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Here’s what you need to know about Irish whiskey and the top brand, Jameson! Its mellow flavor makes it easy to sip straight or in drinks.
For a type of alcohol that was almost extinct in the 1960’s, Irish whiskey is a survival success story. It used to be the most popular in the world, and since the 1990’s it’s had a major comeback. Today, it’s more than alive and well! This style of whiskey is mellow, light and fruity, making it perfect for whiskey newbies and great for melding into cocktails. Jameson is the top selling brand, and you can buy it all over the world. Here’s more about this powerhouse liquor.
What is Irish whiskey? Jameson whiskey?
Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey made in Ireland. It has a light, mellow flavor compared to other types of whiskey, like bourbon, rye, or Scotch. Irish whiskey was once the most popular spirit in the world, but it went into decline starting in the 1900’s. It came back in the 1990’s and has been on the rise ever since. There are four major types of Irish whiskey:
- Irish single malt
- Single pot still
- Single grain Irish
- Blended Irish
Jameson whiskey is the best selling brand of Irish whiskey in the world, with sales around 31 million bottles annually. This blended whiskey was introduced in 1780 in Dublin by a man named John Jameson. It’s made from a blend of single grain and single pot still whiskey. There’s no peat incorporated in the manufacturing process, so the whiskey has no smoky or spicy notes like a Scotch whisky.
There are many more brands in each of the four categories above. Some popular Irish whiskey brands are The Dead Rabbit, Teeling, Bushmills, Redbreast, Green Spot, Tullamore, and Powers.
What does Irish whiskey taste like?
Irish whiskey tastes light and fruity, with a lightly floral scent and hints vanilla. It’s the easiest to drink of all types of whiskey, making a great intro for drinkers new to whiskey. Aging it makes a more sophisticated flavor profile, with signature oak and caramel flavors.
How much alcohol is in Irish whiskey? Most Irish whiskey is 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), though some are bottled at up to 60% ABV.
Why we like it
Irish whiskey is so mellow, it’s like bourbon or rye’s easy drinking cousin. We love the way that it seamlessly melds into the flavors in an Irish Sour. And there’s nothing like combining with with coffee in the famous Irish Coffee.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Irish whiskey can range in price from mid-priced to expensive. A 750 ml bottle of Jameson costs about $20. Mid-priced brands cost $30 to $40, and high-end aged whiskey tops out at $250 per bottle or more.
Most popular Irish whiskey drinks
This type technically works in any whiskey cocktail. But it’s at its best in Irish whiskey cocktails specifically tailored to the mellow flavor of Jameson. Here are a few of the most iconic drinks starring this liquor:
Got a bottle of Jameson whiskey and not sure how to use it? Try the Irish whiskey sour, aka the James whiskey sour! Irish whiskey gives a smooth flavor to this drink, with none of the spicy finish of bourbon or rye whiskey. It’s the perfect way to use a bottle!
Ingredients: Irish whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup
Arguably the most popular drink with Irish whiskey: meet the Irish Mule! This spin on the classic Moscow Mule is bubbly and light, with a spicy whiskey finish. It’s a good intro drink to whiskey and a way to make any party more fun! Even better: it couldn’t be easier: all you do is pour 3 ingredients into a glass.
Ingredients: Irish whiskey, ginger beer, lime juice
Love booze in your coffee? Let’s make Irish coffee! There’s nothing more soul warming than that classic combination of bitter coffee, buttery whisky and frothy whipped cream. There are infinite variations on the spiked coffee theme, too. Here we’ll show you the best way to make that classic Irish coffee, then share a few of our very favorite variations on the theme.
Ingredients: Irish whiskey, coffee, whipped cream
One of our top Irish whiskey cocktails is the Irish Maid! This refreshing Irish whiskey cocktail starring the fresh flavors of lemon, cucumber, and elderflower liqueur. It’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with floral and botanical notes that shine through and just boozy enough.
Want more? Head to this list for more ideas!
Irish Sour
This Jameson whiskey sour makes a deliciously smooth drink! Irish whiskey gives a balanced flavor to this classic cocktail.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces* Jameson Irish whiskey (or use 2 ½ ounces for a stronger flavor)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup (or pure maple syrup)
- Garnish: Lemon wedge, cocktail cherry
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
Instructions
- Add the Jameson whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with a handful of ice and shake until very cold.
- Strain the drink into a lowball or Old Fashioned glass. Serve with ice, a lemon wedge and a cocktail cherry.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending:
- Aperol Guide and Campari Guide All you need to know about these Italian liqueurs.
- Baileys Guide All the ins and outs of Irish Cream.
- Chartreuse Guide This pale green liqueur is worth adding to your collection…here’s why.
- Cointreau Guide, Blue Curacao Guide, or Orange Liqueur Guide Citrus liqueurs…broken down.
- Galliano Guide Is this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Grenadine Guide It’s mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Fernet Branca Guide Here’s why people love this Italian bitter.
- Hpnotiq Guide What’s the deal with this blue liqueur from the 2000’s?
- Kahlua Guide Learn about this popular Mexican coffee liqueur
- Limoncello What you need to know about this Italian citrus liqueur
- Peanut Butter Whiskey Guide All about the uniquely nutty Skrewball
- Pernod More about this anise-flavored liqueur
Let us know if you have any questions!