If you’re looking for a deliciously refreshing drink that brings a taste of Ireland with a fun twist, the Irish Redhead Cocktail is the perfect choice. This vibrant cocktail blends the smoothness of Irish whiskey with the tartness of citrus juices and the fizz of lemon-lime soda, creating a beautifully balanced drink that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

A vibrant red cocktail in a round glass, garnished with a lime slice and a cherry on top. In the background, a bottle features the text "Irish Redhead," adding a touch of allure to this delightful Irish Redhead Cocktail.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just in the mood for a flavorful cocktail, this one is sure to impress!

What Is an Irish Redhead Cocktail?

The Irish Redhead Cocktail is a whiskey-based drink that’s as striking in flavor as it is in appearance. It’s a delightful combination of Irish whiskey, grenadine, lemon-lime soda, lemon juice, and lime juice, giving it a smooth yet slightly sweet taste with a touch of tartness and fizz.

This cocktail is a fantastic way to enjoy Irish whiskey without the heaviness of classic whiskey drinks.

A glass brimming with the vibrant Irish Redhead cocktail, garnished elegantly with lime and cherry. A whiskey bottle peeks from the background alongside fresh limes, all resting on a sleek gray countertop.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

Simple Ingredients – You only need a few common ingredients to create this delicious cocktail.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a party, or just unwinding, this drink fits any vibe.
Balanced and Refreshing – Irish whiskey provides warmth, citrus juices add tartness, grenadine gives a hint of sweetness, and lemon-lime soda brings the perfect fizz.
Instagram-Worthy – Its red hue and fun garnishes make it as photogenic as it is tasty!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A bottle of Irish whiskey, a can of Sprite, grenadine syrup, and two limes come together to craft the delightful Irish Redhead Cocktail. Beside them, parsley in a jar and a juice-filled glass with a shot glass complete the scene on the gray surface.

To make the perfect Irish Redhead Cocktail, gather these simple ingredients:

Lemon-lime soda
Irish whiskey (Jameson, Bushmills, or your favorite brand)
Grenadine
Lime juice
Lemon juice
Ice (optional)
Lime slices for garnish (optional)
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed:

Jigger (for measuring)
12-ounce or larger c o cktail glass
Cocktail spoon (for gentle stirring)

How to Make an Irish Redhead Cocktail

Step 1: Prep Your Glass

If you want an extra refreshing drink, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing your drink.

Step 2: Mix the Citrus Juices

A person expertly crafts an Irish Redhead Cocktail, pouring juice from a jigger into a glass. Nearby, a whiskey bottle and soda can lend their charm, surrounded by two vibrant limes.

In a jigger, combine ½ oz lime juice and ½ oz lemon juice. Pour into a cocktail glass.

Step 3: Add the Grenadine and Whiskey

Top: Vibrant red liquid forms the base of an Irish Redhead Cocktail as it fills the jigger. Bottom: Rich brown liquid from a green bottle melds with the mix. Other tantalizing ingredients await in the background.

Next, pour in 1 oz of grenadine and 3 oz of Irish whiskey.

A refreshing Irish Redhead cocktail with vibrant red liquid elegantly rests in a glass, accompanied by a sleek metal straw. Nearby sit a zesty lime, a can of Sprite, and a bottle of Jameson whiskey. A verdant plant adds a blurred touch of nature in the background.

Give it a gentle stir with a cocktail spoon.

Step 4: Pour the Lemon-Lime Soda

A can of Sprite is being poured into a glass with red liquid, crafting an Irish Redhead Cocktail. A bottle, another can, and limes are casually scattered in the background.

Slowly pour 5 oz lemon-lime soda over the top of the mixture, allowing it to blend naturally.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

A red cocktail, known as the Irish Redhead, is garnished with a lime slice and cherry. A hand holds the cherry stem above the glass, ready to enjoy. In the background, a bottle and shot glasses complete the scene.

Top with ice (if using) and garnish with a lime slice and maraschino cherry. Sip and enjoy!

A hand holds an Irish Redhead cocktail in a stemmed glass, adorned with a lime slice and cherry. In the backdrop, a bottle of Jameson is accompanied by fresh lime wedges.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Irish Redhead Cocktail

Choose a good-quality Irish Whiskey – Jameson is a classic, but Bushmills or Tullamore D.E.W. work just as well.
Chill Your Ingredients – Cold ingredients make for a crisp, refreshing cocktail.
Don’t Stir After Adding Soda – Stirring after adding the soda will cause it to lose its carbonation.
Avoid a Shaker – Shaking will flatten the soda and make the drink less enjoyable.
Garnish Creatively – Try blood orange slices, mint sprigs, or an extra splash of grenadine for more color.
Serve Fresh – This drink is best enjoyed immediately, as the soda will go flat if stored.

