• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About me
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Burgers and Sandwiches
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Pasta
    • Salads
    • Sauces and Seasonings
    • Sides
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetarian
  • Newsletter Sign-Up
  • Contact

Burrata and Bubbles logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
×

Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: Mar 1, 2023 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Honeyed Irish Maid Cocktail

Jump to Recipe
An Irish Maid cocktail on a white wooden tray with green text overlay on top of the image.
An Irish Maid cocktail on a white wooden tray with green text overlay on top of the image.

For a taste of spring in every delightful sip, you’ll love this honeyed Irish Maid cocktail! Shaken with Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, honey syrup, muddled cucumber and bright lemon juice, this refreshing cocktail is just what you need to welcome warmer patio days and beautiful springtime blooms. And with that Irish whiskey, this drink doubles as a festive St. Patrick’s Day cocktail — let’s start mixing and toast to the season.

Looking straight on to an Irish Maid cocktail on a white wooden tray on top of lace with flowers and lemons around it.
Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • How to Make a Pitcher
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Expert Tips
  • Perfect Pairing
  • Get More Irish Whiskey Cocktails
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whiskey — not just for fall and winter: Whiskey shows off warm, rich notes that make it a favorite for cozy cold-weather cocktails. But with all those bright flavors from seasonal ingredients, whiskey lovers get a wonderfully refreshing drink that was made for sitting on the patio. 

Lovely for so many occasions: Of course, that Irish whiskey makes it great for St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s much more elegant and tasty than that dyed domestic green beer. Those delicate, dainty flavors also make it wonderful for brunch, Mother’s Day, bridal showers — you name it. Keep this recipe handy.  

Easy entertaining option: Looking for a batching option? I have you covered.

Related: If you love this recipe, don't miss my Jameson whiskey sour.

Ingredients

The drink ingredients in shot glasses on a brown wooden surface with white and black labels underneath the five items.

Irish whiskey: I used Jameson, which is the most readily available brand of Irish whiskey. However, you’re more than welcome to use an Irish whiskey from another distillery. In case you need some inspiration, check out this list of best Irish whiskeys.

Elderflower liqueur: I recommend the St. Germain brand — it’s truly the gold standard of elderflower liqueur. And if you’d like some additional elderflower cocktail ideas to put that liqueur to use, you’ll love this French 77 and St. Germain spritz.

Honey syrup: To make honey syrup, all we need are equal parts honey and water. Although you can buy honey syrup, the flavor is much better if you make it yourself, and the process is super simple.

Lemon juice: We want to use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don’t substitute sour mix or bottled lemon juice — the flavor just doesn’t compare to fresh lemon juice. A cocktail is only as good as its ingredients.

Cucumbers: Cut the cucumber slices so that they’re about ½-inch thick and then cut them again into fourths. I find the smaller pieces break down a bit easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: For our first step, we add the honey syrup and cucumber slices to a cocktail shaker and muddle the mixture until the cucumber breaks down (photo 1).

A stainless steel muddler breaking down the cucumber slices with the honey syrup in a clear cocktail shaker on a wooden surface.

Step 2: Now we add the Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and ice cubes to the shaker (photo 2).

The Irish whiskey, lemon juice and ice added to a clear cocktail shaker on a brown wooden surface before shaking.

Step 3: We secure the cocktail shaker top and shake vigorously (photo 3). Anywhere from 15-30 seconds works nicely.

Two hands shaking the drink in a crystal cocktail shaker to mix against a brown wooden surface.

Step 4: With our drink mixed, we’re ready to strain it into chilled rocks glass with plenty of ice (photo 4).

A hand holding a cocktail shaker as it strains the drink into a rocks glass filled with ice on a brown wooden surface.

Step 5: For the final touch, we add a cucumber slice on the rim of our glass (photo 5). I also like to drop in a couple slices of cucumber directly into the drink for an extra pop of color. Isn’t it pretty?

