6 Irish Coffee Recipes for All Whiskey Lovers

The season of cosy cocktails is upon us, and the Irish Coffee has to be right at the top of that list. Rich, warming and velvety smooth, it’s simply perfect as the nights draw in.  

They’re so simple to make, but that doesn’t mean you can’t vary it up! Picking the perfect whiskey can transform an Irish Coffee, so take a look at our favourites below. Richer, spicier, fruitier, whatever your preference it’s here.

Traditional Irish Coffee- Powers

If you want to taste Irish Coffee as it was originally intended, then this traditional recipe is the way to go because it’s exactly the way that Chef Joe Sheridan made it back in 1943, at Foynes Airport. It’s also the method that we follow in Episode 2 of The Three Drinkers in Ireland if you want to find out more! At the centre of it is Powers, a classic Irish whiskey that’s been around since 1791! This concoction is a true taste of history.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot coffee
45ml Powers Irish whiskey
Cream lightly whipped

Method
First, warm your glass with hot water for a little bit (make sure you tip it out) before adding the sugar and then the beautiful steaming coffee. Add the Irish whiskey, and pour that silky very lightly whipped cream on top over the back of a spoon – this way it sits beautifully on top! As they say in Ireland, Slainte!

Fruity Irish Coffee - Jameson

Jameson is the biggest selling Irish whiskey in the world and for good reason. Deemed by many as the ultimate beginner’s dram, it has more pronounced sweeter notes with apples, honey and tropical fruits coming to the fore, rather than spice or smoke which can be more challenging. This is perfect for a really tasty and subtly fruity Irish Coffee to warm you on a cold night. 

Ingredients
30ml cream
10ml demerara sugar syrup
90ml espresso
35ml Jameson Original
Grated nutmeg (garnish)
1 vanilla pod (garnish)

Method
The sugar syrup is so simple to make, just dissolve demerara sugar in boiling water, and stir this into your measure of Jameson. Add the espresso shots. Then, whip the cream a little to stiffen it and pour it over the back of a spoon so it sits nicely on top. Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon and a vanilla pod for a drink that looks and tastes stunning.

Spicier Irish Coffee - Slane

Slane Irish Whiskey is made from not one, not two but three different casks – virgin oak, Sherry, and seasoned casks which previously contained Tennessee whiskey and bourbon. The end result is a really full taste, with flavours of butterscotch and vanilla, as well as warming notes of baking spice. It’s ideal for a spicier and particularly Autumnal Irish Coffee.

Ingredients
40ml Slane Irish Whiskey
15ml vanilla-infused demerara syrup
70ml espresso
20ml double cream
Dark chocolate shavings (garnish)

Method
Half fill your glass with boiling water and add syrup, coffee, and whiskey. The syrup can be made by combining boiling water, demerara, and vanilla essence or pods. Top with the lightly stiffened double cream float (again, using the back of the spoon) and finish with chocolate shavings. This is pure indulgence and the perfect balance of sugar and spice.

Peaty Irish Coffee - Kilbeggan

Now, this is a whiskey steeped in history. It’s named after one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland who founded a monastery nearby in the 6th century, and the Kilbeggan Distillery itself is the oldest of its kind in Ireland. It’s distilled twice rather than thrice, so retains strong peaty qualities and a long finish full of flavour.

Ingredients
15ml cream
15ml brown sugar syrup
90ml coffee
40ml Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Grated nutmeg (garnish)

Method
Add your Kilbeggan and brown sugar syrup to the glass (to make this heat sugar to water in a 2:1 ratio until the sugar dissolves). Fill up with coffee and cover the top with a small amount of cream. Grate some gorgeous nutmeg to finish and voila!

Rich Irish Coffee – Roe And Co

Roe and Co have been on our lips since scooping the prestigious Master award at the Irish Whiskey Masters in 2019. It’s a beautifully balanced whiskey with creaminess, a velvety texture and notes of woody vanilla and spiced pears. Worryingly moreish and one you definitely have to try! Why not in a Irish Coffee?

Ingredients
40ml Roe & Co
75ml hot coffee
1 tsp demerara sugar
20ml double cream
Grated nutmeg (garnish)

Method
Super simple this one. Just add everything but the cream and stir well to dissolve the sugar. Then spoon over the gently whipped double cream on top and grate some nutmeg to finish. It’s luxuriously rich and fulfilling to the max.

