You’ve probably heard the word, “Slainte” at an Irish pub or two — it means “Health”, and is the Irish form of “Cheers” when you’re clinking glasses with a friend (or most of the bar on St. Patrick’s Day!)

But the Irish have long taken the ringing call of “Health!” a step further — and it all comes down to Irish whiskey. 

Uisce Beatha 

Irish monks in the early Middle Ages called their distilled spirit uisce beatha, which means “water of life” and where we get the English word, “whiskey”. (Fun fact: Only Ireland and the U.S. spell it as “whiskey”…the rest of the world spells it “whisky”). Since those early days, the Irish have been finessing their whiskey game…and the proof (pun intended) is in the exquisite, nuanced flavors that emerge from various mash bills of corn, wheat, unmalted and malted barley. 

Third Time’s the Charm

Here in Kentucky, we know that bourbon is usually distilled twice. The Irish traditionally distill their whiskey *one more time* to make it three rounds before it nestles into the barrel for the aging process. The barrels, or casks, are historically charred oak, but many Irish distilleries now use old bourbon barrels (you’re welcome!) or aged sherry barrels. These allow the whiskey to marinate in the lingering flavors and aromas of the other spirits, so it ends up sharing wafts of vanilla, spice, caramel, and fruit depending on the type of barrel it calls home. 

So…What Mixes with Irish Whiskey?

Now we’re in our home court. As you may know by now, we believe the best drinks are the ones you enjoy…but we also happen to know some seriously delicious Irish whiskey cocktail recipes that will be sure to impress. While sipping your whiskey neat or on the rocks is a classic move, our lineup includes a fruity Irish whiskey drink, one with an addictive sour and eggwhite foam combo, a sophisticated Blackthorn, a Campari-spiked “Irish Boulevardier”, and a traditional Irish coffee that can be sipped in the morning, on a cozy afternoon, or even as an after-dinner tipple (because why not?).

Irish Gold Recipe

A perfect substitute if you want a stronger brunch drink, or great for anyone who likes a whiskey ginger with a subtly sweet, citrusy twist.

Recipe:

• 2 oz Irish whiskey 

• 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps

• 1 oz (just a splash) orange juice

• 4 oz ginger ale

1. Fill a highball glass with ice

2. Pour your whiskey, then Schnapps, then orange juice, and top with the ginger ale.

Irish Sour Recipe 

If this doesn’t get you singing “My Wild Irish Rose”, then nothing will. Truly, this is a delicious cocktail recipe that smooths some of the edges on a typical whiskey sour — 

Recipe: 

• 2 oz Irish whiskey 

• 3/4 oz Maple syrup (trust us, but you can also use simple syrup)

• 1 oz Lemon juice 

• 1 egg white

• Ice 

1. Add all your ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake for 15 seconds.

2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again so your egg-white foam floats to the top.

Blackthorn Recipe

No, this isn’t a stately English manor house (or a PBS period drama). It’s a classy whiskey cocktail that’s been with us since the late 1800s…and actually originated with Irish whiskey, instead of using it in a variation. 

Recipe:

• 2 oz Irish whiskey

• ½ oz dry vermouth

• ½ oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

• 1 dash absinthe

1. Add all your ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. 

2. Shake for 15 seconds and strain into a tumbler with ice.

Irish Boulevardier Recipe

This easy cocktail recipe is a great “signature order”…we picture someone who knows what they like, in a laid back way. If Tommy Shelby in “Peaky Blinders” drank cocktails, this might have been his choice.

Recipe:

• 1 oz Irish whiskey

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 1 oz Campari

1. Stir all ingredients in an ice-filled glass. 

Irish Coffee Recipe

A classic whiskey drink, and such a simple cocktail to make!

Recipe:

• 6 oz Hot coffee (dark roast is our favorite, go with decaf if you want an after-dinner option!)

• 1-2 tsp Brown sugar (or try 1 Tbsp maple syrup)

• 1.5 oz Irish whiskey

• Whipped cream for topping 

1. Brew your coffee (K-cups works great for this, since it’s a single-serving and you can make them fresh when people want a refill).

2. Pour Irish whiskey into your mug 

3. Add your sweetener and stir

4. Top with whipped cream (fresh is best if you’re up to it!)

It’s our great luck to be home to plenty of Irish whiskey brands, so visit your nearest Cox’s & Evergreen and we’ll be happy to send you home with a new favorite. Cheers!