A hand placing a cucumber slice on the rim of the serving glass on a brown wooden surface.

Take a sip and enjoy that medley of fresh spring flavors.

How to Make a Pitcher

As promised, here’s how to make a pitcher for batching as well as my serving recommendation.

  • In a large pitcher, add the cucumber slices and honey simple syrup and muddle as originally directed. If you have trouble reaching the bottom of the pitcher, you can always muddle in a bowl and then transfer the mixture to the pitcher.
  • Stir in the Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur and lemon juice.
  • Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. I don’t recommend going past 24 hours because the lemon juice starts to dull in flavor.
  • When you’re ready to serve, pour ½ cup per drink into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake.

I recommend still shaking and straining the drink because it both gives us the original aeration and dilution. Plus, the honey syrup can settle a bit. Since shaking takes just seconds, I don’t find this to be too much of a lift when entertaining.

If you absolutely want guests to serve themselves and not worry about shaking, you might want to add a handful of ice to the pitcher, stir the mixture for about 20 seconds and then use a slotted spoon to remove the remaining ice. While you won’t get the aeration, this at least adds some of the dilution. 

Recipe FAQs

How do you make honey simple syrup?

To make honey simple syrup, add 1 cup of honey and 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. As the mixture comes to a boil, stir it every so often to help incorporate the two ingredients. Once the syrup becomes one cohesive mixture, allow it to cool and store it in an airtight, sterile container in the refrigerator for about a month.

Can you use simple syrup instead of honey syrup?

The classic Irish Maid cocktail recipe calls for simple syrup, so you can certainly substitute it for the honey syrup. That said, I did a side-by-side tasting with honey syrup and simple syrup, and the honey syrup added a more nuanced, complex flavor that’s especially lovely with the elderflower. For best results, you’ll love the honeyed option.

What if you don’t have a muddler?

If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the end of a wooden spoon to break down the cucumber. I definitely recommend picking up a muddler if you enjoy making drinks, but that wooden spoon will work if necessary.

Looking down on two Irish Maid cocktails on a white serving board with lemon slices and white flowers to the side.

Expert Tips

Don’t substitute honey for honey syrup: Sometimes I see cocktail recipes that call for straight honey instead of honey syrup, and I question anyone recommending that. This is not a best mixology practice. Honey is too thick to properly incorporate into a liquid without heating it first into a syrup, and it will congeal when it hits ice.

Use the right shaking technique: To get plenty of force, use two hands and hold the cocktail shaker at an angle. 

Get the most out of your lemons: Roll the lemon firmly on the countertop before mixing and use a juicer to maximize your output. A handheld juicer is just fine. 

Perfect Pairing

For the ultimate flavor marriage, you’ll love this grilled peach pizza with pesto. Whiskey and honey are classic favorites with peaches, and you’ll love how that herby pesto works with the elderflower. 

Or maybe you have a sweet tooth. Try this honey-lavender ice cream on the side. 

When you need the perfect spring cocktail, you’ll adore every sip of this Irish Maid recipe. With those floral notes, pop of citrus and touch of honey, this is spring in a glass. 

Cheers!

A close-up shot of the Irish Maid cocktail on a white tray with a green planter in the background and flowers and lemons to the side.

Get More Irish Whiskey Cocktails

  • Irish Old Fashioned With Jameson
  • Irish Whiskey Smash
  • Irish Mule
  • Baileys Irish Coffee Martini

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

📖 Recipe

Looking straight on to an Irish Maid cocktail on a white wooden tray on top of lace with flowers and lemons around it.