A red cocktail with ice, lime slices, and a cherry, served in a rounded glass with a red and white straw. This delightful Irish Redhead is complemented by a partially visible bottle in the background.

Irish Redhead Cocktail Variations

Want to put your own spin on the Irish Redhead Cocktail? Here are some fun variations to try:

Spicy Irish Redhead

Add a splash of spicy ginger beer instead of lemon-lime soda for a little heat.

Fruity Redhead

Muddle fresh raspberries or strawberries before adding the liquid ingredients for a berry-infused twist.

Stronger Whiskey Kick

If you love whiskey-forward cocktails, use less grenadine and soda to let the Irish whiskey shine.

Best Occasions for the Irish Redhead Cocktail

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations – A festive and fun drink that’s an alternative to green beer.
Summer Gatherings – Its refreshing, fizzy taste makes it perfect for warm-weather sipping.
Date Nights and Girls’ Nights In – A beautifully balanced drink that’s both elegant and easy to make.
Holiday Parties – The vibrant red color makes it a great option for Christmas and Valentine’s Day events.

The Irish Redhead Cocktail is a vibrant red drink garnished with a lime slice and cherry, elegantly served in a curved glass with a red striped straw.

FAQs About the Irish Redhead Cocktail

What type of whiskey is best for this cocktail?

A smooth Irish whiskey like Jameson, Bushmills, or Tullamore D.E.W. works best, as they blend well with the sweetness and tartness of the other ingredients.

Can I make this cocktail in a pitcher for a party?

Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix everything except the soda in a pitcher. Pour over ice in individual glasses and top with lemon-lime soda when serving.

What’s the best glass to use?

A highball glass or 12-ounce cocktail glass works best, but you can also use a rocks glass if you prefer a shorter, stronger drink.

Can I substitute the lemon-lime soda?

If you don’t have lemon-lime soda, ginger ale or club soda can work as a replacement, though they will slightly alter the flavor.

Can I make this a mocktail?

Yes! Simply replace the whiskey with ginger beer or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

Two Irish Redhead Cocktails are adorned with lime slices and cherries, perched on wooden coasters. In the background, a bottle and extra garnishes complete the inviting scene.

Raise a Glass to the Irish Redhead Cocktail!

The Irish Redhead Cocktail is a sweet, bubbly, and flavorful way to enjoy Irish whiskey with a refreshing twist. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day, a party, or just a casual night in, this drink is always a hit. Try it today and share a toast with friends!

Try These Other St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy festive and flavorful drinks that bring a taste of Ireland into your celebration. Whether you're looking for cocktails, mocktails, or traditional Irish treats, these delightful recipes from Sweet and Savory Morsels will add an extra touch of Irish cheer to your festivities!

A vibrant Irish Redhead Cocktail, with its striking red hue, rests elegantly in a glass with ice. Garnished with lime slices and a cherry, it sits invitingly on a wooden coaster, ready to be enjoyed.

Irish Redhead Cocktail Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously refreshing drink that brings a taste of Ireland with a fun twist, the Irish Redhead Cocktail is the perfect choice. This vibrant cocktail blends the smoothness of Irish whiskey with the tartness of citrus juices and the fizz of lemon-lime soda, creating a beautifully balanced drink that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy

Kelly

Equipment

Jigger
12-Ounce or Larger Cocktail Glass
Cocktail Spoon

Ingredients

5 Ounces Lemon Lime Soda
3 Ounces Irish Whiskey
1 Ounce Grenadine
½ Ounce Lime Juice
½ Ounce Lemon Juice
Ice optional
Lime Slices optional garnish
Maraschino Cherries (optional garnish

Instructions

Combine the lemon juice and lime juice in a jigger and add it to a cocktail glass without ice.
Add the grenadine and Irish whiskey to the glass. Stir lightly with a cocktail spoon.
Pour the lemon lime soda over the top of the cocktail.
Top with ice, a cherry, and a lime slice, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

I do not recommend making this cocktail ahead of time or storing it as the soda will go flat.
You can use lemon slices, blood orange slices, and mint sprigs as other optional garnishes.
Do not use a shaker with the soda or it will cause it to be flat.
Do not stir the drink after the soda is added, or it will flatten it.