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Jameson’s Guide to the Improved Whiskey Cocktail Recipe

Jameson has many amazing original whiskey cocktails to choose from. This we know. And, as for the classics? Well, if you ever needed a simple tip on how to drink an improved whiskey cocktail, it would be to start by using triple distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey. But what about taking a classic (made with Jameson) and upgrading it further?

We know what you’re thinking. Can it be done? How do you create an improved whiskey cocktail when you’ve already mastered the Old Fashioned, the Whiskey Sour, and the Manhattan? How can you fly any closer to the sun? You’ve peaked!

Bartenders of the past had a similar dilemma: “I’ve already added whiskey to seltzer water! What more do the people want?!” Of course, there has been a near infinite amount of new cocktails invented since, including new whiskey cocktails, which have developed, improved, and reimagined what came before, adding new ingredients and techniques to modernise and progress flavours.

Take the humble Old Fashioned: did you know it is one of the many improved classic cocktails, now made differently than when it was first conceived? And this new and improved Old Fashioned can act as a base to experiment even further? If you didn’t, then this article is for you.

We’ll explain how whiskey cocktails have improved in the past and how to improve yours in the future, so you never run out of amazing drink ideas to share and enjoy responsibly with family and friends.

What is an Improved Whiskey Cocktail?

The “Improved Whiskey Cocktail” first appeared in the late 1800s when bartending legends like Jerry Thomas started experimenting with the standard whiskey cocktail formula: spirit, sugar, water, bitters. Sound a bit familiar? A bit…old fashioned? We’ll come to that.

In the early days, cocktails were not labelled with interesting and vibrant names. A whiskey cocktail (like a gin, vodka or brandy cocktail) described the above: spirit, sugar, bitters, water. The Improved Whiskey Vodka started to appear as a footnote to add additional ingredients to this recipe. Bartenders like Jerry Thomas were particularly taken with using maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and curaçao in their ‘improved cocktails’, turning the simple mix into something more complex and adventurous.

Glass of whiskey on the rocks with an orange peel garnish, bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey in the background.

Of course, if an Improved Whiskey Cocktail wasn’t to your taste, you would order a Whiskey Cocktail the old-fashioned way. And so, the Old Fashioned found its name.

In today’s mixology cocktail world, “improved” doesn’t mean fixing something broken. It means enhancing. It means using new cocktail techniques, diverse ingredients, and a little creativity to craft cocktails that are full of flavour. It’s less about reinventing the wheel and more about polishing it until it shines. And yes, polishing it with an orange twist is certainly an improvement.

So, how can you create an Improved Whiskey Cocktail easily?

Technique – Using sugar syrup. Old recipes call for sugar cubes in drinks like an Old Fashioned, but using sugar syrup is a far better way to add sweetness to a drink, as the sugar has already been diluted, so it will easily mix with the other ingredients.

Ingredients – Using triple distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey will improve the smoothness of your whiskey cocktail, while using Jameson Black Barrel will add an extra layer of depth in terms of taste.

Creativity – Think outside the box! Pre-smoking the glass with some cherrywood and a blowtorch can enhance certain flavours that can’t be tasted through the liquid alone.

Improved Whiskey Cocktail Recipe

Here’s a Jameson take on the Improved Whiskey Cocktail—smooth, balanced, and made with a little extra character from Jameson Black Barrel. This recipe is a nod to the heritage of the improved old fashioned, but with a Jameson twist that’s all about enhancing flavour.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ML JAMESON BLACK BARREL
  • 10 ML MAPLE SYRUP
  • 1 DASH OF ANGOSTURA BITTERS
  • 2 DASHES OF CHOCOLATE BITTERS

Method:

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  3. Garnish with a chocolate shavings or a cinnamon stick. Or, if you want to show off, browse our other cocktail recipes for ideas.
Two whiskey cocktails with orange peel garnish in front of a bottle of Jameson Black Barrel.

How to Drink an Improved Whiskey Cocktail

First things first: sip, don’t gulp. Improved whiskey cocktails are all about appreciating the craft. Here’s how to drink an improved whiskey cocktail like a pro:

    • Choose the right glass: A rocks glass is standard, but if you’re curious, explore different types of whiskey glasses to see how they change the experience.
    • Mind the ice: One big cube keeps things chilled without diluting the flavour too quickly. Or if you want a stronger tasting version that’s still chilled, here’s a guide to using whiskey stones.
    • Notice the balance: The sweetness of the chocolate and maple should lift the vanilla and caramel notes of Jameson’s Black Barrel, but not overpower it.
    • Think about the garnish: It’s not just for looks. Garnishes add aroma, which is half the flavour game in bartending.
    • Share responsibly: Good whiskey drinks are for enjoying with friends, never for overdoing it.

With a little focus, your improved whiskey cocktail becomes more than just a drink—it’s a craft moment in a glass.

Final Sip

The improved whiskey cocktail is living proof that even the best can be made better. From 19th-century bartenders with wild ideas to Jameson’s smooth innovations, this drink has always been about creativity, flavour, and craftsmanship.

So next time you’re looking for new whiskey cocktails or fresh drink ideas, don’t just stick to the classics. Try your hand at adding a little something extra. Experiment with different techniques, garnishes, and Jameson expressions.

Check out Cocktails at Home for inspiration, dive into more cocktail recipes, and explore the wider world of Jameson.