While fanciful flavored vodkas and quality wine in boxes might be major trends in drink, another development might be the most surprising. Irish whiskey is enjoying a huge renaissance in the United States. Its 23 percent increase in volume sales alone last year made it the fastest growing spirit category in the U.S. Irish whiskey was the dominant European whiskey in the 19th century, only to be overtaken by the Scots as a result of numerous factors. Irish whiskey’s golden age is likely driven by more variety and strong marketing from the dominant labels, Jameson and Bushmills.
Jameson is the biggest seller in the category and historically has been enjoyed simply over ice, with soda or with ginger ale. En vogue more recently has been Jameson in the pickle-back – a shot of whiskey followed by a slug of pickle brine. Jameson does, however, appear in numerous classic cocktail recipes, including this standard from the maker.
Jameson Apple Martini
4 part Jameson
1 part Triple Sec
1 part sweet red vermouth
1.5 part apple schnapps
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into chilled martini glass
