Irish Cocktails

September means several things: End of Summer, Back to School, and Football. As American football kicks off another season, the long standing tradition of pre and post game tailgaters returns as well. If looking to spice up your game festivities beyond beer, The IWSA Tailgater is a perfect way to enjoy Irish Whiskey. This cocktail continues the IWSA theme of highlighting easy to make drinks. This takes nothing away from the enjoyment as this mixture brings tart, sweet, and whiskey spice in your glass as you pass the pigskin or toss the cornhole bags.   EQUIPMENT Favorite Tumbler, Rocks or...

National Whiskey Sour Day is August 25th. This classic whiskey cocktail has origins dating back to at least 1862 in its first known reference in Jerry Thomas' book "The Bartender's Guide". Like many cocktails it has many variations and has evolved over the years. At its roots however, are the basics: spirit, citrus, and sugar. If made well this can be a wonderful way to enjoy Irish Whiskey. EQUIPMENT Favorite Tumbler, Rocks or Lowball glass INGREDIENTS 2 oz Irish Whiskey 1/2 oz Egg White 3/4 oz freshly squeezed Lemon juice 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters Ice INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients w/o ice in an IWSA Cocktail shaker ...

The Belfast Derby refers to the competition between rival football clubs (or soccer teams) located in Belfast. The cocktail is perfect for cooling down during a heated rivalry or the warm summer weather given its tart, refreshing flavor.  EQUIPMENT Favorite Cocktail, Collins or Highball Glass INGREDIENTS 2 oz Irish Whiskey 1 oz Grapefruit juice ½ oz Lime juice ½ oz Agave Nectar 2 dashes Angostura bitters INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients in an IWSA Cocktail shaker with ice Shake for 10-15 seconds Strain into your favorite glass (with or without ice) For the original recipe and photo refer here.    

Cue "Pomp and Circumstance" as the spate of graduation ceremonies overtakes the month of June. In honor of those completing their course of studies, our IWSA Cocktail for June is The Graduate. This refreshing drink is perfect for outdoor graduation parties in the early summer sun. Even better, you don't need an advanced degree to make this cocktail. EQUIPMENT Collins or Highball Glass INGREDIENTS 1 oz Sweet Vermouth ¾ oz Irish Whiskey  ½ oz Triple Sec Tonic water Garnish: lemon twist INSTRUCTIONS Combine sweet vermouth, Irish whisky and Triple Sec in an ice filled glass. Top with tonic water. Stir briefly and garnish with lemon twist. Drink. Slightly...

  The Mint Julep is one of the most well known signature cocktails. While associated with the Kentucky Derby, the cocktail's history goes back centuries. References can be found as far back as the year 900 when it was used for medicinal purposes. The word "julep" is a term referencing sweetened syrups typically used to mitigate the astringency in medicines.   The drink evolved from pharmaceutical prescription to cocktail in the 1800's. The availability of ice which allowed the drink to be chilled was a major factor in the rise in popularity. In particular, the chilled drink was embraced in the...