Honeyed Irish Maid Cocktail

For a taste of spring in every delightful sip, you’ll love this honeyed Irish Maid cocktail! Shaken with Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, honey syrup, muddled cucumber and bright lemon juice, this refreshing cocktail is just what you need to welcome warmer patio days and beautiful springtime blooms. And with that Irish whiskey, this drink doubles as a festive St. Patrick’s Day cocktail — let’s start mixing and toast to the season.
5 from 89 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: Irish-American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 255kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Muddler
  • Jigger or small measuring cup
  • Citrus juicer

Ingredients

  • 2 cucumber slices cut in half
  • ¾ ounce honey syrup preferably homemade (see notes)
  • 2 ounces Irish whiskey
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ ounce elderflower liqueur St. Germain recommended
  • Ice
  • Additional cucumber slices for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Add the cucumber slices and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker. Muddle to break down the cucumber.
  • Now add the Irish whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, elderflower liqueur and a handful of ice. Secure the cocktail shaker top and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.
  • Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
  • If desired, garnish with cucumber slices. Enjoy!

Notes

Eight-serving pitcher: In a large pitcher, add 16 cucumber slices and ¾ cup honey simple syrup and muddle as originally directed. Stir in 2 cups Irish whiskey, ¾ cup lemon juice and ½ cup elderflower liqueur. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, stir the mixture well, pour ½ cup per drink into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake.
I recommend still shaking and straining the drink because it both gives us the original aeration and dilution. Plus, the honey syrup can settle a bit.
  • To make honey syrup, add 1 cup honey and 1 cup water to a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. As the mixture comes to a boil, stir it every so often to help incorporate the two ingredients. Once the syrup becomes one cohesive mixture, allow it to cool and store it in an airtight, sterile container in the refrigerator for about a month.
  • Don’t substitute honey for honey syrup. It will congeal and not mix properly.
  • Make sure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The flavor is much brighter than bottled juice.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

More Beverage Recipes

  • Perfect Jameson Whiskey Sour
  • Refreshing Passion Fruit Mojito
  • Perfect Passion Fruit Margarita
  • Tropical Passion Fruit Martini
60 shares
  • Share
  • Yummly
  • Mix
  • Twitter

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Sharina says

    March 21, 2023 at 8:31 am

    5 stars
    This honeyed Irish maid cocktail was a crowd favorite! It was so refreshing and looked so elegant! Such a keeper!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 21, 2023 at 11:52 am

      Love hearing that, Sharina!

      Reply
  2. Kris says

    March 20, 2023 at 4:41 pm

    5 stars
    The combination of flavors here was absolutely DIVINE! Next-level tasty! Will make again for sure. 🙂

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2023 at 6:48 pm

      I'll cheers to that! Thanks, Kris.

      Reply
  3. Gina says

    March 20, 2023 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    Was so intrigued by the combination of ingredients in this drink! I'm usually sold on anything with St. Germain in it and this was no different, absolutely delicious.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2023 at 4:31 pm

      You and me both! I just love it. Thanks, Gina!

      Reply
  4. Vladka says

    March 20, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    5 stars
    I used my homemade elderflower liqueur I made last year and didn't use the honey syrup. This cocktail was just so refreshing with a floral note.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2023 at 4:30 pm

      I bet that homemade liqueur was divine. Glad you enjoyed it, Vladka!

      Reply
  5. Elizabeth S says

    March 20, 2023 at 12:58 pm

    5 stars
    This was so delicious! I didn't have St. Germain but I did have elderflower syrup so I used that in it's place. Will make again, but with the St. Germain.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2023 at 1:02 pm

      I'm glad you were able to use what you had on hand! Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

A headshot of Amanda, the owner of Burrata and Bubbles, holding a beer.

Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

More about me →

Easter Recipes

  • Smoked Leg of Lamb
  • Easter Egg Cheesecake
  • Smoked Prime Rib (Standing Rib Roast)
  • Carrot Cake Muffins With Cream Cheese Glaze

Trending Recipes

  • Smoked Queso Dip
  • The Best Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
  • Smoked Pellet Grill Brisket (Texas Style)
  • The Ultimate Smoked Mac and Cheese
A collection of black and white logos from publications that have featured Burrata and Bubbles

Copyright © 2023 Burrata and Bubbles on the Brunch Pro Theme

Privacy Policy