18 Best Irish Cocktails (That are Easy to Make)

Below you’ll find delicious and easy-to-make traditional Irish cocktails that I’ve been mixing up at home for the last 15 years.

Each of these Irish mixed drinks has a number of things in common:

• The don’t require fancy equipment
• They don’t require hard-to-find ingredients
• The are simple to make and the taste delicious

No-nonsense instructions: Each of the Irish cocktail recipes below gets straight to the point—no fluff, no backstory, just the recipe you need!

The best traditional Irish cocktails

The best Irish cocktail recipes are simple and straightforward. These are drinks that have been my go-tos for many years now.

Below, you’ll find everything from Irish whiskey cocktails to delicious desert cocktails that offer a delightful bit of indulgence.

1. Irish Coffee

Classic Irish cocktails don’t come much classier than the humble Irish Coffee.

Invented at the Foynes Airbase in Limerick in 1943, this is a warming drink that’s perfect for a chilly winters evening.

Ingredients:

• Whiskey
• Ground coffee
• Demerara sugar
• Freshly whipped cream
• Nutmeg and/or chocolate for garnishing

Instructions:

Heat the glass with hot water and empty it, then pour in 35.5ml of whiskey. Top with brewed coffee, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar until dissolved, and lightly whip fresh cream to a pourable consistency.

Pour the cream over the back of a spoon to float on top, and optionally garnish with grated nutmeg or dark chocolate.

2. Irish Maid

The Irish Maid is one of several Irish mixed drinks that works well if you’re catering for a large group.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily make a batch of it in advance and allow guests to help themselves.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Elderflower liqueur
• Simple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Slices of cucumber

Instructions:

Muddle 2 slices of cucumber in a cocktail shaker and pour in your ingredients along with a good handful of ice. Shake hard and strain into a glass with ice.

3. Irish Whiskey Ginger

The Irish Whiskey Ginger is one of those classic Irish drinks that’s as simple to make as it is impressive to serve.

With just 4 easy-to-find ingredients, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings. Pour it into a fancy glass, and this zesty, refreshing cocktail will look like you’ve spent far more time on it than you did.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Premium ginger ale
• Limes
• Ice

Instructions:

Add the whiskey, ginger and lime juice into a glass 1/2 filled with ice and stir.

4. Irish Mule

The Irish Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, making it one of the more straightforward Irish liquor drinks to prepare.

This beautifully light Irish cocktail is perfect for after dinner, offering a crisp and zesty finish to any meal.

Ingredients:

• Whiskey
• A good ginger beer (never ginger ale)
• Lime
• Ice

Instructions:

Simply chill your glass and add a shot of whiskey, two squeezes of fresh lime and fill with ice. Add ginger beer to taste (i.e. if you aren’t fond of strong Irish drinks, add plenty!).

5. Irish Old Fashioned

The Irish Old Fashioned is a quick-to-make yet beautifully refined cocktail that’s as delicious as it is visually striking, especially when served in an elegant glass and garnished with a vibrant orange twist.

One of the more potent Irish drinks, it’s best savoured slowly, allowing its rich flavours to unfold with each sip.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Sugar syrup
• Angostura bitters
• Orange bitters
• Ice

Instructions:

Add whiskey, sugar syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and orange bitter into a glass that’s 1/2 full with ice. 

6. Irish Sour

The Irish Sour is a timeless classic among traditional Irish cocktails, celebrated for its vibrant, zesty flavour and perfectly balanced sweetness.

Best enjoyed before dinner, it’s a refreshing and elegant choice that adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

Ingredients:

• A good Irish whiskey brand
• Egg whites
• Lemon juice
• Simple syrup
• Angostura bitters
• Ice

Instructions:

Chill a glass. In a shaker filled three-quarters with ice, combine 50ml of whiskey, 25ml of lemon juice, 15ml of simple syrup, 15ml of egg whites, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters. Shake vigorously until the ice starts to break, then strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist!

7. Irish Espresso Martini

Few traditional Irish cocktails are as indulgent as the Irish Espresso Martini.

