Who Needs a Pub Crawl? Here Are 18 Easy & Affordable Irish Cocktails You Can Make at Home
When you think about Ireland, cozy pubs and delicious drinks are some of the first things that come to mind. There’s something special about enjoying a perfectly poured Guinness or a comforting Irish coffee in the heart of Irish pub culture.
But what if you could bring that experience to your home without breaking the bank? That’s where this ultimate guide to 18 easy and affordable Irish cocktails comes in!
Keep scrolling to find everything you need to bring the spirit of an Irish pub to your living room. So, grab your favorite Irish whiskey, dust off your shaker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Ireland without leaving home!
1. Irish Whiskey Ginger

The Irish Whiskey Ginger is a simple yet satisfying highball cocktail. It combines the smooth, malty notes of Irish whiskey with the refreshing ginger and fizz of ginger ale.
While often enjoyed on the rocks, Irish whiskey shines in a mixed drink. The ginger ale complements the whiskey’s flavor profile without overpowering it, making this cocktail a great introduction to Irish whiskey for those who might find it too strong and neat.
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey
5 ounces ginger ale
One lime wedge
Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Irish whiskey.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Squeeze the lime wedge over the glass and then drop it in.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.
2. Irish Mule

The Irish Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It features the smooth taste of Irish whiskey, balanced by lime juice’s tartness and ginger beer’s spicy kick.
The copper mug, a signature drink element, adds a touch of elegance and helps keep the cocktail chilled. It’s also a great way to showcase Irish whiskey, a spirit with a rich history and flavor profile.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Irish whiskey
1 ounce fresh lime juice from half a lime
4-6 ounces of ginger beer to taste
Lime wedge for garnish
Mint sprig for garnish Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Pour in the Irish whiskey and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer to your desired level of sweetness and spiciness.
4. Gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.
3. Irish Old Fashioned

The Irish Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the well-known cocktail. It retains the core elements of whiskey, bitters, and sugar, using smooth Irish whiskey instead of bourbon and incorporating a sweetness from an herbal liqueur like Benedictine.
Ingredients:
2 oz Irish Whiskey
¾ oz Benedictine
Two dashes of Angostura bitters
Two dashes of orange bitters
Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine whiskey, Benedictine, bitters, and ice in a mixing glass.
2. Stir well until chilled.
3. Strain into a rock glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Express the oils from an orange twist by squeezing them over the drink and adding them to the glass.
4. Irish Sour

The Irish Sour is a whiskey-based sour cocktail with a delightful twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. It features smooth Irish whiskey, tangy lemon juice, and sweet, simple syrup, creating a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink.
Unlike a traditional Whiskey Sour, some variations incorporate a touch of grenadine for a subtle cherry flavor and a beautiful layered effect.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Irish whiskey
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
¾ ounce simple syrup
Maraschino cherry and lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon wedge.
5. Irish Maid

The Irish Maid is a contemporary take on the Kentucky Maid, a well-regarded whiskey cocktail. This Irish version substitutes Irish whiskey for bourbon and adds muddled cucumber for a delightful twist.
Ingredients:
Two cucumber slices, muddled
2 ounces Irish whiskey
½ ounce St-Germain elderflower liqueur
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
¾ ounce simple syrupCucumber slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Muddle the cucumber slices in a shaker.
2. Add Irish whiskey, St-Germain, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
3. Shake well and strain into a rock glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a cucumber slice.
6. Irish Espresso Martini

The Irish Espresso Martini is a delicious twist on the famous Espresso Martini. It substitutes the traditional vodka base with smooth Irish whiskey, creating a richer and more complex flavor profile.
The addition of Irish cream liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess, making this cocktail a delightful after-dinner drink or a perfect pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
1 ½ parts Irish whiskey
1 part cooled espresso
½ part coffee liqueur
⅓ part sugar syrup Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Irish whiskey, espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until chilled and foamy.
4. Double strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with three coffee beans.
7. Irish Gold