Super Smooth Irish Coffee- Teeling

We bring you another Master winner, this time from 2020 and it’s Teeling’s glorious Small Batch. The blend of malt and grain whiskeys is aged in ex-Bourbon barrels initially, before unconventionally being moved for further ageing in Central American rum barrels. Because of this, it’s fruity on the nose, super smooth on the palate and finishes with an enticing caramel creaminess. The combination of rum and whiskey creates a unique flavour profile that you may well fall in love with! 

Ingredients
40ml Teeling Small Batch
80ml brown sugar syrup (50/50 split)
120ml coffee
20ml double cream

Method
Word to the wise, the sugar syrup here is a 50/50 split of sugar and hot water, which is less sugary than usual, in case you were thinking 80ml is a lot! Preheat your glass and add the whiskey, syrup, and freshly brewed coffee. Stir thoroughly and pour the cream over the back of a spoon. Again, grate some nutmeg if it suits your tastes and away you go!

If all that has got you in the mood for other coffee cocktails, then check out our best selections here. And for more great Irish Whiskey content, explore our other favourites with, ‘The Best Irish Whiskey’.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The Best Drinks Advent Calendars for 2022

It's November and that means one thing… Christmas is a common feature on all the shelves with piles of baubles here and boxes of shimmering tinsel there. It also means that this year’s round of drinks advent calendars are being released! Woo-hoo!

The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better way to enjoy it than by opening a boozy treat each day? If you’re a bah humbug then it makes the countdown enjoyable, and if you’re already a Christmas convert then it makes it even better! They’re getting more and more creative every year with options a-plenty, and we’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below!

For Fine Spirits drinkers:

The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar

Welcome to the ultimate, luxurious treat for a lover of fine spirits. The Whisky Exchange have put together 24 minature bottles of whisky, rum, gin, amaro, calvados and more, all of which are exclusive bottlings, under-the-radar spirits or some of the biggest names in fine booze. Simply stunning and berautifully packaged.
Find here: £150

For Gin drinkers:

Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar

Most gin drinkers will already be on drinking terms with Fever-Tree and their cracking selection of tonics. This year, their masters of mixology have paired them up with some of the UK’s best-known gin brands like Tanqueray and Hendrick’s, as well as some new kids on the block. Perfect dance partners like Ginger Ale and Ophir’s spicy gin wait behind each door so have fun finding and tasting the pairings as the month rolls on!

Find here: £60

The Premium Edition Gin Advent Calendar

With 24 wax-sealed 30ml samples of gin from around the world hand picked by experts, there’s something for everyone behind each door! From classics to new releases, Tarquin’s Figgy Pudding Gin to Bluecoat’s American Dry, this is a yuletide medley you won’t want to miss!

Find here: £99.95

For Rum drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Rum Advent Calendar

There’s something tantalising behind every door for the rum drinkers too, with this Drinks by the Dram calendar. Dark rum, white rum, golden rum, whatever you’ve wished for it’s in here. Try unusual delights like award-winning Discarded Banana Peel Rum and enjoy old familiars such as Plantation’s XO.

Find here: £149.95

For Tequila drinkers:

The Spirit Co – Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

You will begin a 24-day long journey to enlightenment with this, and how many advent calendars can you say that about? Although they’re 30ml sized bottles, The Spirit Co’s 24 tequila picks are designed for you to taste and discover the subtleties of this Mexican icon. From fresh Blanco, to complex Añejo, you will understand tequila on a whole new level by the time the big day comes.

Find here: £124.95

For Vodka drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Vodka is a spirit that can be found being dismissed by some as monotonous. Well, with a new year on the horizon, it’s time to change those misconceptions. These expertly curated tasters are a perfect opportunity to learn about how vodka can vary, and what you’re individually drawn to. Whether it’s drinking crisply smooth originals or subtle berry beauties, every day is a school day and school has never been so fun.

Find here: £99.95

For Whisky drinkers:

Whisky Explorers’ Edition Advent Calendar

Winter whisky warms the soul perfectly over the festive season, and as you prize open each cardboard door, a new whisky awaits. From traditional Irish whiskeys to a new whisky that is actually designed by artificial intelligence(!!), this advent calendar is perfect for someone wanting to dip their toe into the wonderful world of whisky.

Find here: £99.95

Whisky Premium Edition Advent Calendar

If you’re already a card-carrying whisky explorer or know someone that is then this calendar is for those ready to take the step up. Every door is filled with a wax-sealed 30ml dram of top tier whisky, carefully selected by world-famous producers. Aged to perfection, this is a great way of eying up your favourite premium whisky without buying a whole bottle. Pricey sure, but if you can’t treat yourself or others at Christmas time when can you?

