Amber Dias tries out delectable cocktails with an Irish twist.
Smooth, light and delectably sweet, Irish whiskey has been a favourite for centuries. It offers a unique experience for seasoned connoisseurs and whiskey novices. While sipping it neat has its charm, Irish whiskey’s unique flavour profile makes it an ideal base for cocktails that are crowd winners.
For The Love Of The Irish
Irish whiskey dates back to the 12 century when Irish monks brought the technique of distillation to Ireland. Unlike Scotch whisky, which is often peaty and smoky, Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled, resulting in a lighter, smoother spirit. The word “whiskey” itself is derived from the Gaelic phrase “uisce beatha,” meaning “water of life.”
During the 19 century, Irish whiskey was the most popular spirit in the world, but a combination of Prohibition in the US, the Irish War of Independence, and trade restrictions caused its decline. However, in the late 20 century, Irish whiskey experienced a resurgence, leading to its current status as one of the fastest-growing spirits globally.
Cocktails With An Irish Twist
Irish whiskey’s smoothness and subtle vanilla, caramel, and fruit notes make it a perfect ingredient for cocktails. While classic whiskey-based cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are often associated with American bourbon or rye, Irish whiskey provides a unique twist on these classics. The global resurgence of Irish whiskey, fueled by brands like Jameson and Redbreast, has inspired bartenders to create innovative drinks that highlight its depth while keeping it approachable. The growing interest in heritage spirits has also made these cocktails a go-to choice for those seeking both quality and easy-drinking appeal.
Some of the most popular Irish whiskey cocktails include:
Irish Coffee
Created in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan, this is perhaps the most iconic Irish whiskey cocktail. It combines hot coffee, sugar and Irish whiskey, topped with lightly whipped cream. This simple yet delightful drink became an instant favourite and is still widely enjoyed today, particularly on chilly evenings.
Whiskey Sour (Irish Twist)
The classic Whiskey Sour, traditionally made with American whiskey, takes on a smoother, more refined taste when made with Irish whiskey. A combination of Irish whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an optional egg white creates a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail.
Dublin Mule
A variation of the Moscow Mule, the Dublin Mule swaps vodka for Irish whiskey. The blend of whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice makes for a zesty, refreshing drink with a touch of spice from the ginger beer.
Emerald
Often referred to as the “Irish Manhattan,” the Emerald combines Irish whiskey with sweet vermouth and orange bitters. It is a sophisticated and well-rounded cocktail, perfect for those who enjoy the elegance of a Manhattan but prefer a milder whiskey profile.
Fun Facts
- Ireland was once the undisputed ruler of the whiskey world, boasting over 30 distilleries.
- For a whiskey to be legally classified as Irish whiskey, it must be distilled and aged in Ireland for at least three years in wooden casks.
- Allegedly, during the 19 century, Ireland’s distillers spelt whiskey with an ‘e’ as a way to differentiate their whiskeys from Scotch.
- Irish Coffee was originally served at an airport to warm up passengers arriving from transatlantic flights.
- Irish whiskey cocktails see a massive spike in consumption around St Patrick’s Day, with bartenders crafting everything from Irish Coffees to green-hued whiskey drinks to celebrate the occasion.
Here To Stay
Irish whiskey cocktails offer a delightful mix of tradition, history and innovation. Whether you prefer a warming Irish Coffee, a citrusy Whiskey Sour, or a refreshing Dublin Mule, there’s an Irish whiskey cocktail for every palate. As the global love for Irish whiskey continues to grow, so too does the creativity in how it’s served. So the next time you are browsing the drinks menu, consider giving Irish Whiskey cocktails a shot. Sláinte!
