Irish whiskey is destined for much more than simply sipping neat! Though it’s not the first whiskey variation that professional and wannabe bartenders typically choose when mixing a drink, it does lots of the heavy lifting in a cocktail. 

Now factor in some delicious add-ons such as fruit syrups, garnish, or soda water, and you’ve got yourself a drink that will pack a punch.

Many people who mix drinks at home are looking for simplicity. Of course, nothing quite beats the experience of going to a cocktail bar and having a drink professionally made. But sometimes you’ve got to fake it until you make it!

Provided you have high-quality Irish whiskey on hand, like Kinnitty Castle Spirits, you can make any of these 5 easy whiskey cocktails at home. 

  1. Irish Old Fashioned 

An old-fashioned is the drink order that patrons tend to lean on when they can’t quite work out exactly what they want, or if there is an especially delicious whiskey on offer.

This cocktail is a staple in many bars around the world and is also arguably one of the more traditional drinks on this list. It contains the following ingredients:

  • 2 oz Irish whiskey
  • 0.5 oz Martini Rosso Vermouth
  • 0.5 oz Grand Marnier
  • 2 dashes of Orange Bitters
  • 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
  • 1 Orange Peel

Fill a tumbler with ice, stir in the whiskey and bitters, and add soda water. Mix these ingredients, garnish, and you’re done!

  1. Irish Buck

A combination of just about any type of whiskey with a light soda is pretty hard to beat. This basic cocktail is ideal for those times when you crave a tall, semi-sweet, refreshing drink that is packed with sweet and sour flavors (courtesy of the citrus) — without being too overpowering. 

It’s also pretty easy to make regardless of your bartending experience (or lack thereof). You’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Irish Whiskey
  • 1/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • 2 oz Chilled Ginger Ale
  • 1 Lime Wheel to Garnish

Pour your whiskey and lime juice into a highball glass packed with ice, top with ginger ale, and finish with a lime wedge squeeze to marry the flavors. Drop the lime wedge in and enjoy!

  1. Irish Whiskey Sour Cocktail

A whiskey sour is a classic cocktail that is easy to throw together and is also delightfully light on the palate.

The addition of Irish whiskey provides a smoother flavor to this cocktail as it lacks the spicy finish typically provided by the more traditional ingredients of rye whiskey or bourbon. Instead, it promotes sweeter notes such as vanilla. 

This at-home recipe calls for the following ingredients:

  • 2 oz Irish whiskey
  • 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 1 Egg White
  • 2 Dashes Bitters

In a cocktail shaker, shake for around 1 minute to froth up the egg white. Pour into a glass through a sieve to remove leftover egg white, and sprinkle some bitters on the egg white foam — and you’re done!

  1. Irish Manhattan Cocktail

Switch your usual whiskey out for the Irish variety for a simple twist on the classic Manhattan drink. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a bustling happy hour or for slow sipping from the comfort of your home.

You’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Irish Whiskey
  • 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 Dashes Bitters
  • Maraschino Cherry to Garnish

In a glass packed with ice, pour in the whiskey, bitters, and sweet vermouth and stir well. Strain into your glass of choice, garnish with a cherry, and enjoy!

  1. Irish Coffee Cocktail

The Irish coffee cocktail is perfect for those nights when you’re craving the taste of alcohol and a caffeine buzz all at once. It’s the ultimate indulgence for coffee drinkers everywhere.

It must be noted that Irish coffee should not be a large drink, otherwise, you risk ruining the balance of its flavors. All you need is:

  • 1 1/2 oz Irish Whiskey
  • 2 tsp. Brown Sugar
  • 6 oz Hot Brewed Coffee (to top)
  • ¼ Cup Whipped Cream to Garnish

Pour your whiskey into the prepared glass, fill nearly to the top with coffee, add the sugar, and stir. Garnish with whipped cream and savor every mouthful!

Summary

These 5 cocktails are pretty easy to make at home regardless of the amount of bartending experience that you have. Make sure you have a quality whiskey on hand and you’ll be all set, whatever the occasion and the time of year!