The Baileys adds a rich, creamy, and velvety texture, making it the perfect choice for an after-dinner treat.

Ingredients:

• Baileys Irish Cream
• Vodka
• Espresso
• Ice
• Coffee beans

Instructions:

Chill a glass. Brew fresh espresso and let it sit briefly. In a shaker half-filled with ice, combine 2 oz of Baileys, 0.25 oz of vodka, and 0.25 oz of espresso. Shake vigorously until the shaker feels cold. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with coffee beans.

8. Irish Gold

The Irish Gold is a popular cocktail, appreciated for its smooth blend of flavours and refreshing simplicity.

It’s the kind of drink that doesn’t try too hard yet delivers every time—a reliable favourite that’s as easy to enjoy as it is to make.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Peach schnapps
• Fresh orange juice
• Ginger ale
• Fresh lime

Instructions:

Chill your glass. Add ice, followed by whiskey, schnapps, and orange juice. Stir gently, then tilt the glass and pour ginger ale to preserve its fizz. Squeeze a slice of lime into the drink, stir, and garnish with another lime slice.

9. Irish Margarita

The Irish Margarita is a great choice for anyone searching for green, Irish-themed cocktail recipes.

This one’s simple to whip up and a popular St Patrick’s Day cocktail—just one look at the vibrant green hue in the photo above says it all!

While you can add green food colouring for an extra festive touch, I personally think it’s perfect as is.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Fresh lime juice
• Orange-flavored liqueur (e.g., Triple Sec)
• Simple syrup (or agave syrup)
• Ice
• Green food coloring
• Sugar and lime

Instructions:

Chill your glass. In a shaker, combine the juice of 1 lime, 2 ounces of whiskey, ½ ounce of orange liqueur, ½ ounce of simple syrup, ice, and 2 drops of green food colouring. Shake vigorously. Coat the rim of the glass with sugar, pour the mixture from the shaker, and garnish with a lime slice.

10. Irish Lemonade

If you’re after classic Irish cocktail recipes that are perfect for prepping ahead of time, the Irish Lemonade is a must-try.

Light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to enjoy, it’s the ideal crowd-pleaser. Simply whip up a big jug, set it on the table, and let your guests serve themselves—effortless and delicious!

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Fresh lemonade
• Ginger beer or club soda
• Bitters
• Ice
• Fresh mint

Instructions:

Chill a glass. Half-fill the glass with fresh ice, add 1 ounce of whiskey, 2 ounces of lemonade, and a dash of bitters. Gently pour 2 ounces of ginger beer or club soda on top and stir carefully to keep the fizz. Garnish with fresh mint and a slice of lemon.

11. Irish Martini

The Irish Martini is among the strongest Irish drinks, perfect for those who enjoy a tipple with a pronounced kick of alcohol.

Despite its strength, it’s surprisingly simple to make, and you can elevate its presentation with a sugared rim and a delicate twist of lemon for a touch of elegance.

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Irish whiskey
• Dry vermouth
• Fresh lime
• Ice

Instructions:

12. Irish Mojito

The Emerald Isle twist on the Mojito packs a delightful punch, making it one of my go-to Irish mixed drinks for gatherings.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that rarely fails to win over guests with its refreshing and universally loved flavor.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Fresh lime
• Fresh mint
• Sugar
• Simple syrup
• Ginger beer or club soda

Instructions:

Chill your glass. In the glass, muddle 2 lime slices, 4–5 mint leaves, and ½ teaspoon of sugar—press and twist gently to release the flavours. Add 1 ounce of simple syrup, 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey, and 1.5 ounces of ginger beer (or club soda). Stir gently to combine, then garnish with a lime slice and fresh mint.

13. Irish Mudslide

The Irish Mudslide blurs the line between dessert and drink, making it a rich and indulgent treat I come back to again and again.

Don’t let its decadent appearance intimidate you—it’s surprisingly easy to make.