Find here: £249.95

For Wine drinkers:

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is jam packed with Brixton Wine Club’s favourite canned wines from throughout the year, including limited editions and ones that have sold out so it’s a real treat. There are reds, whites, seltzers, bubbles and not only that, but we were happy to see so many up and coming British wines included too!

Find here: £125

Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar

Every December day is made that bit better by a delicious quarter-bottle of wine waiting for you, isn’t it? All packaged up in a cosy Christmas market scene too, so it makes a wonderful festive addition to your home. We won’t spoil it for you but there also may or may not be a special treat on Christmas Eve too ;)

Find here: £69.99

For Cocktail drinkers:

NIO 12-day Advent Cocktail Box

This is the perfect advent for sharing because you can reveal cocktails two at a time over 12 days, so don’t worry you do still get your 24 drinks! And you even get a garnish too, so you can really indulge in the authentic cocktail experience. The calendar houses a very alluring cocktail hall of fame, with Negroni, Manhattan, Cosmo, Espresso Martini, and Daiquiri to name a few. There’s also sure to be some surprises for you too.

Find here: £115

For Beer drinkers:

Beavertown Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Don’t worry beer guzzlers, there’s something for you to countdown to Christmas as well. Craft beer extraordinaries Beavertown have created a delightfully vibrant advent calendar this year, and a limited-edition version that includes a load of cool gifts too. 6 mini boxes are included so they’re perfect to pop in the fridge, meaning that the only surprise is which beer you get, not that it’s warm!

Find here: £58 / £68 (Limited Edition)

For Cider drinkers:

Lilley’s 2022 Advent Calendar

There are even cider advent calendars these days, and we love the interesting concoctions of Lilley’s. Pear flavoured Bee Sting had picked up plenty of awards for the Somerset company, and the same can be said for their Rhubarb flavour. Also, if you like sweet ciders, then let us tell you that the Mango is a must try. There are 24 full size bottles so it’s good value too, and you can go look up each interesting flavour... or keep it as a Christmas surprise! Scrumptious.

Find here: £66

If you’re still stuck for gift ideas or just fancy looking at what else is out there, check out our other drinking gift ideas and be sure to let us know if you’ve got your eyes on any advent calendars we’ve missed out here.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

7 Things Every Rum Lover Needs in Their Home Bar

At The Three Drinkers, we spend so much time thinking about different rums and all the cocktails to make from them, so it’s no surprise that we’ve noticed the same things popping up over and over.

Whether it be barware, garnishes or mixers, if you love rum as much as we do, these 7 things are a must for your home bar. After all, if you’ve always got them in the cupboard then you’re never far away from a drink that really hits the spot!

What Barware do you Need for Rum Cocktails?

Cocktail Set

Some cocktails will just require a light stir, others shaken and strained. If you’re experimenting with rum, then having a cocktail set that can do it all will make everything that bit easier. This kit contains a professional shaker that’s essential to any home set up, strainers to smooth out your mixes and much more. Also, you can stay on top of the notorious ‘home measures’ with the jiggers included ;) All in a fabulous gift box tube too!

Find here: £24.99

Rum Glasses

Traditionally, each cocktail has its own glass to match. The Poco Grande for a piña colada, the Collins for a mojito etc. If you want the ultimate experience, then spoil yourself with a beautiful glass for each of your favourite rum concoctions but to a certain extent (shh don’t tell anyone we said this!), a glass is a glass, right? A sturdy low baller for you drinkers who like your rum neat and a tulip shaped number for your cocktails will more than suit your rum needs.

Find here: £35 for 4 x Lowball / £5.50 for 2 x Hurricane

Which garnishes work well with rum?

Lime - Fruits for Drinks

Daiquiri, Pina Colada, Mai Tai, Mojito, the list goes on. Lime and rum go brilliantly, whether that’s the juice, zest or as a garnish. It’s by far the fruit that you’ll need most for your rum concoctions, so always have some on hand. For your garnishes, Fruits For Drinks’ lime bags are freeze dried and come in a resealable fresh pack that lasts for 9 months once opened, so you don’t need to worry about fresh limes going to waste. Lime = essential.

Find here: £7.99

Which spirits and mixers go well with rum?

Angostura Orange Bitters

Angostura’s orange bitters have become a staple part of many bartender’s inventories across the world, and there’s no reason your home bar should be any different. The rustic bottle contains an intense blend of Caribbean orange peel as well as infused spices like cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. You’ll find it coming into play an awful lot, whether that’s in a Zombie, a Rum Old Fashioned, or pretty much any pineapple rum cocktail or rum punch. It’s also great to liven up a simple rum and coke. They say nothing rhymes with orange, but rum certainly does...taste wise anyway.

