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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails

    Irish Buck

    Published: Feb 16, 2023 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 572 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe
    Irish buck cocktail recipe.
    Irish buck cocktail recipe.
    Irish buck cocktail recipe.

    This Irish buck is a refreshing cocktail made with ginger ale, Irish whiskey, and lime juice. A simple recipe that's easy to whip up at home and customize with your favorite whiskey.

    Closeup overhead view of an Irish buck in a highball glass with a lime slice on the rim.

    Sometimes, all you need is a simple highball cocktail. The Irish buck is an easy drink to make at home - all you need is ginger ale (or ginger beer), Irish whiskey, and citrus juice.

    A buck is any cocktail made with ginger ale, a spirit, and citrus juice. You may know one famous version, the Dark 'n Stormy (made with dark rum), which is so popular it earned its own name. Mixed in a tall glass over ice, this drink is easy to make and enjoy quickly - no shaker needed.

    Make an Irish buck any time of year - it's refreshing in the hot summer months, and has a hint of warmth that's comforting in the winter. It's also perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day!

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Ingredients on a counter top.
    • Ginger ale - I tested this recipe with both ginger ale and ginger beer and preferred the taste of the lighter, sweeter ginger ale. Ginger beer adds a stronger ginger flavor that's slightly less sweet. If you enjoy ginger beer, you may prefer it in your Irish buck.
    • Irish whiskey - If you'd like to make an Irish buck, choose your favorite Irish whiskey for this recipe. We used Jameson in our testing. Tullamore Dew and Bushmills are other popular brands.
    • Citrus juice - I used lime juice, but lemon juice will also work.

    What is a buck?

    A buck is a cocktail made with ginger ale (or ginger beer), spirits, and citrus juice. Bucks are sometimes called mules because of the popular buck made with vodka, the Moscow mule.

    Mixing an Irish buck in a highball glass.

    Best whiskey to use

    Jameson is a great choice because it's easy to find and fairly inexpensive. Tullamore Dew and Bushmills are two other popular brands. If you have a favorite, use it. This ensures you'll enjoy the taste of your cocktail.

    For more information on Irish whiskey: Town and Country Magazine - 13 of the Best Irish Whiskies to Try Now

    Highball glass filled with pale yellow cocktail and a lime slice on the rim.

    Variations

    • Irish buck - made with Irish whiskey
    • Kentucky buck - made with Kentucky bourbon
    • Gin buck - made with gin
    • Vodka buck - also known as a Moscow mule, made with vodka
    • Dark 'n Stormy - made with dark rum

    Fun fact: The Moscow mule was responsible for the popularity of vodka in the early 1900s, and was the first time that a cocktail was used to promote a specific spirit. The drink was created to help boost sales of two underperforming items - ginger beer and vodka.

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    Closeup overhead view of an Irish buck in a highball glass with a lime slice on the rim.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 review

    Irish Buck

    This Irish buck is a refreshing cocktail made with ginger ale, Irish whiskey, and lime juice. A simple recipe that's easy to whip up at home and customize with your favorite whiskey.
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Total Time5 minutes
    Servings: 1 drink
    Calories: 139kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 ounces Irish whiskey
    • .25 ounce lime juice
    • 3 ounces ginger ale, or ginger beer
    • 1 lime slice

    Instructions

    • Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Irish whiskey and lime juice, then top with ginger ale. Stir briefly to combine.
    • Garnish with a lime slice and serve.

    Equipment Recommendations

    • Highball Glasses
    • Stainless Steel Double Jigger
    • Cocktail Stirrer

    Notes

    • Ginger ale adds a lighter, sweeter flavor, while ginger beer adds a stronger, more carbonated ginger flavor that's less sweet. An Irish buck can be made with either - your choice. 
    • Lime juice can be substituted with lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Serving: 1drink | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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