Irish Whiskey Cocktail
I’ve been slowly updating photos for my ‘old’ recipes and it’s about time I got these ones done. This Irish Whiskey Cocktail with apple cider or apple juice is such a great one to have on hand for fall…and let’s just say the photos just weren’t up to par.
I’ve long had a (day)dream that I’m a mixologist in the making. I’m not, but let’s indulge my dreams here, shall we?! I’m proud of my sangria recipes. Beyond that I don’t really experiment enough with homemade cocktails. This Irish whiskey cocktail, however was one exception in my past and I’m happy to keep in my repertoire!
When we’re out to dinner, I like to try cocktails. I feel that mixology is an extension of the art of recipe creation and I just love the creativity. And partly because a good cocktail is just downright delicious!
I don’t like overly sweet sips, so that cuts out quite a few items on the menu for me. For the last year or two, my go-to cocktail base has been whiskey – and often an old-fashioned!
I enjoy whiskey, and whiskey cocktails usually have a more robust flavor. This whiskey cocktail is exactly that – a balanced but robust-flavored drink. It’s made with Irish Whiskey, though any whiskey would be fine, infused ginger syrup, and sparkling apple cider or sparkling apple juice.
If you love whiskey cocktails too, try this whiskey and orange juice libation with rosemary simple syrup and this rhubarb gin cocktail (yes, with whiskey too).
When we were in Ireland, we did a whiskey tasting in Dublin that was fascinating. I had no idea about the history of Whiskey in Ireland – why it isn’t as well known as Scotch and Why we often only know of brands like Jameson when there are distilleries across the country.
There are many whiskey cocktails out there (some here too) as well as good drinks with Jameson specifically. But if you’re ever unsure what is considered Irish Whiskey – it’s whiskey that’s distilled in Ireland. Just like Scotch can only be from Scotland. And, interestingly, whiskey with an ‘e’ from Ireland. No ‘e’ in the whisky from Scotland!
CONTENTS
Irish Whiskey Cocktail
The first step to making this drink is to infuse whiskey with fresh ginger. The ginger whiskey creates a bold base that’s perfect with the easy addition of honey and sparkling apple juice.
I rather like sparkling apple juice – on its own actually, but it’s also heavenly in a cocktail. I personally prefer whiskey with apple, but I know there are more options out there.
I made this drink with apple slices to add some seasonal garnish. And the turbinado sugar and honey rim resembles gold, doesn’t it? It’s secretly super festive while being enjoyable for everyone to enjoy…
You can easily omit the apples and/or the sugared rim, however, for a more classic looking cocktail.
Ginger-Infused Whiskey
To make the ginger whiskey, combine freshly grated ginger with whiskey and let it chill. If you love a strong ginger flavor, feel free to add more and/or let it sit longer. If fresh ginger isn’t your thing, you can do a shorter time in the refrigerator.
I’d recommend straining the ginger before shaking your cocktail, so nobody is greeted with those slivers of ginger. Sometimes you just want a straightforward cocktail!
What to Serve with an Irish Whiskey Cocktail
If you’re making a cocktail, you definitely need some tasty food to enjoy with it!
If you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Days, this St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer Board is perfect for the holiday.
If it’s fall or winter, try it with these these brie + cranberry crostini or these sweet potato phyllo appetizer cups!
This is also a great Friendsgiving cocktail or to enjoy at your beautiful Thanksgiving table!
More Fall Drinks
IRISH WHISKEY COCKTAIL
Ingredients
ginger whiskey
- 1 – 1½ teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- ½ cup Irish Whiskey
cocktail
- 4 oz. ginger whiskey
- 12 oz. Sparkling Apple Cider or Juice chilled
- 2 teaspoons honey
- green apple thinly sliced or julienned
- ice
- ice spheres for serving
Instructions
- Combine shredded ginger and whiskey in sealed container. Refrigerate 1-2 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger the ginger flavor will be. Strain ginger if desired.
- Warm honey in small bowl for 5 seconds to thin.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine ginger whiskey, sparkling apple juice, warmed honey, and ice.
- In two single barrel or wide-mouth glasses, place ice and apple slices. Divide cocktail between two glasses.
- NOTE: To make the garnished rim, dip the glass in honey and then in turbinado sugar. Can drip easily, so freeze until ready to serve.
