Irish Kiss Cocktail Recipe

Irish Kiss Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:17%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Irish Kiss cocktail is a delightful concoction that originated in Ireland and has since gained popularity worldwide. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy the rich flavors of Irish whiskey and the sweetness of peach schnapps. The Irish Kiss is often enjoyed on St. Patrick's Day and other Irish-themed celebrations.

  • The Irish Kiss is believed to have been created in the late 20th century
  • It is a popular choice for those who enjoy the combination of whiskey and fruity flavors
  • The drink is often garnished with a cherry or an orange slice to add a touch of color and extra flavor

How Irish Kiss Tastes?

The Irish Kiss cocktail has a smooth, sweet, and slightly fruity taste with a hint of warmth from the Irish whiskey. The peach schnapps adds a delicate sweetness, while the orange juice brings a tangy citrus note.

Interesting facts about Irish Kiss

  • The Irish Kiss is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed as a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap
  • The drink is sometimes served with a sugar rim for added sweetness
  • The name 'Irish Kiss' is a nod to the Irish origins of the whiskey used in the cocktail

Ingredients

Irish Whiskey

  • Why: It's the robust base of our cocktail, providing a rich, smooth, and slightly vanilla background that aligns with our sweeter components.
  • How: The 1.5 oz ensures a balanced potency, not too boozy to overpower the peach and orange, yet enough to assert itself.
  • What if: Too much, and you're off to the races with a stiff drink; too little, and you'll be hunting for that Irish charm.

Alex Green

Peach Schnapps

  • Why: This is where the sweet kisses from the orchard come in. It adds a fruity and floral allure to our spirited dance.
  • How: At 1 oz, it's just enough sweetness to be enticing without turning the drink into a sugar rush episode.
  • What if: More could make it cloying, less could leave you missing that juicy peach swing.

Emma Rose

Orange Juice

  • Why: Think of it as the sunny disposition to your day, brightening and balancing the cocktail with its fresh, citrusy zing.
  • How: The 2 oz ratio offers a refreshing wake-up call without becoming a morning juice box.
  • What if: If there's too much, it'll steal the show; too little, and the drink might lose its charismatic zesty punch.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Cherry

  • Why: It's the ruby jewel that adds a pop of color and a hint of sweet, tart flavor, making it more than just eye candy.
  • How: One cherry—keep it sophisticated and don't overcrowd the cocktail with a fruit salad.
  • What if: Skipping it won't be a flavor disaster, but you'll miss the wink it gives with each sip.

Alex Green

Garnish: Orange Slice

  • Why: It's the flair, the final flourish; not only does it infuse subtle aroma, but it also proudly flags the citrus within.
  • How: A single slice—enough to plant the flag but not to start an orchard.
  • What if: Your drink will still be tasty without it, but much like a suit without a tie, it lacks that finished look.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Irish Kiss Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice
  2. Add the Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and orange juice
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a more vibrant flavor
  • For a sweeter cocktail, consider adding a splash of simple syrup

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Charcuterie Board: The salty meats and variety of cheeses complement the fruity and sweet notes of the Irish Kiss.
  • Smoked Salmon: The smoky flavor pairs nicely with the whiskey undertones.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: A herbed chicken dish would be light enough to accompany the drink's peachy sweetness.
  • Pork Chops: The succulent meat and the flavors from the peach schnapps would create a harmonious combination.

Desserts

  • Peach Cobbler: Echo the peach schnapps with a peachy dessert to round off the meal.
  • Chocolate Orange Cake: The citrus notes in the cake will go splendidly with the orange juice in the cocktail.

Other Drinks

  • Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips and bites without overpowering the cocktail flavors.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Irish Kiss

  • Bourbon can be used instead of Irish whiskey for a different flavor profile
  • Apricot brandy can be substituted for peach schnapps if desired
  • Grapefruit juice can replace orange juice for a more tart cocktail

Explore all drinks starting with I here

And of course - twists🍹

The Highland Embrace

  • Swap the Irish whiskey for Scotch to give it a smoky twist.
  • Ingredients: Scotch whisky, peach schnapps, orange juice, maraschino cherry, orange slice
  • Recipe: Just like the original, but with the distinct, earthy tones of Scotch.
  • Flavor: It'll taste like a bold, smoky kiss, caught between the Highlands and the orchard.

The Southern Peck

  • Infuse southern charm with a splash of bourbon.
  • Ingredients: Bourbon, peach schnapps, orange juice, maraschino cherry, orange slice
  • Recipe: The sweetness of bourbon blends with the peach for a cozier embrace.
  • Flavor: Imagine a sweet, velvety kiss on a warm Southern porch swing.

The Frosty Caress

  • Turn it into a frozen delight by blending it with ice.
  • Ingredients: Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, orange juice, maraschino cherry, orange slice
  • Recipe: Blend all with a generous scoop of ice for a frosty version of the original.
  • Flavor: Every sip is like a chilly breeze paired with the warmth of an Irish hug.

In case you forgot basics how to make Irish Kiss

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Irish Kiss

Do I need any special equipment to make the Irish Kiss cocktail?

Typically, you just need a cocktail shaker, a chilled glass to serve it in, and possibly a cocktail pick to skewer the cherry. However, no special equipment beyond what's commonly found in a home kitchen is necessary.

What other cocktails can I make with the same ingredients?

With Irish whiskey as the main ingredient, you can also make cocktails like the Irish Mule, Whiskey Sour, or the classic Old Fashioned.

What can I serve alongside an Irish Kiss cocktail?

The Irish Kiss is quite versatile and pairs well with a variety of appetizers including cheese platters, roasted nuts, and light seafood dishes.

Is the Irish Kiss a traditional Irish cocktail?

While the drink uses Irish whiskey, it's not considered a traditional Irish cocktail. The Irish Kiss was inspired by Irish flavors, but it's a modern concoction.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Irish Kiss?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Irish Kiss by replacing the Irish whiskey and peach schnapps with peach nectar or peach flavored soda, and the orange juice with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.

More similar recipes to Irish Kiss!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe