March 16, 2023

Irish Maid Cocktail

The Irish Maid cocktail is a refreshing drink that combines the smoothness of Irish whiskey with the delicate sweetness of elderflower liqueur. The addition of fresh lemon juice and cucumber adds a citrusy and crisp note, making it a perfect drink for warm weather, or St. Patrick’s Day!

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A crystal rocks glass filled with ice holds a pale yellow cocktail, an Irish Maid, which contains Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and cucumber. The glass is garnished with a slice of cucumber. In the background, are a bottle of St-Germain liqueur, Jameson Irish whiskey, and a cutting board with lemon and cucumbers.

With its light and balanced flavours, the Irish Maid cocktail is sure to delight anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail. Those who prefer a sweeter cocktail can add a little more elderflower liqueur or simple syrup, while those who enjoy a more tart taste can add more lemon juice. The cucumber adds a refreshing element to the drink, and also balances out the flavors of the other ingredients.

A crystal rocks glass filled with ice holds a pale yellow cocktail, an Irish Maid, which contains Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and cucumber. The glass is garnished with a slice of cucumber. In the background, are a bottle of St-Germain liqueur, Jameson Irish whiskey, and a cutting board with lemon and cucumbers.

The Irish Maid is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Its blend of sweet, sour, and herbaceous flavors, along with its versatility, make it a go-to cocktail for those who appreciate the complexity of flavors in their drinks. Whether you’re enjoying a warm summer day or a cozy evening indoors, the Irish Maid is a cocktail that will delight your senses and leave you wanting more.

A crystal rocks glass filled with ice holds a pale yellow cocktail, an Irish Maid, which contains Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and cucumber. The glass is garnished with a slice of cucumber. In the background, are a bottle of St-Germain liqueur, Jameson Irish whiskey, and a cutting board with lemon and cucumbers.

Let’s talk about the ingredients for Irish Maid Cocktail

Irish whiskey – I used Jameson which tastes smooth and sweet with mild woody and nutty notes, but you could use any other Irish whiskey.

St-Germain elderflower liqueur – Trust me when I say this does not taste flowery, and the cocktail doesn’t taste the same without it! You only use ½ oz so not much at all, just enough to enhance the other flavours.

Simple syrup – Sweetens the cocktail without adding any other flavours. For instructions on how to make simple syrup, click here.

Cucumber – By muddling the cucumber before shaking all the other ingredients together, you release the cucumber’s fresh juices.

Lemon – Fresh squeezed lemon juice is essential!

A crystal rocks glass filled with ice holds a pale yellow cocktail, which contains Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and cucumber. The glass is garnished with a slice of cucumber. In the background, are a bottle of St-Germain liqueur, Jameson Irish whiskey, and a cutting board with lemon and cucumbers.

Can I Make Substitutions?

This is a very versatile cocktail, so try different combinations:

  • Spirits (for the Irish Maid, it’s whiskey)
  • Herbal notes (cucumber, rosemary, mint and/or liqueurs like St-Germain, aperol, amaro)
  • Citrus (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit)
  • Sweetener (simple syrup, honey, other flavours of syrup).

The Irish Maid Cocktail Method

To make an Irish Maid, muddle cucumber pieces in a shaker, add ice, Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well, strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, and garnish with a cucumber slice.

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A crystal rocks glass filled with ice holds a pale yellow cocktail, an Irish Maid, which contains Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and cucumber. The glass is garnished with a slice of cucumber. In the background, are a bottle of St-Germain liqueur, Jameson Irish whiskey, and a cutting board with lemon and cucumbers.
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Irish Maid Cocktail

Elevate your cocktail game with the Irish Maid, a delicious drink made with Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and cucumber. This cocktail is easy to make and even easier to drink, with a smooth and refreshing taste that will have you coming back for more.
Prep Time2 minutes
Mixing Time3 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cocktails, whiskey
Servings: 1

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker
  • 1 muddling spoon or sturdy wooden spoon
  • 1 Strainer
  • 1 cocktail jigger for measuring

Ingredients

  • 4 chunks cucumber
  • 2 oz Irish whiskey – I used Jameson
  • 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur – I used St-Germain
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • cucumber slice for garnish

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber chunks. Using the muddler or a wooden spoon, press down on the chunks while twisting to get out the juices and mash the cucumber. You don’t have to crush it into a paste.
  • Into the shaker add ice, whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Cover with the lid and shake until cold.
  • Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of cucumber. Enjoy!

Notes

Did you make the Irish Maid Cocktail? Post a photo on Instagram, and tag me @dinneratlulus and use the hashtag #dinneratlulus.
A crystal rocks glass filled with ice holds a pale yellow cocktail, which contains Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and cucumber. The glass is garnished with a slice of cucumber. In the background, are a bottle of St-Germain liqueur, Jameson Irish whiskey, and a cutting board with lemon and cucumbers.
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Filed Under: Cocktails, Party
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