Irish Lemonade

A super refreshing cocktail, an Irish Lemonade is easy to make and a total crowd pleaser! Try one for St. Paddy’s Day or they are perfect for a warm summer’s evening.

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Jameson and Lemonade Cocktail

I first saw multiple versions of this drink on the Jameson website a few years back when I was looking for an alternative to drink for St. Patrick’s Day.

Not joking the site has like 6 different cocktails all called Irish Lemonade.

Well I did what I do best and made my own version based off all of the different ones they had posted.

I tried to make it the perfect blend of sweet and bitter that goes so perfectly with a smooth Irish whiskey.

So if beer hurts your tummy like me, this is a great alternative to still be festive with all of your friends who are drinking their green beers. It is even topped with mint for an extra green garnish (okay it is garnished because it adds to the aroma of the drink but it is also green!).

And even though I intended this drink for St. Paddy’s Day I found myself continuing to make them throughout the summer. They are a great chill beverage on a hot summer’s evening.

Barware for an Irish Lemonade

Irish Lemonade’s use pretty common place barware and kitchen items. 

• Cocktail Shaker – Now if you don’t have a cocktail shaker no worries, do you know what works really well!? A Jar with a tight fitting lid, or even dare I say it (college flashbacks) a water bottle.
• Jigger – A jigger is a specific measuring device for alcohol, it measures ounces. If you don’t have one, you can easily use a Tablespoon. 2 Tablespoons = 1 Ounce in liquid measurements.
• Citrus Juicer – No citrus juicer? Okay so this is a kitchen tool that even if you don’t make a ton of cocktails is worth investing in, need lemon for a vinaigrette? No problem for a citrus juicer! Now if you don’t have one you can just squeeze it by hand, or use a tongs, slide half a lemon in-between the tongs and squeeze!
• Cocktail Glass – I found that making these in a classic whiskey glass worked best! A good alternative might be a highball glass filled with ice. 

You will also need commonplace items like a knife, cutting board, & ice.

Ingredients

• Irish Whiskey – I use Jameson, but there are many types of Irish Whiskey’s available that you can use.
• Lemon for Fresh Juice – Now you will notice that instead on using store bought lemonade this recipe calls for making your own by combing fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Now if you are big into cocktails I recommend making it this way as the fresh lemon juice is far superior tasting.
• Simple Syrup – Need some simple syrup? It could not be easier to make! Simply combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a sauce pan. Heat until simmering, stirring occasionally, until all of the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, cool, and transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator. (Makes about 2 cups, to make less just cut the ingredients in half)
• Ginger Beer – I personally think that not all ginger beers are created equal, some have a lot more of a sugary flavor while other are more ginger forward. While any brand will work for this drink I do prefer Fever Tree for cocktail making.
• Mint Sprig – Try not to skip this, the aroma of the mint helps elevate this cocktail to new levels!

For a complete detailed list of the ingredients continue towards the bottom of the page.

Instructions

Add irish whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Shake until cold, about 10 seconds.

Add ice to a glass. Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker over the ice. Top with the ginger beer. Stir gently. Top with fresh mint to garnish.

Tips, Tricks, & Questions

Can I use store bought lemonade instead?

Of course. You can swap out the lemon juice and simple syrup for 2 ounces of Lemonade.

If you like this Irish Lemonade check out some of my other cocktails:

• Blackberry Bourbon Smash
• Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
• Classic Margarita
• Hibiscus Margarita
• Cozy Hot Toddy with Tea

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