lemon wedge for garnishing
The Whiskey Ginger, as the name suggests, is for mixing whiskey with ginger ale. This cocktail is essentially the same as the Classic Whiskey Highball that was born in the early 1900s. Highball cocktails are a class of drinks that effectively combine alcohols like whiskey with a larger percentage of non-alcoholic beverages. More like the gin and tonic, or vodka and soda. The original Whiskey Highball combined Scotch and soda water. It was called ‘Scotch and Soda. This drink is often served with soda water. But ginger ale or beer is a common substitute.
Irish Whiskey Highball
The tall and bubbly classic Whiskey Highball is a hit. It is all about the spirit! This refreshing cocktail is a great way to enjoy your favorite spirit.
The Irish Whiskey Highball is an exhilarating way to enjoy your favorite spirit. It is merely a two-ingredient cocktail that originated around the turn of the 20th century. However, it is still popular. One good reason for acceptance is that it is so easy to make. You need no cocktail shakers or fancy ingredients in the drink. It is an absorbing way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite whiskey. However, this drink has two variations. One is the straight classic for whiskey lovers. And the other is a more balanced drink with ginger. Here is how to go about your favorite Irish cocktail.
Irish Whiskey Highball Ingredients
- Irish Whiskey (Jameson Whiskey)
- Soda water
- Or ginger ale/ginger beer
- Lemon slice for garnishing
The Irish Whiskey Highball is also part of the highball cocktails family. This mixed drink effectively combines the Irish spirit with a higher percentage of non-alcoholic beverages. Some of the other famous highballs include the ‘Gin and Tonic’ or the “Vodka Cranberry.’ Born in the early 1900s, Whiskey Highball initially combined Scotch whiskey with soda water. It was then called ‘Scotch and Soda’. All you need to do is to mix the ingredients together for the Irish Whiskey Highball. What you get now is a bubbly, refreshing mixed cocktail starring your favorite Irish Whiskey. However, you would prefer it with soda water if you are an honest whiskey lover. Gauge the situation and decide what you would like to mix with your favorite Irish Whiskey.
Irish Whiskey Lemonade
This is an easy and refreshing Irish drink for all seasons. This cocktail is made with homemade items or purchased lemonade and Irish Whiskey, preferably Jameson.
The Irish Whiskey Lemonade is ideal when you are looking for a whiskey drink you can make in 2 minutes. This zippy cocktail is perfect for all seasons. It is just as easy as mixing two ingredients. Whiskey and lemonade, that’s it! Moreover, you can make this drink with homemade lemonade for the best citrusy zing. Or utilize the purchased option when you need to throw a quick cocktail party. Either way, the Irish Whiskey Lemonade is full of sweet tart flavor. It is almost like a makeshift whiskey sour.
Irish Whiskey Lemonade Ingredients
- Homemade lemonade for the best flavor
- Or purchased lemonade (for parties)
- Irish Whiskey (preferably Jameson)
Yes, this is just a two-ingredient cocktail. But there are a few things you will need to care of. The quality and type of both ingredients. Your selection, including the type of whiskey and lemonade, makes all the difference. Jameson Irish Whiskey has a light mellow flavor, which makes for a milder drink. Other strong whiskies can add a fiery note to the finish. Moreover, bourbon comes with notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla.
Irish Whiskey Smash
This is a classic drink that is flavorful and bracing at the same time. Lemon juice and mint are the pushing ingredients here. However, the Irish Whiskey Smash is actually a citrusy spin on the good old Mint Julep.
Classic cocktails most often are classy and refreshing. The Whiskey Smash is light and tangy. It is not heavy and boozy like many other whiskey drinks. However, this historic cocktail is more like a citrusy twist on the good old classic Mint Julep. Or a minty roll on the Whiskey Sour. Nevertheless, the Irish Whiskey Smash is a perfect drink for entertaining. It is like a pre-dinner cocktail you can serve on the patio. Here is how to go about making this tasty and pleasing drink to win the hearts of your guests.
Irish Whiskey Smash Ingredients
- Irish Whiskey (Jameson again)
- Berry Smash
- Blackberry Smash
- Maple Smash
The original Whiskey Smash goes back to the 1880s when it was first listed in the 1887 published bartender guide. Imagine folks during the Victorian times guzzling down this cocktail. It is basically a drink made with lemon, mint, and whiskey along with added sweeteners. This cocktail is served on crushed ice. The icy Irish Whiskey Smash cocktail often highlights herbs and seasonal fruits. Nevertheless, it can be made with the spirit of your choice. Bourbon and other whiskies all work well. You can try them all!
Irish Whiskey Tonic
This is yet another easy-to-make but tasty Irish cocktail. Just mix Irish whiskey and tonic water for a simple, bubbly cocktail.
This is a light but frothy drink highlighting Irish Whiskey. All you need to do is mix the Irish spirit with tonic water for this cocktail. It is imperative to think of a Gin and Tonic when it comes to tonic water. However, this sweet and bubbly carbonation pairs excellently with oaky and aromatic Irish Whiskey. Especially in the summer, you would love to tone down this cocktail with the Irish spirit. Here is more about how you can make an Irish Whiskey Tonic cocktail.
Irish Whiskey Tonic Ingredients
- 1 part Irish Whiskey
- 2 parts tonic water
- Lemon wedge for garnishing
This drink is a highball cocktail. It is part of a family of drinks that effectively pair whiskey with a bigger portion of non-alcoholic drinks like soda or tonic water. The Irish Whiskey Tonic is similar to a Whiskey Highball that was born in the early 1900s. Initially, it combined Scotch with soda water and was known as ‘Scotch and Soda.’ The Irish Whiskey Tonic essentially uses the Irish spirit and tonic water in place of soda water.
Types of Irish Whiskeys
Jameson Irish Whiskey, the world over is the best-selling Irish spirit. It is made from a blend of grain whiskey and Irish barley undergoing a single-pot still distillation process. Moreover, there is no peat integration throughout the manufacturing procedure. This whiskey therefore has no smoky or spicy notes. Irish whiskey instead tastes light and fruity. And the spirit comes along with a lightly floral scent alongside hints of vanilla. Irish Whiskey is easy to drink in comparison to other types of whiskies. It makes a great choice for beginners to whiskey.
Jameson is the most popular Irish Whiskey brand across the world. You can use this spirit extensively to make a variety of cocktails. Other popular Irish brands include:
- Bushmills Irish Whiskey
- Green Spot Irish Whiskey
- Powers Irish Whiskey
- Redbreast Irish Whiskey
- Teeling Irish Whiskey
- Tullamore Irish Whiskey