Irish Maid

The Irish Maid is a delightfully crisp and floral modern classic that showcases the lighter side of whiskey. It masterfully balances the smooth, approachable character of Irish whiskey with the sweet, fragrant notes of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Fresh lemon juice provides a zesty sour counterpoint, while muddled cucumber lends a cool, garden-fresh quality that makes it exceptionally refreshing and easy to drink.
Irish Maid

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Irish Maid is categorized as a Modern Classic cocktail. This classification reflects its creation in the 21st century by a respected bartender and its subsequent rise in popularity within the cocktail community. It is part of the "Maid" family of drinks, which are known for their refreshing combination of a base spirit, citrus, mint or cucumber, and a sweetener.

Serving

Served cold over fresh cubed ice in a standard rocks or Old Fashioned glass, the Irish Maid is a visually appealing, refreshing drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml or 4 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This cocktail was created by renowned bartender Sam Ross at the legendary New York City bar Milk & Honey in the mid-2000s. It is a direct and inspired riff on his other famous creation, the Kentucky Maid, which uses bourbon as its base. The Irish Maid was conceived to highlight the versatility and gentle nature of Irish whiskey, proving it can be the star of a bright, modern sour-style drink.
Origin
The Irish Maid originated in New York City, USA, during the mid-2000s at the influential bar Milk & Honey.

Irish Maid

The cocktail is consistently known as the Irish Maid, a name that directly references its key ingredient, Irish whiskey, and its relation to the "Maid" family of cocktails. It is a straightforward and widely accepted name with no significant variations or original language translations to consider.
Original name
Irish Maid
Alternative name
Irish Maid Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a refreshingly floral and crisp profile, with a delicate balance between sweet and sour notes. Its pale yellow-green appearance and smooth texture make it an inviting drink, perfect for spring and summer.
Flavor
Cucumber, floral, citrusy, sweet, smooth whiskey
Aroma
Elderflower, fresh cucumber, lemon zest, light grain notes
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, lingering floral notes, crisp
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale yellow-green, slightly cloudy from fresh juice and muddling
Texture
Smooth, crisp, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring-like

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense, defined by a harmonious balance of sweetness from elderflower liqueur and tartness from fresh lemon. The alcohol from the Irish whiskey is present but smooth, providing a pleasant warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To craft an Irish Maid, you will need a base of smooth Irish whiskey, complemented by elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and slices of fresh cucumber for muddling.
  • Irish Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A smooth, unpeated Irish whiskey works best to complement the delicate flavors.
  • St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This is the signature floral component; other elderflower liqueurs can be substituted.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for brightness and flavor.
  • Simple Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
  • Cucumber Slices3-4 thin slices
    For muddling in the shaker to release fresh flavors.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker, a muddler to extract cucumber flavor, and two strainers (Hawthorne and fine-mesh) to ensure a smooth, clean final drink.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing the ingredients.
  • Muddler for gently pressing the cucumber slices.
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker tin.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double straining to remove cucumber bits.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.

Instructions

The process involves muddling fresh cucumber, adding the liquid ingredients and ice to a shaker, shaking until chilled, and then double straining into an ice-filled rocks glass.
1. Place 3-4 thin cucumber slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Gently muddle the cucumber slices just enough to release their juice and fragrant oils.
3. Add the Irish whiskey, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with a generous amount of ice.
5. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
6. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes.
7. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared glass to remove ice shards and cucumber particles.
8. Garnish with a fresh cucumber slice and serve immediately.

Garnishing

The drink is simply garnished with a thin slice of fresh cucumber, which enhances the aroma and visually hints at the cocktail's key flavor.
  • A thin slice or wheel of fresh cucumber, placed on the rim or floating on top.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is a suitable choice for individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories and sugar, primarily derived from the elderflower liqueur and the simple syrup. The overall carbohydrate content is typical for a sour-style cocktail.
Calories
Averagely 210 kcal / 879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 16 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for warm-weather occasions like spring and summer parties due to its refreshing nature. It also serves wonderfully as a sophisticated pre-dinner drink or a light afternoon sipper. Its elegant yet approachable profile makes it suitable for casual get-togethers and more formal events alike.
  • Spring Gathering
  • Summer Party
  • Afternoon Drink
  • Pre-dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Irish Maid's light and refreshing character pairs well with equally light fare. Consider serving it alongside fresh appetizers such as goat cheese, smoked salmon, or green salads. It also complements simple grilled chicken or white fish, as its clean profile won't overpower the food.
  • Light appetizers
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Smoked salmon blinis
  • Fresh salads with vinaigrette
  • Grilled chicken or fish

The Irish Maid: A Refreshing Modern Classic

The Irish Maid is a superb creation from modern cocktail master Sam Ross, offering a refreshing and accessible entry point into the world of whiskey cocktails. It elegantly combines the smooth profile of Irish whiskey with the sweet floral notes of St-Germain and the bright acidity of fresh lemon. The addition of muddled cucumber elevates the drink, imparting a cool, crisp character that makes it incredibly sessionable, especially in warmer weather. It's a perfectly balanced, sophisticated, and easy-to-love drink for any occasion.