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March 12, 2019

Irish Whiskey Smash

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St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, and we could all use a festive cocktail to celebrate the occasion. Enter this Irish whiskey smash. With its smooth Irish whiskey, tart lemon and bright mint, this cocktail is a refreshing sipper to enjoy on this spring holiday.

Two Irish whiskey smashes on a marble tray.

Of course, don’t feel like you can only drink this Irish whiskey smash for St. Patrick’s Day. Smashes are one of my favorite types of cocktails, and this recipe works perfectly well year-round. Essentially, a smash is a cocktail that uses a liquor, fruit, herb and sweetener. I’m a sucker for anything with fresh herbs, so a good smash is my perfect kind of drink. All right, it’s time to start mixing.

An aerial view of the two Irish whiskey smashes.

How to Make Irish Whiskey Smash

Lets begin by gathering our ingredients. We obviously need Irish whiskey along with lemon, fresh mint and simple syrup. If you’d like, you’re also welcome to give it a fizzy topper from club soda, though it’s optional.

While you can buy simple syrup, I like to make my own because it’s incredibly easy. Simply combine equal parts water and sugar and simmer until the sugar dissolves.

Making simple syrup ahead of time is ideal to give it time to cool. That said, I’ve been in a pinch and had to make simple syrup on the spot. Just use plenty of ice in your cocktail shaker, and you’ll be fine.

Now we take said cocktail shaker and a little simple syrup, some mint leaves and half a lemon cut into wedges, and then we muddle. If you enjoy making cocktails, I definitely recommend picking up a muddler, but you can use the blunt end of a large cooking spoon if need be.

From here, we pour in the bourbon, add ice, pop on the top and give it a good shake. Strain into ice-filled glasses and top with a little club soda if you want some fizz. Honestly, it’s delicious both with or without fizz, so you do you. Take a sip and enjoy.

A bottle of Jameson with two Irish whiskey smashes

Perfect Pairing for Irish Whiskey Smash

I love pairing whiskey and cheese together. With all the nuances in the different types of whiskey, you can play around with so many pairing options. For Irish whiskey, I love it with Brie and havarti, and I have just the recipe: a Parmesan-crusted Brie and havarti grilled cheese with apricot, avocado and fresh herbs. You can never go wrong with a fancy grilled cheese.

With Irish whiskey and its triple distillation, you generally get a smooth sipper with a touch of vanilla and honey. Both Brie and havarti pair well with sweet flavors, and I love how the nutty havarti works with slight spice of the Irish whiskey. That tart lemon from the smash also helps cut through the rich cheeses for a nice palate cleanser, and the mint is delightful with the herbs and apricot.

If you need a fun St. Patrick’s Day cocktail or just a refreshing sipper any day of the year, I hope you try this Irish whiskey smash. Please let me know how you enjoyed this Irish whiskey smash recipe in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Cheers!

An aerial view of a single Irish whiskey smash with fresh mint.A closer view of an Irish whiskey smash with fresh mint and lemons.Could You Use Another Drink? Try These Burrata and Bubbles Recipes.

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Two Irish whiskey smashes on a marble tray.

Irish Whiskey Smash


★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

  • Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x
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Description

Whether you need a fun St. Patrick’s Day cocktail or an everyday sipper, this Irish whiskey smash is always refreshing with its bright mint and tart lemon.


Scale

Ingredients

For Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar

For Irish Whiskey Smash
8–10 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish, optional
1 ounce simple syrup (see note)
1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
2 ounces Irish whiskey
Ice
Club soda, for topping, optional


Instructions

  1. To make the simple syrup, simmer the 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar. As soon as the sugar dissolves, remove from heat. Allow to cool.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, add the mint leaves, simple syrup and lemon. Muddle until the lemon breaks down and releases its juice. Add Irish whiskey and ice. Place the top of the cocktail shaker on and shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds.
  3. Strain into an ice-filled glass. If desired, top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can also use store-bought simple syrup.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Stove-Top
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 drink
  • Calories: 225
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 5
  • Fat: 0
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 21
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 0
  • Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: Irish whiskey cocktail, whiskey smash, Irish whiskey smash

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Previous Post: « Coq Au Vin Pizza
Next Post: The Best Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jere Cassidy says

    March 12, 2019 at 3:38 pm

    This looks like a tasty drink to celebrate with. I think I would like something fizzy on top.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 12, 2019 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks! A nice fizz is always fun.

      Reply
  2. Gloria says

    March 13, 2019 at 2:36 pm

    The perfect drink for St. Patrick’s Day. Great as an afternoon cocktail. Awesome for parties too.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 21, 2019 at 12:10 am

      Agree on all fronts!

      Reply
  3. Dee says

    March 14, 2019 at 12:09 pm

    What beautiful vibrant colors!This drink looks so refreshing and perfect for spring and summer. Love that you added some ideas what to pair it with.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 8:59 pm

      Thank you — it definitely is!