ABV: 28%
Size: 10cl
Find it here: £8.50

Bob’s Vanilla Bitters

Another bitter you can rely on is Bob’s Vanilla Bitters. The rich vanilla takes those sweeter rum cocktails to the next level, accompanying the creaminess of a piña colada perfectly. It’s another one that can breathe new life into a simple rum and coke, and you’ll find it blends perfectly with the vanilla notes in many Caribbean rums. Yum!

ABV: 35%
Size: 10cl
Find it here: £12.74

Ginger Beer

Ginger is a magical match for the spicier rums, so a good ginger beer or ginger ale is always useful to have on hand. You’ll be able to knock out Dark ‘n’ Stormies like nobody’s business, as well as Caribbean Mules and all kinds of punches. Fever-tree has pulled together ginger from the Congo, The Ivory Coast and India to give a hot and root-y flavoured ginger beer and Franklin & Sons uses natural root ginger extract and sparkling spring water in their subtle, refreshing ginger ale.

Fever Tree - Size: 200ml // Find it here: 4 x £3.60
Franklin & Sons - Size: 150ml // Find here: 24 for £15

Cointreau

Cointreau is a fresh and fruity orange liqueur that you’ll see on many an ingredients list, and one you should definitely have ready to go. Mai Tai, Long Island iced tea, Rum sidecar, Daiquiri, we could go on. Cointreau and rum make for a pretty formidable duo!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £22.99

If you’ve got all of the above then you’re well on the way to an impressive rum armoury, but let’s not forget that the star of the show is of course the rum itself. If you want to stock up on some of our favourite rums for under £30, go here! And to find out how to make all those rum cocktails mentioned above, click here!

One Drink, Three Ways: Samuel Gelston's Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueur

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join The Three Drinkers’ Helena, Aidy and Colin as they take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves which you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, the three help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.

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Introducing Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueur. The icons of Irish whiskey have ventured into liqueur for the first time in their long history and there’s serious indulgence here with notes of creamy vanilla, toffee, caramel, marshmallow and nougat. It would be amazing in desserts, but we’ve been busy trying it out in cocktails. The Three Drinkers each share their favourite ways to taste it….

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Helena’s Choice: The Belfast Shake

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Smooth and creamy, The Belfast Shake is an absolute indulgence. With notes of vanilla and chocolate and nutty tones too, all intertwined with the rich Irish whiskey backbone it’s a proper boozy shake and I love it! Simply Blend everything until it’s completely mixed and pour it into a hurricane glass. Grate the chocolate on top, add the hazelnuts if you like them, and voila!

The Belfast Shake

Recipe

50ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

60ml almond milk

10ml Orgeat/almond syrup

1 scoop of vanilla ice cream

1 scoop of ice

Garnish: grated dark chocolate & chopped hazelnuts

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Aidy’s Choice: Coffee & Cream

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If you’re anything like me you will love the sound, look and taste of this. Made in the same vein as the Espresso Martini, the Cream Liqueur just takes it to a new level of decadent delight. To mix it up, shake everything without ice. Then add the ice and shake everything again. Strain into a coupe glass and sprinkle some coffee beans over the foam. Think your mouth is watering now?! Just wait until you taste it!

Coffee & Cream

Recipe

30ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

30ml vanilla vodka

40ml expresso

10ml caramel syrup

Garnish: coffee beans on foam

Glass: Coupe

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Colin’s Choice: Benbane Cup

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The Espresso Martini’s Irish cousin is the perfect fireplace sipper. Rich liqueur, glorious coffee flavour, creamy texture, and a vodka backbone – I think that’s a very nice checklist indeed. It’s very simple to make. Pour all the ingredients into a glass over ice. Stir to your blending preference and top up with extra ice.

Benbane Cup

Recipe

30ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

30ml vodka

20ml cream

20ml coffee liqueur

Glass: Tumbler

UK
ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £17

Enjoy those suggestions? We’ve got plenty more here with Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Glenmorangie X, or Don Papa Rum!

9 Boo-zy Cocktails for Halloween

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Double, double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble! Halloween is very nearly upon us, and these drinks are perfect to feel the chill. Swamp juice or witch’s brews, which will you choose? Pick your poison below!

The Black Widow

Stare into the abyss with this striking Black Widow cocktail. As you put it to your lips you won’t know what to expect, but it’s actually surprisingly sweet and fruity. Scary at first but after tasting you’ll want to drink these deep into the witching hours!

