St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebrating Irish heritage, donning green, and raising a glass to toast the occasion! While classics like Guinness and Irish Coffee often take center stage, why not shake things up this year with a dazzling cocktail highlighting the smooth richness of Irish whiskey and cranberry tartness? The Irish Gilt.

Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, slightly sweet, and approachable flavor, making it an excellent cocktail base. Unlike some other whiskeys, it is often triple-distilled, which results in a lighter and more refined taste.

Irish Whiskey & Cranberry - Pleasantly sharp, smooth and rich, with a hint of vanilla undertones — Irish Gilt – Irish Whiskey & Cranberry

This makes the Irish Gilt an easy-to-mix cocktail that anyone can prepare in minutes, perfect for casual drinkers and whiskey enthusiasts. The combination of whiskey and cranberry juice is effortless yet delicious, allowing you to enjoy the spirit’s warmth with a refreshing tartness.

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Irish Gilt Ingredients

Irish Whiskey & Cranberry Ingredients — Irish Whiskey & Cranberry

Bushmills Irish Whiskey
Cranberry Juice

When I purchase Irish Whiskey, I always reach for Bushmills. According to the Bushmills website, they have this to say about Bushmills Original:

“The cornerstone of our family, BUSHMILLS® ORIGINAL is a smooth and versatile triple distilled blend. An approachable whiskey which has been matured in both bourbon and sherry casks resulting in fresh fruit and vanilla notes”.
www.bushmills.com/whiskeys/original/

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Variations

Want to put a unique twist on the Irish Gilt? Here are a few variations to try:

Citrus Zing: Add ½ oz fresh lime juice for a tangy twist.
Sweetened Touch: Mix in ½ oz honey syrup (or simple syrup) to balance the tartness.
Bitters Boost: Add 2 dashes of orange bitters for extra depth.
Sparkling Irish Gilt: Top with club soda or sparkling wine for a bubbly touch.
Herbal Touch: Muddle fresh basil or mint for an aromatic spin in the shaker.
Berry Bliss: Substitute cranberry juice with a cranberry-raspberry blend for a fruitier flavor.

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Easy to Read Measuring Cap - Included — Easy to Read Measuring Cap – Included

Martini or cocktail, a good shake makes all the difference in the world so buying a cocktail shaker can seriously step up your at-home drink game. Think about it: no more settling for boring mixed drinks when you can whip up bar-quality cocktails in your kitchen. It’s not just about the fancy presentation (although that’s a fun bonus) but also about how it makes mixing drinks easier and more fun.

I have at least a dozen shakers, but one favorite. The shaker doesn’t leak; you won’t have to hit the shaker against the sink to get the top off, and the cap will measure from 1/2 to 1.5 ounces with clearly marked labels. Measure the perfect amount every time. And it is dishwasher safe!

Plus, once you get the hang of shaking, you’ll feel like a total pro, impressing your friends and yourself with your newfound bartending skills. So why not add a little shake, shake, shake to your life and upgrade your happy hour?

You can find this lovely cocktail glass with the word ‘cheers’ or ‘health’ in Gaelic here. This rock glass is a must-have to serve whiskey during a St Patrick’s Day celebration.

How to make an Irish Gilt

Fill a glass with ice and pour the Irish whiskey and cranberry juice.

Stir gently to combine.

Garnish with fresh cranberries, optional.

Raise your glass and toast to the luck of the Irish!

St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a holiday—it’s a full-blown celebration filled with lively parades, festive music, and gatherings of friends and family. Whether dancing to traditional Irish tunes, enjoying a corned beef and cabbage feast, or simply toasting with a delicious cocktail, the day’s spirit is all about joy and togetherness.

This St. Patrick’s Day, skip the green beer and opt for a cocktail that’s as refined as it is festive. The Irish Gilt is a delicious way to honor the holiday while enjoying the warmth and complexity of Irish whiskey. Sláinte!

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Here are 4 other drinks discovered in Ireland: Guinness (I buy Guinness in a four-pack of cans), Baileys Irish Cream (recipes here), Black & Black, and Baby Guinness. One other favorite is the Irish Car Bomb drink. I didn’t discover this in Ireland, but at a bar in South Carolina called the Blu Martini.

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