Contrary to what Seamus O’Flanagan told you at a Kappa Gamma Sig party, it doesn’t need to be St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy one of these Irish whiskey cocktails.
That’s because no matter what time of year, Irish whiskey boasts a rich and complex flavor profile that works wonderfully in a number of cocktails from an Irish Coffee or mule to a whiskey smash. We just don’t recommend all three in one night. Things are different post-college.
From classic cocktail recipes to modern twists, here are some of the best Irish whiskey cocktail recipes to try at home or out an Irish pub.
17 Irish Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
1. Irish Coffee
If you need a St. Patrick’s Day cocktail that screams “wake me up” with notes of “get me sloshed,” then this Irish Coffee is the cocktail of your dreams. Hopefully not one where you forgot to put on pants. It’s made with sugar, coffee, whipped cream, and of course, Irish whiskey.
2. Hot Toddy
This warm cocktail blends honey, lemon juice, holiday spices like cinnamon and clove, and although it’s not a requirement that it’s made with an Irish whiskey like Jameson, it is encouraged.
Especially if it’s March. And you’re at a pub. One that’s filled with a curious number of very tiny men with green top hats who are looking for gold. Did we accidentally mix this with Absinthe?
3. Smoked Hot Toddy
Did you go a little crazy on your wedding registry and end up with a drink smoker than you’ve used approximately two and a half times?
Break it out again for this smoked hot toddy variation. It has the same ingredients as the original recipe, but with an added smoky flavor that says, “yes, I do have too much time on my hands.”
4. Irish Mule
A Moscow mule is made with ginger beer, lime, and vodka. In this twist on the classic, whiskey replaces vodka and they’ve muddled some mint into the mixture and for garnish. It’s just like traveling from Russia to Ireland without all the hassle of flying and passports.
5. Blood Orange Whiskey Sour
Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name. You only need four ingredients to make this slightly sweet and just-sour-enough cocktail. And for blood oranges to be in season. And a camera to capture your beautiful creation. It’s a process, okay? Also, your lens cap is on.
6. Irish Whiskey Smash
Refreshing mint and tart lemon juice are the stars of this smash whiskey cocktail that’s lightened with a splash of club soda. Don’t tell Jameson, though. We like to try and keep his spirits high.
7. Jameson Green Tea Shot
Stay with us here. Even if a shot of whiskey doesn’t sound appealing, you’ll still probably love this green tea shot. It’s made with whiskey or bourbon (shocking), peach schnapps (hey, college), sweet and sour mix (from that time you made margaritas), and lemon-lime soda (Sprite, just call it Sprite).
All together, you get a sweet shot that only mildly resembles something like green tea.
8. Irish Hot Chocolate
If you’re one of those unicorns who don’t need coffee to cosplay as a human being, then you’ll probably enjoy this hot chocolate made with Irish whiskey and topped with whipped cream (and festive green shamrock sprinkles you can get here).
Even if you do have a steady stream of coffee in your system, this sweet, alcoholic cocktail is still a treat.
9. Irish Buck
Also known as a Jameson, ginger, and lime, this refreshing mule is made with whiskey, ginger ale or ginger beer, lime juice, and the tears of your enemies all poured into a glass. Pretty sure you can get that last one on at your next high school reunion. If not, Amazon always comes through.
10. Shamrock Shake
Warning: this is not the kind of green shake you’ll find at McDonald’s or Starbucks. Unless you do a little DIY in the parking lot with a mini bottle of Jameson. Good thing it’s within walking distance.
This version is made by blending vanilla ice cream, milk, mint, and green sugar and food coloring then pouring it all into a glass and topping with whipped cream. Nothing goes better together than dairy and alcohol.
11. Drunken Leprechaun (Irish Screwdriver)
Made with orange juice, blue curaçao, and Irish whiskey, this stunning three-ingredient green cocktail will be the hit of any St. Patrick’s Day party. Probably not the day after, but hey, it’s important to live in the moment!
12. Irish Margarita
No need to wait for Tuesdays or Cinco de Mayo to indulge in your love of margs. This Irish margarita is exactly what it sounds like: a classic margarita that swaps tequila for whiskey.
13. Rainbow Rim Cocktail
Is it festive? Fruity? A Willy Wonka fever dream? The best way to describe this rainbow cocktail is: yes.
The neon green cocktail with the rainbow sugar rim is made with whiskey, sour apple schnapps, melon liqueur, and cranberry juice and garnished with a cherry and a lollipop. We’ll be here for the rest of the night trying to figure how to tie the stem with our tongue.
14. Boozy Milkshake
Consider this the Frappuccino version of Irish coffee. If that doesn’t entice you, the fact that it only requires three ingredients – coffee ice cream, Baileys, and whiskey – should win you over. If you’re still not sold, we will gladly take your glass. And, Susan’s.
15. Massey Cocktail
We like to call this cocktail “Everything But the Bar Cart.” Although not as terrifying as a Long Island Iced Tea, it’s made with an impressive combination of Irish whiskey, dry gin, sweet vermouth, green chartreuse, and Campari. And an orange twist, because nutrition is important.
16. Irish Maid
Ok, we’ll admit it. Cleaning our house after one of these cocktails does make dusting go a lot faster. It’s made by muddling cucumber in a highball glass then adding a shaken blend of whiskey, Elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup on top.
17. Irish Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Old Fashioned is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and for good reason. The delicate combination of Angostura bitters, whiskey, and orange can easily be adapted to create unique drink recipes that reflect the bartender. Or whatever is in the bartender’s cabinet. Is this Fireball still good?
When not sitting behind a computer writing and editing, she’s an avid runner and yogi with an RYT 200 certification. Follow her on Instagram @hannah_rex and LinkedIn.
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