Sip a Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime on St. Patrick’s Day or any day you need a refreshing drink! This cocktail is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
DISCLAIMER
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Feast + West may receive commissions for purchases made through those links — at no cost to you. All opinions are our own. Please read our full disclosure for more information.
About this Jameson, Ginger & Lime recipe
If you’ve been to the liquor store lately, you’ve probably seen the insane amount of canned cocktails sitting on the shelves. It’s honestly a little bit impressive what they’ve managed to cram into a can — but that doesn’t mean they’re good!
Now, I’m not saying canned cocktails don’t have their place. For a cookout on the beach or a tailgate before a game, sure. I’d have one. But any other time? I want to have control of the ingredients in my cup and be able to customize it to my liking. Plus, there’s just something about handing someone a drink that you’ve made just for them that feels so good!
This Jameson, Ginger & Lime is one you can find on the shelf, but when you make it at home I promise it will be soooo much better! It’s got a taste similar to an Irish mule, but with less bite thanks to the ginger ale (vs. ginger beer).
Try it for St. Patrick’s Day (it’s nice to have options other than just green beer, right) and keep it around for summertime sipping — I have a feeling it will be one of your favorites!
More whiskey recipes: Jack & Ginger Ale • Bourbon Ginger Ale • Irish Old-Fashioned
Why you’ll love this recipe
If you like Irish whiskey, you’ll love this recipe! Here’s why:
- Jameson means this is a perfect drink for St. Patrick’s day, but it’s refreshing enough to enjoy anytime!
- With just three ingredients, this cocktail comes together in just a few minutes.
- There’s plenty of room for customizations in this cocktail. Mix it up according the the recipe or tweak it to fit your tastes!
What is Irish whiskey?
Irish whiskey is whiskey … made on the island of Ireland! Yep, it’s really that simple.
It’s made from grains, water and yeast, and aged in wooden casks. Irish whiskey has a smooth, clean flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla. This makes it perfect for sipping on the rocks or mixing into cocktails. It’s also a critical ingredient in the deliciously creamy Irish cream liqueur!
History of the Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime
The Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime goes by several names. Sometimes called a JGL or an Irish Buck, this simple sipper has been around since the 19th century.
According to Liquor.com, a buck is a category of drinks that contain a mix of ginger ale (or sometimes ginger beer), citrus juice and a spirit. The drinks get a different name depending on the booze that goes into them — hence the name Irish Buck for this refreshing cocktail!
The great part about this category of cocktails is their flexibility. While there’s a recipe for each, you can add more or less of each ingredient to fit your personal tastes. Experiment and see what you like best!
Tools & glassware
It doesn’t get much easier than this cocktail! You don’t need anything outside of a jigger — for measuring — and a glass.
A highball glass is traditional for this Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime cocktail, but you could easily swap it for a rocks glass, or even a mule mug. Whatever you have on-hand is perfect!
favorite highball glasses
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Ingredients
You’re only a few ingredients away from sipping on this refreshing drink! You’ll need:
- Irish whiskey: I used Jameson, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Lime Juice: Fresh squeezed is best in my book, but the store-bought works in a pinch!
- Ginger Ale: This sweeter soda is different than ginger beer — it has much less spice.
Garnishes
A lime wedge or lime wheel does the trick for this sipper, and helps amp up the lime flavor. However, you can get as creative as you’d like!
Dehydrated lime slices would be a topper that could elevate the Jameson, Ginger and Lime. If you’re sipping for a celebration, draw inspiration from the occasion — think edible clover for a St. Patrick’s Day soiree. The sky’s the limit!
Best ginger ale for Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime cocktails
This one comes down to personal preference. Each different brand will have a slightly different level of sweetness and ginger zing. You may have to make this cocktail more than once to find which one is your favorite!
I like to make homemade ginger ale so I can create my own perfect combination of ginger and sweetness. It’s easy to do, you only need a handful of ingredients and less than an hour.
Substitutions & variations
With drinks that only contain a few ingredients, you still have plenty of room to customize! If you’re not a big fan of the sweetness of ginger ale, try ginger beer instead for more of a spicy kick. You can also switch up the amount of lime juice and Irish Whiskey depending on what tastes best to you.
For a non-alcoholic Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime, you’ll want to swap the Irish whiskey for something zero-proof. You can opt for something from the store (I like Ritual zero-proof spirits) or make your own zero-proof spirit at home. Fair warning, because these spirits don’t contain the same ingredients as their boozy counterparts, the drink won’t taste exactly the same — but will still be delish!
Instructions
Now, let’s get to it! Here’s how you make a Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime:
First, fill your highball glass (or glass of your choice) with ice. Next, add your Irish whiskey.
Pour the lime juice into the glass, followed by ginger beer.
When you’ve topped off your glass, use a cocktail spoon to stir gently. You’re ready to enjoy your drink!
Tips & tricks
- Use the recipe and taste test the drink. Add more of any ingredient you feel is lacking to fit your own personal tastes!
- There are some crazy flavors of ginger ale on the market — try one for a different flavor profile!
- If you prefer a different type of whiskey, give it a try! It won’t be a Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime, but it will certainly still taste great.
Food pairings to try with a Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime cocktail
A drink like this one is ultra versatile. Serve it with something on the lighter side, like a cheese & charcuterie board or spinach artichoke dip.
Looking for something a little more filling? Loaded steak nachos are always a crowd pleaser. And don’t forget dessert! Peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are chewy, sweet and salty — the perfect combination!
FAQ
You can use whatever whiskey you prefer, although if you don’t opt for an Irish whiskey the taste will be a bit different from the iconic cocktail.
You can certainly swap out the ginger ale for an alternative! I like to try the different flavors of ginger ale for a fun twist. Ginger beer is a great swap and will give your drink more of a zing.
More St. Patrick’s Day recipes
— Did you make this recipe? —
Please leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below.
Jameson Ginger Ale & Lime
ingredients
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey such as Jameson
- ½ ounce lime juice freshly-squeezed
- 4-6 ounces ginger ale
- 1 lime wedge or wheel, for garnish
instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Top with Irish whiskey, lime juice and ginger beer.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
notes
recommended products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply