Classic Whiskey Ginger

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/13/24
Tested by
Tom Macy
Photo of Tom Macy
Tested by Tom Macy
Tom wears many cocktail hats. He is a professional bartender, bar owner, recipe creator, and drink writer, though he prefers the title "obsessive cocktail nerd."
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

Call it a "whiskey ginger" or an "Irish buck," they are essentially the same great drink. The basic but delicious cocktail contains Irish whiskey and ginger ale to create a tall, refreshing drink, much like the whiskey tonic or classic highball.

The combination of any whiskey with any light soda is hard to beat. These drinks are easy to mix up at a moment's notice, they are budget-friendly and, quite simply, a perfect flavor combination. If you are seeking an easy way to casually enjoy your favorite Irish whiskey, then whip up a whiskey ginger.

Whiskey and ginger ale is a semi-sweet, tall drink that is pleasant. The lime squeeze is essential as it is that finishing touch that marries the whiskey and soda perfectly.

Classic whiskey ginger in tall glasses with lime wedges

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
what you'll need to make this whiskey ginger recipe
Hand pouring a beverage into a Nude Design Studio Big Top Glassware Highball Glass
A Sleek Highball Glass
Black V-Rod Bottle Opener
A Good Bottle Opener
Set of 2 Adoric Silicone Ice Cube Trays
A Silicone Ice Cube Tray

"Classic, simple, and refreshing, this is a great cocktail for whiskey lovers and first-time whiskey drinkers. The key is to not add TOO much whiskey so that it throws the cocktail out of balance. Irish whiskey is an ideal choice for something on the softer side. For more of a kick, try bourbon or rye." —Tom Macy

Classic Whiskey Ginger Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey

  • 5 ounces ginger ale

  • 1 lime wedge

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for Irish whiskey and ginger ale recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats/ Julia Hartbeck

  2. Pour the whiskey into a highball glass filled with ice.

    Ice cubes and whiskey added to highball glass

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Fill with ginger ale.

    Ginger ale added to highball with whiskey and ice cubes

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.

    Lime wedge squeezed over drink and added to it

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  5. Stir.

    Drink being stirred with cocktail stirrer

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  6. Serve and enjoy.

    Irish whiskey and ginger ale in highball glasses with ice cubes and lime wedges

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Tips

  • Any brand of Irish whiskey works in the whiskey ginger. Bushmills is a popular option and it's often called a Jameson and ginger when Jameson Irish whiskey is poured.
  • Pour more or less ginger ale to fit your taste and the size of the glass.

Recipe Variations

  • Ginger ale is most common in the whiskey ginger because it has a softer ginger profile. If you want to add a nice ginger kick to the mix, choose a spicy ginger beer instead. 
  • A lemon-lime soda is also a perfect match for Irish whiskey.

How Strong Is a Whiskey Ginger?

As with any highball mixed drink, this is a relatively light drink. The final strength will depend on how much soda you pour, though it averages out at a mild 10 percent ABV (20 proof). That's about the same as drinking a glass of wine.

What Is an Irish Buck?

A "buck" drink is defined as including a base spirit, ginger ale or ginger beer, and citrus (generally in the form of a lime squeeze). The dark and stormy and Moscow mule are both classic examples of the buck family; the Irish buck uses Irish whiskey and is sometimes known as an Irish mule or whiskey mule. 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
156 Calories
0g Fat
27g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 156
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 14mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 39mg 195%
Calcium 49mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 139mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)