The Irish Gold is a refreshing highball cocktail that combines the smooth taste of Irish whiskey with a hint of peach and citrus. This drink will become a favorite, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any day you fancy a delightful twist on whiskey ginger.
Unlike many traditional Irish cocktails that are coffee or cream-based, the Irish Gold is light and bubbly. The peach schnapps add a subtle sweetness and fruity twist, the orange juice complements the whiskey, and the ginger ale brings a refreshing fizz.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Irish whiskey
1/2 ounce peach schnapps
One splash of orange juice
4 to 5 ounces ginger ale, to taste
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Add Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and orange juice.
3. Top with ginger ale to your desired strength.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.
8. Irish Margarita

The Irish Margarita is a delightful twist on the traditional tequila-based margarita. Instead of tequila, it uses smooth Irish whiskey, adding a warm, nutty flavor.
This cocktail is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anyone who enjoys a unique and flavorful margarita.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Irish whiskey
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce orange liqueur
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Salt for rimming the glass
Instructions:
1. If using a salt rim, rub a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita glass and dip it in salt.
2. Combine Irish whiskey, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
9. Irish Lemonade

The Irish Lemonade is a delightful twist on the classic summer drink. It combines the smooth taste of Irish whiskey with the tangy sweetness of lemonade and the spicy kick of ginger beer, creating a complex and refreshing cocktail.
It’s ideal for summer gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. The ginger beer adds a delightful fizz, while the rosemary sprig brings a touch of herbal fragrance, making this drink a well-rounded and flavorful summer refreshment.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Irish whiskey
1 ounce lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
3 ounces of ginger beer
One sprig of rosemary Lemon wedge Ice
Instructions:
1. Combine Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for a few seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon wedge.
10. Irish Martini

The Irish Martini is a unique take on the traditional vodka martini. While the classic martini is known for its dryness, the Irish Martini incorporates Irish whiskey, adding a smooth and malty taste.
Ingredients:
1/2 ounce Irish whiskey
2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with cracked ice.
2. Pour in the Irish whiskey, vodka, and dry vermouth.
3. Shake well for about 30 seconds or until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink and garnish the rim.
11. Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a delightful, warm drink that combines the refreshing kick of coffee with the smooth taste of Irish whiskey. It’s a perfect after-dinner drink or a tasty pick-me-up, topped with a luxurious layer of whipped cream on a cold day.
The key to an excellent Irish coffee is layering. The hot coffee is brewed strong, the whiskey warms the drink from within, and the cream adds a cooling and textural contrast.
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey
1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar
6 ounces of hot brewed coffee
Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat an Irish coffee mug with hot water for a minute or two.
2. Discard the water.
3. Add brown sugar to the mug and pour in the hot coffee.
4. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
5. Pour in the Irish whiskey.
6. Gently float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
7. Enjoy your Irish coffee while it’s hot!
12. Irish Mojito

The Irish Mojito is a delightful twist on the well-known Cuban highball. This cooler cocktail keeps the base ingredients of mint, lime, and soda water but swaps the traditional rum for smooth Irish whiskey.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Irish whiskey
One whole lime, juiced
Fresh mint leaves (5 to 10)
Simple syrup (1/2 to 1 ounce, to taste)
Club soda
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a tall glass, muddle together the mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour in the Irish whiskey.
3. Top with club soda, stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
13. Irish Mudslide

The Irish Mudslide is a rich and creamy adult indulgence that combines the smooth taste of Irish whiskey with the sweetness of coffee liqueur and Irish cream. Unlike many traditional Irish cocktails, this one is not meant to be light and refreshing.
It’s a dessert in a glass, perfect for after-dinner sipping or a celebratory drink. While not a complex cocktail, it delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces Irish whiskey
1.5 ounces Kahlúa
1.5 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
Ice
Whipped cream
Cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a blender with ice.
2. Add the Irish whiskey, Kahlúa, and Baileys.
3. Blend until smooth and frosty.
4. Alternatively, fill a glass with ice if you prefer it on the rocks.
5. Add the Irish whiskey, Kahlúa, and Baileys, then stir gently to combine.
6. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
14. Irish Slammer

