From all over the globe!
You don’t have to have the luck of the Irish to know a thing or two about whiskey! To make your life easier, we’re breaking down our fav whiskeys and giving you a little cocktail inso just in time for St. Patty’s Day celebrations.
From Ireland to Tennessee, Malt to Corn and everything in between, there are thousands of whiskey distilleries throughout the world. Some are smoky, others sweet and for the most part whiskey remains a time-honored tradition carried down from generation to generation.
Over the years, a resurgence of small-batch whiskeys and Japanese whiskey interest has increased, but the love for classics like Jim Beam and Jameson still hold true.
Check out three tried and true whiskey brands and switch things up this holiday with some of our thoughtful cocktail recipes.
JAMESON
It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without Irish whiskey, right? A blended whiskey that’s been around since 1810, Jameson is marked as the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world.
Whether you enjoy it as a shot, or on the rocks with a splash of ginger ale, Jameson is the perfect top shelf brand to keep on your bar for all occasions.
Pickleback
2 oz Jameson
2 oz Pickle juice
Add Jameson to a cocktail shaker over ice to chill. Strain into a shot glass. Fill a second shot glass with pickle juice of your choosing. Drink Jameson first and follow with the pickle juice.
Jameson + Ginger
2 oz Jameson
4 oz Ginger Ale
Combine over ice, mix well and serve. Add a spritz of lime and garnish with a wedge.
*Pro tip: try our picks for the best ginger ale mixers:
1. Blenheim Ginger Ale has a bite, but in our opinion is the perfect pairing.
2. Fever Tree is light and pure, perfect for a bit of a fancier take on your classic well drink.
FOUR ROSES
Named American Whisky distiller of the year in 2011-13 and 2015 by Whisky Magazine, Four Roses is the catchall bourbon you need on your bar.
Handcrafted since 1888 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, this whiskey packs the perfect balance for all your cocktail needs. Use it in classics like a Manhattan, or do as we do and add a twist to an Old Pal (which usually uses rye whiskey) for a bourbon take on a classic Negroni.
Old Pal
1 ½ oz Four Roses Small Batch
1 ½ oz Campari
1 ½ oz Dry Vermouth
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Stir well (at least 50 times to maximize the drink’s viscosity). Strain over ice or serve up in a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon or orange twist.
YAMAZAKI
Japanese Whiskey has seen a huge increase in popularity in the last few years and Yamazaki continues to be the leading brand.
Yamazaki became Japan’s first commercial whisky distillery in 1923, and recently garnered many accolades for their array of single malt whiskeys.
Want to impress your bartender? The next time you see Yamazaki on the menu (the 12 year is the most popular), order it neat with a side of ice. Slowly add ice cubes to your adjusted preference and enjoy.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE:
The difference between whiskey and bourbon you ask?
Whiskey is distilled from fermented grain mash and varieties include wheat, rye, barley and corn, which are then aged in wooden barrels.
Bourbon is a variety of whiskey that has its own standards and requirements. Bourbon MUST be produced in America, it must be made from at least 51% corn, and it is is stored in new, charred oak barrels and distilled to no more than 160 proof.
Just like that, you’re a whiskey wizard. TADA