Ingredients
30ml Crème de cassis
40ml vodka (black if you have it)
25ml ginger beer
0.5tsp activated charcoal (optional)
Black food colouring (optional)
Blackberries (garnish)

Method
Your aim is here to achieve that jet black colour and there are a few ways to do that. Black vodka rather than clear is obviously great if you have it. If not, black food colouring works perfectly and lastly, there’s activated charcoal which creates the deepest black. Other than that, you just need to shake everything except the ginger beer. Pour it over ice, top it up with ginger beer, and garnish with a blackberry. Simple!

Monster Milk

Freshly squeezed from the depths of hell is Monster Milk. A disgusting name sure, but a delicious drink. It’s a milky sweet base with spiced rum at the heart of it because this is no ordinary milk, it’s monster milk!

Ingredients
80ml milk
35ml spiced rum
Dash of bitters (preferably chocolate)
0.25tsp of vanilla extract
1 tbsp of syrup
15ml cream (optional)

Method
Frighteningly simple – shake everything with ice and pour!
Top Tip: If you want Hot Monster Milk, then you just need to heat up the milk before adding!

Death in the Afternoon

Created by Ernest Hemmingway himself in 1935, this bubbling cocktail contains only two ingredients. The luminescent green of the absinthe with champagne bubbling through it makes it look like something that’s come straight out of an evil laboratory… come to think of it, it would look even better if you got hold of some dry ice!

Ingredients
35ml green absinthe
100ml Champagne

Method
Add your absinthe and then add your ice-cold bubbly. That’s it! Voila!

Pumpkin Martini

It wouldn’t be a Halloween party without pumpkin present! The flavour can be a little love or hate, so it’s probably not best for a massive batch unless you’re partying with a Pumpkin Fan Club. It’s creamy, earthy, and delicately sweet with a tasty crunch to finish.

Ingredients
50ml vodka
15ml cream
10ml syrup
2tbsp pumpkin puree
¼ tsp of pumpkin pie spice (optional)
¼ tsp of vanilla extract
Crushed biscuit (garnish) 

Method
It’s spookily simple this one. Just shake all ingredients thoroughly with a large handful (werewolf sized) of ice. Strain the mix into your martini glass. Rub the rim with a light coating of maple syrup and add crushed biscuit around it.

Witch’s Brew

A colour changing cocktail to stun your guests! The key to this is the colour changing gin which you might think is difficult to find, but they have exploded in popularity recently and so are pretty easy to track down. A classic from any Witch’s recipe book.

Ingredients
60ml colour changing gin
25ml blue Curacao
Dash of lemon juice
Top up with flavoured tonic

Method
Fill your glass with crushed ice, blue Curacao, and a squeeze of lemon. Now the showstopper – gather your guests and slowly pour in the magical gin. Ta-da! Top up with your favourite tonic (raspberry works well), and repeat your trick for the inevitable queue that will have formed!

Swamp Juice

There’s nothing better than a glass of swamp juice on Halloween is there? Especially when the swamp is made from whisky and cider! Also lurking beneath the surface is lemon juice to shock you into life and an egg white for true sliminess. It’s the best tasting swamp around if you ask us!

Ingredients
45ml bourbon
45ml apple cider
Juice of 1 lemon
15ml syrup
1 tbsp egg white
0.5tsp of green food colouring (optional)

Method
There’s nothing fancy about a swamp so throw everything into a cocktail shaker with some ice. Strain into your glass over ice to finish. Bottoms up!

Bloody Pomegranate

With the rich darkness of the pomegranate, the froth of the wine, and the pomegranate seeds floating disturbingly, this is a gruesome sight indeed. The taste on the other hand is delicious!

Ingredients
60ml sparkling wine
25ml pomegranate juice
Pomegranate seeds

Method
If you wish, you can freeze the pomegranate juice in ice cubes beforehand or simply pour everything together and add ice. Crush some of the seeds so they’re misshapen and look like something that’s fallen off a zombie.
Top Tip: Continue the ‘blended body’ vibe by adding in a floating eyeball or fake finger if you have them. (Top Tip within a Top Tip – stuff lychees with grapes to create your own eyeballs!)

We’ve kept the above recipes super simple, but you can pretty easily add dry ice for more mystery or even LED ice cubes for extra luminescence. If you need help with the colour changing gin, we’ve written a full article on it here. Check out, ‘5 Easy Halloween Cocktails’ for more easy to make spooktacular cocktails too!

5 Negroni Variations you Need to Try!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Whether you love a Negroni but want to mix it up, or you’re wanting to give it another chance, you’ve come to the right place.

