How to Make a DAMN GOOD Irish Buck

June 14, 2022 Melissa "Mel" Drake

How to Make a DAMN GOOD Irish Buck

Not just for St. Patrick's Day, the Irish Buck is a refreshing, Irish whiskey-based cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Here's how to make one that will have you feeling lucky all night long!

The Irish Buck is a popular Irish cocktail that is ridiculously super simple to make. Only 4 ingredients: Irish whisky, apple juice, ginger beer, lemon juice, and a mint sprig for garnish. When made correctly, this cocktail is incredibly refreshing and perfect for sipping on a warm day. But be warned-this cocktail packs a punch, thanks to the Irish whisky! So drink responsibly! Follow along to make your own DAMN GOOD Irish Buck.

Can’t get enough cocktail recipes? I've got you covered. Try my Smoked Rosemary Old-Fashioned, Cinnamon Whiskey Mule, Tequila Sour, and Spicy Jalapeño Margarita too!

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Ingredients: What's in an Irish Buck Drink

Feeling lucky? Then you'll want to make an Irish Buck! I was introduced to this cocktail by fellow mixologist, Natalie Migliarini of Beautiful Booze. She knows how to make a DAMN GOOD Irish Buck and let me tell you, it's delicious. Here's what you'll need to make your own:

Irish Whiskey
Apple Juice - the tangy-sweet flavor
Lemon Juice - the tart
Ginger Beer/ Ginger Soda - a little spice "buck" kick
Fresh Mint Sprig - garnish because you are fancy
Fresh Apple - garnish for an Apple Fan because you are EXTRA fancy

What is a "Buck" Cocktail?

A "Buck" cocktail is a refreshing drink consisting of 3 things: a spirit (ex. Irish whiskey), ginger beer or ginger ale, and citrus, like lime juice. The origins of the Buck cocktail are unclear, but it is thought to date back to the early 1900s. There are 2 theories on how the cocktail got its name:

it comes from the word "buck" for a male deer. The combination of spicy ginger beer and whiskey, like a male deer, is powerful and will "buck" you if you're not careful.
the other theory is that the name comes from the fact that this cocktail is a "buck" or "bang" for your buck, meaning it's a great value and packs a punch.

No matter where the name came from, we can all agree that the Irish Buck cocktail is a DAMN GOOD drink.

The Best Glassware for a Whiskey Buck Cocktail

While you can technically make an Irish Buck cocktail in any type of tall glass, I recommend using a highball glass. A highball glass is perfect for this cocktail because it allows it allows plenty of room for ice, which is key to keeping your drink cold.

If you don't have a highball glass, you can also use a Collins glass or even a pint glass. Just make sure that your glass is nice and chilled before you start making your cocktail.

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Tools You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make this Irish Buck cocktail recipe

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I'm a former bartender, I highly suggest this Mixology and Craft Cocktail Starter Kit, it's great for beginners, vets, and every mixologist in between. This set includes a 2-piece stainless steel Boston cocktail shaker, a Hawthorne strainer, and a 2-sided jigger for the most accurate 1-ounce and 2 ounces pours.
This set of 4 highball glasses is perfect for making Irish Bucks and other tall cocktails.
A citrus juicer is a must-have for this cocktail recipe and in my opinion, is a kitchen essential. No longer struggle to get lemon or lime juice out of your fresh fruit with this handy tool.
A 2-sided jigger is also a key tool for measuring out the perfect amount of liquor for your cocktails.
A bar spoon comes in handy for gently stirring cocktails and for measuring out bitters.
Gold or silver cocktail picks are a nice touch, especially when showcasing your mixology skills to guests.
If you are fancy, ice molds like these can really take your cocktails to the next level.
A Hawthorne cocktail strainer is another super must-have item for any home bartender.

Thank You

And there you have it! The perfect Irish Buck cocktail. This drink is simple to make and can easily be made at home with just a few ingredients. But be careful not to overdo it, this cocktail packs a punch!

Have you made this DAMN GOOD Irish Buck? Share your photos with me on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #DAMNGOODcocktails and tagging me @ThisIsMelDrake so I can see how yours turned out!

Please let me know how you liked the recipe in the comments section below, and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

Sláinte! - Cheers!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake