Top Picks From Jameson’s Whiskey Experts
Jameson’s Guide to The Best Whiskey Mixers
While many enjoy a neat serving of Irish whiskey on its own, one of the best things about whiskey is its sheer versatility. There are so many interesting mixers out there that figuring out what to mix with your whiskey can be a bit daunting.
That’s why we’ve consulted our Jameson whiskey experts. They know a thing or two about what mixes well with Irish whiskey. From the simple to the sublime, our guide will help you find the perfect mixer.
1. Ginger Ale / Ginger Beer
Whiskey and ginger ale are a classic pairing that is enjoyed around the world. Beautiful in its simplicity, the traditional whiskey ginger ale cocktail is easy to make – the only extras you need are a wedge of lime to garnish, and some ice to keep the temperature to your liking.
Ginger ale adds a little bit of extra sweetness and sparkle to your Irish whiskey, making for a refreshing evening tipple.
2. Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified, aromatised wine often served before meals as an apéritif. It’s a great standalone drink, and it adds flavour depth to cocktails like the Manhattan and Negroni.
Vermouth and whiskey flavours complement each other well. Vermouth’s complex herbal and aromatic profile enhances the whiskey experience. Try them together in The Tipperary Cocktail, which is also called an Irish Manhattan.
3. Soda Water
When people think of what goes well with tonic water, the mind often jumps straight to ‘gin’, but there’s a good case to be made that whiskey works every bit as well. Some find the strong, full-bodied flavour of whiskey to be a little overwhelming, so the tonic water can help ‘take the edge off’, making for a light refreshing drink (check out our whiskey and tonic water recipe to get a better idea).
4. Coca Cola
A variation of the classic rum and coke, whiskey and coke is sometimes called ‘the Irish Cube Libre’, but is more commonly (and affectionately) referred to as ‘a Jamey and Coke’. This simple cocktail is found all over the world, and is one of the most popular whiskey drinks.
For something a little bit different, our Jameson whiskey experts recommend trying a Cold Brew & Cola, mixture which has earned the nickname of ‘the Mate Maker’. A lot is going on in this mix; coffee, cola and whiskey, and maybe even a dash of orange, make for an exciting and very unique tasting experience.
5. Lemonade
Speaking of refreshing summer drinks, how could we not mention the humble lemonade? Whiskey and lemonade complement each other exceptionally well; the whiskey takes a bit of the citrusy ‘edge’ off strong lemonade, while the lemonade adds a refreshing sparkle to the mix.
Much like an Irish coffee, Irish whiskey mixed with lemonade is called ‘Irish lemonade‘, because sometimes the simplest things in life are also the best. If you want to complete your Irish lemonade, simply add generous helpings of ice and a wedge of lime to garnish.
6. Coffee
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that our Jameson whiskey experts recommend using coffee as a whiskey mixer. Indeed, the Irish Coffee has become synonymous with the winter holiday season. The addition of Irish whiskey to coffee adds a stronger, more relaxing flavour, making it a real treat on a cold winter evening.
The coffee and whiskey mixing is not limited to winter though. Iced Irish Coffee has proven to be an increasingly popular summer drink. It’s a real ‘unwind and relax’ kind of drink that works really well when the sun is shining and you need something cool and refreshing to sip.
What is the Best Juice to Mix With Whiskey?
Orange Juice
While ‘Jameson and orange juice‘ can be interpreted as the classic Irish whiskey mixed simple into a glass of orange juice, and that’s not a bad mix by any stretch of the imagination, our whiskey experts are a bit more inventive, recommending a more intricate cocktail made primarily from orange juice and Jameson Orange. Now that’s zesty!
Cranberry Juice
Most people think of vodka when it comes to mixing spirits with cranberry juice, but our Jameson experts’ whiskey and cranberry juice cocktail has proven to be a consistent crowd-pleaser during the winter holiday season, should you fancy something a bit different.
More on Whiskey Mixers
What is a good mixer for whiskey?
In our humble opinion, the best mixers for whiskey are ginger ale, sweet vermouth, cola, soda water, lemonade, and coffee. Each one brings out the unique flavours of whiskey in its own special way!
What not to mix with whiskey?
It’s best to avoid overly sweet or artificial-tasting juices, heavy cream-based liqueurs, and energy drinks. These mixers can overpower the whiskey’s nuanced flavours or create an unbalanced taste profile. Stick with mixers that enhance or complement the whiskey’s natural characteristics.