Loved for its simplicity, we know that there are drinkers out there who would condemn us for experimenting with this cocktail. To them, we say that experimentation and cocktails have always gone hand-in-hand, and if it tastes great then it tastes great. And these variations definitely do. So there ;)

The Classic

Let’s take you back in time to Florence, 1919 where it all began. When Count Camillio Negroni ordered his Americano (the cocktail, not the coffee) but fancied something stronger, his bartender swapped the soda for gin and in doing so, wrote his name into the history books (or the Count’s name at least). If you’re going to dive deeper into the world of Negroni, then it only makes sense to nail the classic first.

Ingredients
25ml gin
25ml sweet vermouth
25ml Campari
Orange slice (garnish)

Method
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Stir for 20 seconds until everything is thoroughly blended and chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add more large ice cubes and garnish with a slice of orange.

White Negroni

Jumping over the border, the White Negroni is essentially the French adaptation. Campari and sweet vermouth were harder to find there back in the day, so two French aperitifs filled the vacancy instead. Surely it can’t compete with the classic though? Well, au contraire!

Ingredients
37.5ml gin
25ml Lillet Blanc
12.5ml of Suze Liqueur
Lemon slice (garnish)

Method
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Stir for 20 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Lemon is a perfect garnish.

Prosecco Negroni

Don’t even bother unpacking because we’re going back over the border again, this time swapping the gin for the lifeblood of hen parties, Prosecco. Italy’s bubbly is the perfect addition if you’re not overly keen on the bitterness of the gin, and it makes for a slightly sweeter and lighter drink.

Ingredients
25ml Prosecco
25ml Campari
12.5ml sweet vermouth
Orange slice (garnish)

Method
Pour the Campari and vermouth into a rocks glass and fill it with ice. Top up with your prosecco and give it a gentle stir. Orange slice to finish.

Rosé Negroni

If you didn’t know about Rosé vermouth then you do now. Combined with Aperol instead of Campari alongside the dash of strawberry liqueur, this is a sweeter, fruitier version of the original, perfect for those put off by the usual bitterness of a Negroni.

Ingredients
25ml Gin
25ml Rosé vermouth
12.5ml Aperol
12.5ml Strawberry Liqueur
Strawberry (garnish)

Method
Add everything into a rocks glass filled with ice and stir well. Sit a strawberry on top and enjoy!

Tequila Negroni

The ‘Tegroni’ is the Negroni’s Mexican cousin, swapping out the traditional gin for Tequila. Bringing a bitter earthiness to the cocktail, this is one of the more popular adaptations and well worth a try. Arriba, arriba!

Ingredients
25ml Tequila
25ml Sweet Vermouth
12.5ml Campari
Grapefruit twist (garnish)

Method
 Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Stir until thoroughly mixed and strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with a twist of grapefruit and some zest for added zing.

Whisky Negroni

There’s a chance you’ve heard this drink by another name before, and that’s Boulevardier. Well, Boulevardier is essentially a Whiskey Negroni - it’s a variation so popular that it’s got its own name (which translates to man-about-town). Some refer to it as Negroni’s edgier, darker, older brother, but with the Mexican cousin above, the whole family thing is getting a bit confusing so we’ll leave that there.

Ingredients
25ml Bourbon
25ml Sweet Vermouth
25ml Campari
Orange slice (garnish)

Method

For this one, chill a cocktail glass by placing it in the freezer. Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass and fill it two thirds of the way with ice. Stir for around 30 seconds to chill and then strain into the cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of orange.

Negronis and all their variations are pretty simple cocktails with only a handful of ingredients so making sure each one tastes great is essential.

If you want to pick out the perfect Bourbon for your Boulevardier, take a look here.

Or was it the Tegroni that took your fancy? If so, check these glorious Tequilas out.

And don’t forget you can let us know if you’ve got your own customised Negroni that you think competes with the original by getting in touch here!

The 10 Most Popular Cocktails in the World

A classic cocktail is a beautiful thing. Sweet, bitter, fruity, strong, there’s something for everyone. In a world where new cocktails are invented every day with ever increasingly odd names, there’s a reason each of these classics holds up.

Fentimans have narrowed down the world’s favourite cocktails to these 10, and we’re giving you a reminder on how to make each one. Shakers at the ready!

