Irish Wake Cocktail Recipe

The Irish Wake cocktail is a popular drink in Irish-themed bars, especially around St. Patrick's Day. It's named after the traditional Irish wake, a gathering held before a funeral. The drink is known for its strong, potent mix of alcohol and its vibrant green color, which is symbolic of Ireland.

• The Irish Wake was popularized in the United States by the McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola, Florida.
• It's a favorite among those who enjoy strong, fruity cocktails.
• The cocktail is typically served in a mason jar, adding to its rustic charm.

The Irish Wake is a potent, sweet, and fruity cocktail. It has a strong citrus flavor from the orange and pineapple juices, balanced by the sweetness of the grenadine and the kick of the Irish whiskey. The taste is rounded off with a hint of mint.

• The Irish Wake is traditionally served in a mason jar with a handle, which is meant to resemble an old-fashioned lantern.
• The cocktail is often garnished with a slice of orange and a cherry, adding to its festive appearance.
• Despite its sweet and fruity flavor, the Irish Wake is a strong cocktail due to the combination of Irish whiskey and rum.

1. Fill a mason jar with ice.
2. Add the Irish whiskey and rum.
3. Pour in the orange juice and pineapple juice.
4. Add a teaspoon of grenadine.
5. Stir well.
6. Garnish with a sprig of mint, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry.

• Use fresh orange and pineapple juice for the best flavor.
• Add the grenadine last to create a beautiful layered effect in the glass.
• Serve with a straw to mix the drink before drinking.

Appetizers and Snacks

• Charcuterie board: The richness of cheeses and cured meats pairs well with the whiskey and rum’s warmth.
• Crispy calamari: The lightness of the calamari will complement the citrus notes of the cocktail.

Main Courses

• Grilled fish: The citrusy flavors in the Irish Wake provide a lovely accompaniment to seafood.
• Smoked ribs: The smoky flavors of the meat echo the depth of the whiskey and rum.

Desserts

• Lemon tart: The tartness of the lemon can highlight the cocktail's bright citrus flavors.
• Coconut-based dessert: Ties in with the tropical vibe given by the pineapple juice.

• You can substitute the Irish whiskey with bourbon or Scotch.
• If you don't have grenadine, you can use a cherry syrup or a raspberry syrup.
• You can replace the rum with vodka for a lighter cocktail.

Irish Wake Noir

-Increase whiskey to 2 oz and switch to a dark spiced rum. -Swap grenadine for blackcurrant syrup, 1 tsp. -Garnish with a charred orange wheel.

The darker spirits and blackcurrant add depth and mystery, creating a cocktail with a little extra twilight in its soul. Perfect if you're looking to venture to the shadowy side of the Irish Wake.

Caribbean Wake

-Use coconut rum instead of regular rum. -Add 1/2 oz of cream of coconut. -Float 1/2 oz of blue curaçao on top before serving.

This version will transport you to the sandy shores of the Caribbean. It's creamier, and the blue curaçao gives a visual wave that will sweep drinkers off their feet.

Wake Up Call

-Infuse Irish whiskey with coffee beans for 24 hours before mixing. -Reduce juice content by 1 oz each, replace with 2 oz cold brew coffee. -Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of espresso powder.

For those who need an extra kick, this cocktail brings a caffeinated punch. It stays true to its roots but wakes you up faster than a sprint in the Dublin dawn.