Jameson and Ginger
The Jameson and Ginger is a universally popular and incredibly easy-to-make cocktail. It consists of just two primary ingredients: Jameson Irish Whiskey and ginger ale, typically served over ice in a highball glass. The drink's charm lies in its simplicity and the delightful interplay between the smooth, slightly sweet, and vanilla-noted whiskey and the crisp, spicy effervescence of the ginger ale. A squeeze of fresh lime is often added to cut through the sweetness and add a bright, citrusy dimension.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Jameson and Ginger is classified as a highball cocktail, served in a tall glass over ice with a non-alcoholic mixer. Due to its widespread popularity and simple, enduring formula, it can also be considered a modern classic. It's a fundamental two-ingredient drink that serves as a cornerstone of simple, refreshing cocktails.
Serving
This cocktail is served cold in a tall Highball glass filled with ice, making it a refreshing, medium-sized drink. Its alcohol content is relatively low, comparable to a strong beer or a glass of wine.
Serving size
Approximately 200-250 ml (7-8.5 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-13% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
While the combination of whiskey and ginger has existed for over a century in drinks like the Horse's Neck, the specific call for "Jameson and Ginger" rose to prominence with the global marketing and popularity of Jameson Irish Whiskey. It became a go-to drink in Irish pubs and bars worldwide due to its accessible and refreshing taste profile. It's less a story of a single invention and more a tale of a perfect pairing that became a modern bar standard.
Origin
The drink's origin is not attributed to a specific person or date but evolved organically throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Its popularity is intrinsically linked to the global rise of Jameson Whiskey. It's a staple of modern bar culture, particularly in Ireland, the United States, and the UK.
Jameson and Ginger
This drink is commonly known by its straightforward name, "Jameson and Ginger," often shortened to "Jamo and Ginger" in casual bar settings. It is also a specific type of "Irish Buck," a category of cocktails that mixes Irish whiskey with ginger ale or ginger beer and citrus. The generic name for this combination using any whiskey is simply "Whiskey Ginger."
Original name
Jameson and Ginger
Alternative names
- Jamo and Ginger
- Irish Buck
Characteristics overview
The drink offers a refreshing and crisp texture with a vibrant golden hue, characterized by the spicy aroma of ginger and a hint of lime. The flavor is a pleasing balance of sweet and spicy, with a clean, warming aftertaste that makes it incredibly sessionable.
Flavor
Spicy ginger, smooth whiskey, sweet, citrusy, notes of vanilla and oak
Aroma
Sharp ginger, fresh lime, subtle whiskey grain
Taste balance
Sweet, spicy
Aftertaste
Warming, clean, lingering ginger spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent, crisp
Color appearance
Golden amber, clear, transparent
Texture
Light, crisp, thin
Seasonality
Refreshing, thirst-quenching, all-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately intense, led by the spicy carbonation of ginger ale and balanced by the sweetness of the mixer and the smooth warmth of the Irish whiskey. It is neither overwhelmingly sweet nor alcoholic, making it very approachable.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The recipe requires only two core ingredients: Jameson Irish Whiskey as the base and a good quality ginger ale to top. A fresh lime for garnish is highly recommended to complete the drink.
- Jameson Irish Whiskey50 ml / 1.75 ozWhile other Irish whiskeys can be used, the specific character of Jameson is key to the classic recipe.
- Ginger Ale150 ml / 5 oz, or to topUse a quality ginger ale; the flavor profile can range from sweet and mild to dry and spicy depending on the brand.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed beyond a glass and ice, though a bar spoon is useful for a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring
Instructions
This drink is built directly in the glass: fill the glass with ice, add the whiskey, and top with ginger ale. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a gentle stir.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour 50 ml (1.75 oz) of Jameson Irish Whiskey over the ice.
3. Top up the glass with chilled ginger ale (approximately 150 ml / 5 oz).
4. Garnish with a lime wedge, squeezing it over the drink before dropping it in. Give a gentle stir to combine.
Garnishing
The standard garnish is a fresh lime wedge. Squeezing the juice into the drink before dropping it in adds a crucial acidic brightness that enhances the flavors.
- Lime wedge, squeezed and dropped into the drink or placed on the rim
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. It is also caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The nutritional content is moderate, with most calories and all carbohydrates coming from the sugar in the ginger ale. Using a diet or zero-sugar ginger ale can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Averagely 160 kcal / 670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an extremely versatile drink suitable for almost any casual social setting. It's a perfect choice for happy hour, a relaxed evening with friends, or as a simple go-to order at a busy bar. Its refreshing nature makes it enjoyable year-round.
- Happy Hour
- Casual Gathering
- Night Out
- Relaxing at Home
Pairing suggestions
Its clean and refreshing profile pairs well with a variety of casual foods. It's excellent with salty snacks, pub fare like burgers or fish and chips, and simple grilled meats. The ginger and whiskey cut through richness without overwhelming the palate.
- Salty bar snacks (pretzels, peanuts)
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Grilled chicken or pork
- Casual pub fare
Jameson and Ginger: The Quintessential Irish Highball
The Jameson and Ginger is the epitome of a simple yet satisfying cocktail. Its beauty lies in the synergy between the smooth, malty notes of the Irish whiskey and the sharp, spicy fizz of the ginger ale. The addition of lime elevates it from a simple mixer to a balanced and refreshing classic highball. It's an approachable, reliable, and versatile drink, perfect for any occasion that calls for something easy-drinking and delicious.