10. PINA COLADA

The definitive tropical cocktail. It’s part beverage, part smoothie (if you want it to sound healthier) and the perfect choice for you drinkers with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:
60ml white rum
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Garnish: pineapple Wedge

Method: The blender is coming out for this one. Combine 60ml of your favourite white rum, with the same amount of coconut cream. Add 120ml of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple, a handful of ice, and blend. A wedge of pineapple for the garnish and you’re there. Umbrella optional ;)

9. COSMOPOLITAN

Sweet, tangy, and packing a punch, we love the Cosmo for its fresh and clean feel. 

Ingredients:
45ml vodka
15ml Triple Sec
30ml cranberry juice
a dash of lime
Garnish: orange zest

Method: Dust off the cocktail shaker and combine the vodka (citrus flavoured works well), triple sec, cranberry juice, a cup of ice, and a dash of lime juice for added freshness. Get your shake on, and then pour the mix into a martini glass with orange zest for the quintessential Cosmo experience!

8. OLD FASHIONED

Over 200 years old and still going strong, there is a reason the Old Fashioned is the most popular cocktail in the US today. It’s simple, dark, and delicious.

Ingredients:
40ml bourbon
2 tsp sugar syrup/1 tsp sugar
2-3 dashes of bitters
Garnish: orange slice & Maraschino cherry

Method: Take your glass and add in the sugar syrup (or sugar), a tiny splash of water, and 2 or 3 dashes of bitters depending on your preference. Stir, layer with ice, pour in your favourite bourbon whiskey over the top and garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry for the complete cocktail. Some people like to add a little soda water too so make it how you like it best. There are no strict rules when it comes to cocktails!

7. APEROL SPRITZ

Created in Italy and now Germany’s favourite, Aperol Spritz is one of the most straightforward cocktails you can make. Just 3 ingredients give you a true taste of summer. 

Ingredients:
50ml Aperol
75ml prosecco
soda water

Method: Pop a few ice cubes in your glass and combine the Aperol and prosecco. Top up with soda, stir gently to keep the fizz and then garnish with a slice of orange! Voilà! Again, you can adjust the ratios for your tastes and mood.

6. SANGRIA

Synonymous with Spain and Portugal, a cold jug of sangria on a hot day is hard to beat which is why it’s the top wine-based cocktail in the world.

Ingredients (for a jug)
750ml good red wine
100ml brandy
200g berries
2 oranges
2 pears
2 lemons

Method: Chop two oranges, two pears and two lemons. Add them along with 200g of whatever red berries you like best, into a bowl and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over them. Fill a jug with ice, your fruit, brandy and red wine. Stir, taste, and add in a little triple sec if you want it stronger, or some sparkling water for the opposite. Enjoy!

5. MARTINI

The choice of 007, and apparently millions more as the simple Martini remains as popular as ever.

Ingredients:
60ml vodka/gin
20ml vermouth
Garnish: lemon/olive

Method: Shaken or stirred? Vodka or gin? Olive or lemon? We’ll leave it down to you, but you’ll need 60ml of vodka/gin, 20ml of dry vermouth, ice, and olives or lemon to finish. Top Tip: Make sure to pop your martini glass in the freezer/fill it with ice to chill it right down before you use it. Did you know you can put your vodka/gin in the freezer to cool it right down too?

4. CAIPIRINHA

Originally based on a remedy to cure Spanish flu (yep!), this national drink of Brazil has only 3 ingredients and highlights the distinct taste of cachaça, a spirit made from sugarcane. It’s totally refreshing and delicious.

Ingredients:
50ml cachaça
juice from 1/2 lime
1 tsp sugar

Method: Crush half a lime and mix with the sugar to dissolve it. Add the cachaça and ice and stir. That’s it – ridiculously straightforward!

3. PORNSTAR MARTINI

A modern-day classic, this sweet and sour cocktail has become the UK’s favourite. Its evocative name may have helped spread the word, but it’s the iconic taste that makes it one of the best.

Ingredients:
30ml vanilla vodka
15ml Passoa
2 tsp lime juice
seeds from 1 passion fruit
50ml prosecco

Method: There’s a tad more work to do for this cocktail but trust us, it’s worth it. Scoop the seeds from a passion fruit into your cocktail shaker and add the vanilla vodka (if you only have plain vodka, use a little vanilla syrup). Add a handful of ice, Passoa and the lime juice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and add a passion fruit slice on top. But we’re not done there. A 50ml Prosecco shot is often served in accompaniment, so you can have two drinks in one cocktail!

2. MOJITO

Narrowly missing out on the top spot, but loved most in France, Italy and Portugal is the iconic Mojito. It’s rum, mint, and lime – the ultimate refresher.