The Irish Slammer is a fun and fiery cocktail, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of theatre with their drink. This three-ingredient wonder combines the smooth richness of Irish cream liqueur, the malty heartiness of Irish stout, and the warming kick of Irish whiskey.
The shot glass containing the layered whiskey and cream is “slammed” into the beer, creating a visual spectacle and a rush of flavor. The drink is meant to be consumed quickly, as the cream curdles when it mixes with the beer, creating a textural contrast.
Ingredients:
1/2 pint Guinness or any Irish stout
3/4 ounce Irish whiskey
3/4 ounce Irish cream liqueur
Instructions:
1. Carefully pour the Guinness into a pint glass, allowing the foam to settle slightly.
2. In a separate shot glass, layer the Irish cream liqueur on the bottom, followed by the Irish whiskey poured slowly over the back of a spoon.
3. When ready to drink, drop the shot glass containing the whiskey and cream into the Guinness.
4. Bottom’s up! Enjoy the Irish Slammer quickly.
15. Irish Trash Can

The Irish Trash Can is a party drink known for its name, colorful appearance, and potent mix of liquors. This visually striking cocktail combines several spirits with fruity liqueurs and a hit of caffeine from Red Bull.
The layered construction creates an interesting visual effect, with the blue curaçao contrasting the vibrant orange and red tones. This cocktail packs a punch with its combination of liquors and the added caffeine boost from Red Bull.
Ingredients:
½ oz gin½ oz light rum
½ oz vodka
½ oz peach schnapps
½ oz blue curaçao
½ oz triple sec
One can Red BullIce
Instructions:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour the blue curaçao into the bottom of the glass.
3. Carefully layer the remaining liquors on top in any order (gin, rum, vodka, peach schnapps, triple sec).
4. Slowly pour the Red Bull on top. You can either pour it down the side of the glass or flip the can upside down momentarily.
5. Garnish with a straw and serve.
16. Nutty Irishman

The Nutty Irishman is a creamy and delicious cocktail that combines the smooth taste of Irish whiskey with the nutty sweetness of Frangelico and Irish cream. It’s a perfect after-dinner drink or a delightful way to warm up on a cold day.
There are two main ways to enjoy a Nutty Irishman: hot or on the rocks. The hot version is similar to an Irish coffee but with the added complexity of hazelnut and cream flavors.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Irish whiskey
1 oz Frangelico
1 oz Irish cream
Coffee Whipped cream for garnish
Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brew 4 to 6 oz of strong coffee if making the hot version.
2. Combine Irish whiskey, Frangelico, and Irish cream in a shaker with ice unless you’re making a hot version.
3. Shake well and strain into a mug or old-fashioned glass filled with ice or hot coffee.
4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
17. Irish Eyes

The Irish Eyes is a delightful after-dinner drink that combines the smooth taste of Irish whiskey with the refreshing coolness of peppermint and the rich creaminess of Baileys or Irish cream. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that’s manageable and easy to make.
Ingredients:
1 ounce Irish whiskey
¼ ounce green crème de menthe liqueur
¼ ounce Irish cream liqueur
2 ounces cream
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, crème de menthe, Irish cream, and cream.
3. Shake well for about 30 seconds until the drink is chilled and frothy.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
18. Irish Negroni

The Irish Negroni is a variation of the beloved Italian cocktail. Instead of gin, it uses Irish whiskey, which lends the drink a smooth and malty taste.
The result is a complex and flavorful cocktail perfect for those who enjoy a bit of smokiness in their drinks.
Ingredients:1 ounce Irish whiskey 1 ounce Campari 1-ounce sweet vermouth
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a rock glass filled with ice.
2. Stir gently for about 30 seconds, until well chilled and diluted.
3. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with an orange peel, expressed over the drink to release the oils.