Highballs aren't the only way to stay cool as temperatures rise. Shaking the right whisky with ingredients like cucumber juice can lead to complex yet invigorating cocktails like the Lost Irish.
“I wanted the drink to feel fresh, clean, and a little unpredictable—something rooted in Irish whiskey but shaped by summer produce and modern cocktail technique,” says creator Alberto Battaglini, owner and barman at PONY Cocktails + Kitchen in Santa Ynez, California.
This layered drink starts off bright, then cooling cucumber and soft honeyed ginger tiptoe in. Credit the salt for the sharp finish—it makes the whisky feel longer and more expressive, Battaglini says. “The Lost Irish is cold, elegant, and deeply refreshing. The saline makes everything pop, which is exactly what you want in warmer weather.”
Lost Irish
- 2 oz. Lost Irish (or other blended Irish whiskey)
- 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz. fresh cucumber juice
- 1/2 oz. ginger-honey syrup (recipe below)
- 1 pinch salt
- Mint or ginger candy for garnish
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Hard shake for 10 to 12 seconds. Fine strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with mint or ginger candy.
Ginger-Honey Syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a light simmer, then remove from heat immediately. Let steep for 20 minutes. Strain into an airtight container and cool before using. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
