Irish Spring - Irish Whiskey, Peach & Citrus Collins Cocktail

The Irish Spring cocktail combines Irish whiskey, peach brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup over ice. The whiskey gives the drink structure, peach brandy adds ripe fruit character, and the citrus keeps the finish bright. Using separate lemon juice and simple syrup recreates the sweet-and-sour component found in many published versions while giving you better control at home.

Background

The Irish Spring does not have a firmly documented creator or origin, but the recipe has circulated for decades in American drink guides and brand recipe collections. Published versions commonly use Irish whiskey, peach brandy, orange juice, and sweet-and-sour mix in a Collins glass, finished with orange and cherry garnish.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Irish Whiskey: Provides the smooth grain, vanilla, and light oak backbone.
• Peach Brandy: Adds concentrated peach sweetness and fruit aroma.
• Orange Juice: Gives the drink body, citrus sweetness, and fresh fruit character.
• Lemon Juice: Supplies the sharper acidity needed to balance the sweeter ingredients.
• Simple Syrup: Rounds the lemon and recreates the sweet side of a classic sour mix.

Substitutions: Peach schnapps can replace peach brandy for a sweeter variation. If you already have a balanced prepared sweet-and-sour mix, it can replace the Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup together.

Equipment

• Collins Glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Ice

Peach and Citrus Keep the Whiskey Moving

The drink works because no single fruit component has to carry the full load. Orange provides volume and softness, lemon supplies sharper acidity, and peach brandy adds a fragrant sweet note. Irish whiskey remains recognizable underneath, but the tall iced serve makes it easier and more refreshing than a short whiskey cocktail.

Substitutions & Variations

• Peach schnapps: Use it in place of Peach Brandy for a softer, sweeter profile.
• Apricot variation: Replace the peach component with apricot brandy for a slightly tarter stone-fruit note.
• Longer serve: Add a small splash of soda water if you want more carbonation and a lighter finish.
• Richer whiskey: Use a fuller Irish whiskey when you want the spirit to stand out more clearly.

Helpful Tips

• Fresh orange and lemon juice give the drink a cleaner finish than bottled citrus.
• Fill the Collins Glass well with ice before building the drink.
• Stir only until chilled and combined; there is no need for aggressive dilution.
• Taste your orange juice before mixing because its natural sweetness varies.
• An orange slice and cherry make a familiar garnish, while a peach slice can reinforce the stone-fruit note.