Ingredients:
50ml white rum
juice of 1 lime
1 tsp sugar/ 15ml sugar syrup
a handful of mint leaves
soda water
Garnish: mint

Method: Crush a handful of mint leaves with the lime juice and sugar. Add ice and a white rum that you love. Top up with soda water to a level you enjoy, gently stir to combine, garnish with mint and sip away! Top Tip: When preparing a mojito always crush the mint leaves as opposed to dicing to unlock oils that will assist with enhancing the minty flavour.

1. MARGARITA

So, here it is. The world’s favourite cocktail at the moment– the Margarita. Easy to make, simple to adapt and perfect for any occasion. Salty, sweet, bitter, and sour, the Margarita triggers four of the five possible human tastes, so there’s actually some science behind its popularity too.

Ingredients:
50ml tequila
25ml fresh lime juice
20ml triple sec
a dash of syrup (optional)
Garnish: lime wheel, salt rim (optional)

Method: Shake the tequila, lime juice, triple sec and ice together until the shaker is cool to touch. You can add a dash of syrup also if you like it sweet. Strain the ingredients into a small glass and garnish with an appetising lime wheel and a salt rim if you fancy. Sit back and enjoy cocktail royalty. 

The methods above will guide you in the right direction but as with any cocktail, experiment. Add stuff in, take stuff out, change the ratios, shake it, stir it, do whatever you can think of (pretty much), and create your ultimate cocktail.

To learn more about the Margarita and all the variations you could make at home, take a look at our guide here: The Best Margarita Variations. And if you want to explore some lesser-known but still delightful cocktails, then why not have a flick through our, ‘One Drink, Three Ways’ feature? We take some of our favourite drinks and give you three great cocktail options for each. Who knows, maybe one will top this list one day.

One Drink, Three Ways: Franklin and sons Mandarin and Ginger Soda

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join The Three Drinkers’ Helena, Aidy and Colin as they take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves which you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, the three help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.

Franklin & Sons create tonic waters, soda, premixed cans and soft drinks. Founded in London in 1886 they are pioneers in the soft drinks space, seeking out only the best natural ingredients to create unique flavoured drinks. From Rosemary and Black olive tonic to Guava and Lime soda, there are tons of options to enjoy with your favourite mixers or to just sip neat. Today we are sharing with you three of our favourite mocktails/cocktails using Franklin & Sons Mandarin and Ginger soda.

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Helena’s Choice: The Lowball

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The Lowball

Ingredients

50ml Everleaf Forest

20ml Orange & Fennel Cordial

120ml Franklin & Sons Mandarin & Ginger Soda

We all love a cocktail but sometimes you want to drink something that’s tasty without the added alcohol and so I’m mixing things up a bit this time and going for a no-low option. This cocktail is zesty and refreshing with a beautiful warm spicy finish. The perfect drink for a warm summer night. 
Method: Pour all the ingredients (excluding the soda) into a highball glass and then add ice and top with the Mandarin & Ginger Soda. Gently stir to mix.

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Aidy’s Choice: The Northern Mule

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The Northern Mule

Ingredients

50ml Spirit of Manchester Gin

15ml Lime Juice

10ml Ginger Syrup

120ml Franklin & Sons Mandarin & Ginger Soda

Being from up North it would be wrong not to give this beauty a shout out! A twist on the classic Mule, this version uses gin instead of the traditional vodka making for a very light and refreshing Summer drink. 
Method: Pour all the ingredients (excluding the soda) into a mule mug, add ice, and top with the Mandarin & Ginger Soda. Gently stir to mix and garnish with a sprig of mint and crystallised ginger.

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Colin’s Choice: Old Fashioned Spritz

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Old Fashioned Spritz

Ingredients

50ml Woodford Reserve

15ml Demerara Syrup

3ml Angostura Bitters

150ml Franklin & Sons Mandarin & Ginger Soda

I love an Old Fashioned and would possibly go as far as to say it is one of the best whisky cocktails around. The addition of the Mandarin and Ginger soda in this spritz version transports this traditionally wintery drink into a cocktail that is a delight to sip on a balmy Summer evening. The bitterness of the cocktail works harmoniously with the soda giving it an edge of sweetness that will keep you coming back for more.
Method: Pour all the ingredients into a highball glass, stir and top with Franklin & Sons Mandarin & Ginger Soda. Garnish with orange peel and a cherry.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not check out One Drink, Three Ways: Wine Cocktails with Barefoot Wine, One Drink, Three Ways: The Macallan 12YO Double Cask or One Drink, Three Ways: Remy Martin VSOP Cognac?