The Irish Maid cocktail is a refreshing blend of Irish Whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup, muddled with fresh cucumber slices for a burst of crisp flavor. This drink offers a balance of floral, citrus, and herbal notes, making it a delightful choice for any occasion, especially St. Patrick's Day.
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Irish Maid: Perfect for St. Paddy's Day Cocktail
This Irish-inspired drink is a delightful concoction known as the Irish Maid cocktail. If you're up for celebrating this is the perfect St. Paddy’s Day cocktail!
The Irish Maid has steadily gained popularity after being served at the bar The Dead Rabbit made famous by bartender Jack McGarry in New York City. This cocktail has become a favorite contemporary classic among bartenders and cocktail aficionados alike for its unique combination of ingredients and smooth taste.
From the first sip you will get the key flavors of cucumber, floral elderflower liqueur, lemon, and smooth Irish whiskey come together to create a drink that is both refreshing and complex.
Besides St. Patrick's day this refreshing irish whiskey cocktail is absolutely perfect for a warm day, with fresh cucumber and lemon and the floral notes from the elderflower, it is pure relaxation in a glass!
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail Shaker - If you don't have a cocktail shaker just use a clean empty jar with a tight fitting lid to make the drink
- Muddler - No muddler? No worries just use an end of a wooden spoon
- Jigger - If you don't have a jigger 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce
- Citrus Juicer Affiliate Link
- Hawthorne strainer Affiliate Link
- Fine mesh strainer Affiliate Link
- Rocks Glass or similar
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Ingredients
- Jameson or other Good Irish Whiskey - Use your favorite kind of Irish Whiskey.
- St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur - st. germain is a brand name, you can use any other brand of elderflower liqueur.
- Lemon Juice - Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best results.
- Simple Syrup - Regular simple syrup is what is traditional in a classic irish maid cocktail but if you were looking for a fun way to switch it up I think that Honey Simple Syrup would also be really good.
- Cucumber Slices - You will use two slices for the muddled cucumber and one slice of cucumber for the garnish. I personally like to use an english cucumber because they are less seedy but you can use a regular cucumber as well.
Instructions
Begin by adding 2 cucumber slices and the simple syrup to your shaker.
Use the muddler to gently crush the slices of cucumber, releasing their aromatics and juices.
Add the remaining ingredients fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and Irish whiskey to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with a handful of ice cubes, then seal it and shake vigorously for about 10 to 20 seconds.
Double strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, using both a hawthorne strainer Affiliate Link and a fine mesh strainer Affiliate Link to ensure a smooth texture.
Garnish your cocktail with a cucumber slice for an extra touch of freshness.
Tips, Tricks and Questions
Can I use a different type of whiskey?
Absolutely! While Jameson Whiskey or other Irish whiskey is traditional, feel free to experiment with bourbon for a Kentucky Maid or even try a rye or scotch whisky for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
What can I substitute for St. Germain elderflower liqueur?
If you don't have St. Germain on hand (St. Germain is a brand name), you can substitute another elderflower liqueur or even a splash of elderflower syrup for a similar floral note.
How can I make simple syrup at home?
Simple syrup is easy to make at home, it is equal parts water and sugar put over heat so the sugar dissolves completely. For more information check out my blog post Simple Syrup Recipe.
If you like this Irish Maid Cocktail you might also like:
Gold Rush Cocktail
Bourbon Pomegranate Cocktail
Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Raspberry Bourbon Sour
Irish Maid
A blend of Irish Whiskey, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, muddled with fresh cucumber slices for a burst of crisp flavor. This drink offers a balance of floral, citrus, and herbal notes, making it a delightful choice for any occasion, especially St. Patrick's Day.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Jameson or other Irish Whiskey
- ½ ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 2 cucumber slices (plus 1 more for the garnish)
Instructions
- In a shaker add 2 cucumber slices along with the simple syrup. Muddle well until they have released their aromatics and juices.
- To the shaker add the fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and Irish Whiskey along with a handful of ice. Shake vigorously until very cold about 10 to 20 seconds.
- Double strain with a hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into a glass with ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 245Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 19gProtein: 1g
Nutritional data is automated and might not be 100% accurate, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.
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