      Reply
  4. Kelly Anthony says

    March 14, 2019 at 12:53 pm

    This irish whiskey smash looks so refreshing and perfect for any day. I can’t wait to make this for my friends.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      Yay! Hope y’all love it. 🤗

      Reply
  5. Byron Thomas says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:22 pm

    This drink is so simple and stunningly beautiful! It’s quite a welcomed break from the “everything green” St. Patrick’s Day drinks I’ve been seeing. Bravo!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      It is nice to escape the green beer for a change. 😀

      Reply
  6. Danielle Wolter says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    mint and lemon is really an awesome flavor combo. love the simplicity of this drink!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 14, 2019 at 8:02 pm

      Thank you, Danielle!

      Reply
  7. Pam Greer says

    March 14, 2019 at 11:22 pm

    We bought some Irish whiskey for an Irish whiskey bread pudding that I made, now I know what to do with the rest of the whiskey!! I see a lot of these amazing cocktails in our future!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 21, 2019 at 12:11 am

      Yes! Cocktails and bread pudding sound like a good plan. 😀

      Reply
  8. Stine Mari says

    March 15, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    I liked this cocktail so much I had to use it in a recipe round-up. Thank you so much! Mint and lemon is a match made in culinary heaven!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 21, 2019 at 12:12 am

      Thanks for including and so glad you like it. Cheers! 🥃

      Reply
  9. Candiss says

    March 15, 2019 at 7:56 pm

    This Whiskey Smash looks perfect for those long days of summer with that hit of citrus and mint and drinking it out on a porch!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 9:01 pm

      For sure! It’s great for those patio nights.

      Reply
  10. Jacqueline Debono says

    March 16, 2019 at 5:58 pm

    I like whiskey but it’s not normally a really refreshing drink . But this way it sounds super refreshing! I love the inclusion of mint! I have mint in my garden and Irish whiskey on the sideboard! Going to try this tomorrow!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 9:05 pm

      It’s definitely on the refreshing side. That’s why I love whiskey in smashes. That fruit gives it a refreshing taste. 😀

      Reply
  11. Cheese Curd In Paradise says

    March 16, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    I am so jealous that I am not drinking one of these right now. I love whiskey and this is one delicious cocktail- I love smash drinks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 21, 2019 at 12:14 am

      Aren’t smashes the best? Hope you’ve had a chance to try it!

      Reply
  12. Karyl Henry says

    March 17, 2019 at 2:15 am

    I had no idea whiskey mash was so easy to make! I’m not personally a big fan of whiskey, but this will make a wonderful addition to my next party

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 10:22 pm

      For sure — hope everyone loves it!

      Reply
  13. Maman de sara says

    March 17, 2019 at 10:51 pm

    Very easy to make and beautiful colorful photos in your post.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 10:22 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  14. Jori says

    March 18, 2019 at 1:52 am

    I think I would love this in summer, too, but happy to drink one now for St. Paddy’s day! It’s delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 10:22 pm

      So glad to hear that! ❤️

      Reply
  15. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says

    March 18, 2019 at 4:58 am

    Cheers to this beautiful drink!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      And 🥃 to you!

      Reply
  16. April says

    March 18, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    Perefect drink not just for St. Patrick’s Day but for any day really. It is great to celebrate a special occasion with or just to sip on a gloomy day!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      💯 percent! Glad you enjoy.

      Reply
  17. Mimi says

    March 18, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    Combining liquor, fruit and herbs has never been better. I like the color, the proportions and I would imagine – the taste! Delightful cocktail that I can’t wait to try!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 21, 2019 at 12:16 am

      Thanks, Mimi! Hope you love it.

      Reply
  18. Jacquelyn Hastert says

    March 19, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    The only whiskey is Irish whiskey (in my opinion) this cocktail sounds like perfection in a glass.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 21, 2019 at 12:16 am

      It’s definitely a good one — thank you!

      Reply
  19. Roslia santamaria says

    March 20, 2019 at 5:59 am

    Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe with us.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 20, 2019 at 10:24 pm

      You’re welcome — and thank you!

      Reply
  20. Stephanie says

    March 22, 2019 at 10:00 pm

    This looks so delicious! I can’t wait to try it out this weekend – I especially love the addition of mint!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 22, 2019 at 10:56 pm

      Yay for weekend cocktails! The mint really gives it such a fresh taste. Hope you love it! 🥃

      Reply
  21. Lathiya says

    March 25, 2019 at 12:39 am

    I love the sound of this drink and it have nice vibrant color. Would love to try. Is there any non alcoholic substitute for whiskey?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      March 25, 2019 at 1:50 am

      Hi, Lathiya! I think it’d be great with a little lemonade or limeade with some club soda or sparkling water. I hope that works for you!

      Reply

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About Me

I'm a Denver-based lady and believe 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. Read More…

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