For a touch of elegance, start by chilling the glass, then swirl chocolate syrup around the inside and pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Baileys
• Kahlua
• Chocolate syrup
• Ice
• Whipped cream
• Milk chocolate (for garnish)

Instructions:

Chill a glass, drizzle chocolate syrup inside, and refrigerate until the syrup sets. Blend 1.5 oz each of Irish whiskey, Baileys, and Kahlua with ice until smooth, or add 2 scoops of ice cream for the frozen version. Pour the mixture into the prepared glass, top with whipped cream if desired, and garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.

14. Irish Slammer

Next up is one of the stronger Irish liquor drinks—the Irish Slammer.

A party favourite with a lively kick, this drink comes with a crucial warning: don’t let the Baileys and whiskey linger in the Guinness too long, or it’ll curdle!

Ingredients:

• Guinness (or another Irish stout)
• Baileys Irish Cream
• Irish whiskey

Instructions:

Chill a glass. Fill it halfway with Guinness. In a shot glass, pour half whiskey and half Baileys, layering the Baileys on top by pouring it gently over a spoon. Drop the shot glass into the stout and drink immediately to prevent curdling.

15. Irish Trash Can

So, the original recipe for the Irish Trash Can involves leaving the can of RedBull sticking out of the glass but, personally, I prefer to just pour the RedBull in, as it’s less messy.

This is one of the most potent Irish cocktail recipes in this guide, so please do ensure that you keep that in mind when you’re drinking.

Ingredients:

• Gin
• Light rum
• Vodka
• Peach schnapps
• Blue Curaçao
• Triple Sec
• RedBull
• Ice

Instructions:

Chill a tall glass. Add ½ oz each of gin, light rum, vodka, peach schnapps, Blue Curaçao, and Triple Sec to the glass, and stir gently. Either rest a 5 oz can of RedBull on top of the mixture to let it seep in or pour it in gently. Garnish with a slice or twist of lemon, and enjoy.

16. Nutty Irishman

The Nutty Irishman is one of my favourite classic Irish cocktails and it’s ideal for after dinner, as it’s very indulgent (and it looks amazing!).

It takes under 2 minutes to make and, although it’s nice and creamy, it has a nice kick to it.

You don’t have to splash out on the spirit, either – you can use one of the more affordable Irish whiskey brands.

Ingredients:

• Baileys Irish Cream
• Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur
• Whipped cream
• Chopped hazelnuts (for garnish)
• Ice

Instructions:

Chill your glass. In a shaker filled with ice, combine Baileys and Frangelico, and shake until the ice breaks up. Strain into the chilled glass.

17. Irish Eyes

The Irish Eyes is one of the vibrant green Irish liquor drinks that shines around Paddy’s Day.

Quick to make and visually striking, it’s a festive favorite that you can elevate with a garnish of fresh mint or even a shamrock, if you have one handy.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Baileys Irish Cream
• Green Crème de menthe
• Fresh cream
• Ice

Instructions:

Chill your glas. In a shaker, combine 1 ounce of Irish whiskey, ¼ ounce of Baileys, ¼ ounce of green Crème de menthe, and 2 ounces of fresh cream. Half-fill the shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass, garnish with a cherry, mint, or a clean shamrock, and serve.

18. Rosie Negroni

Last but by no means least in this Irish drinks guide is the Irish Negroni, AKA the ‘Rosie Negroni’.

This one is pretty strong and it’s easy to make in under 60 seconds.

Ingredients:

• Irish whiskey
• Campari
• Sweet Vermouth
• Fresh orange
• Ice

Instructions:

Chill your glass. In a mixing glass or jug filled with ice, combine 1 ounce each of Irish whiskey, Campari, and sweet Vermouth. Stir well to chill and combine. Strain the mixture into a fresh glass half-filled with ice. Garnish with a slice or twist of orange and serve.

Toasts to accompany your Irish drinks

When you have your Irish drinks in hand, you may fancy adding a toast to the occasion that has a dash of ‘Irishness’ to it.

Luckily, there are endless toasts to accompany Irish mixed drinks, ranging from formal to funny:

• Irish drinking toasts
• Funny Irish toasts
• The best Irish toasts for all occasions