Drinks & liquids · Spirits
Irish whiskey
Grain or malt spirit distilled and aged in Ireland, the alcohol in Irish coffee.
Also called: whiskey, whisky, irish whisky, uisce beatha
Around the world: uisce beatha (ga)
What it is
A whiskey that must be distilled and aged in wooden casks on the island of Ireland for at least three years. It is often triple-distilled and is generally smooth and lightly fruity. It is an alcoholic spirit (usually about 40% alcohol by volume).
How it’s used
- Irish coffee
- Flavouring cream, cakes and puddings
Characteristics
- Taste
- Smooth, lightly sweet, with vanilla, fruit and grain notes from the cask.
- Sold as
- liquid
- Cooking uses
- Usually eaten raw
- Common in
- Irish
Storage
At room temperature. Keep upright, tightly closed and out of sunlight; it keeps for years.
Diet, allergens and safety
No major allergens in typical versions.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Egg-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Caffeine-free
- Contains alcohol. Adults only; avoid when pregnant, driving, taking medicines that interact with alcohol, or if you don't drink.
Nutrition per 100 g
- Energy
- 231 kcal
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrate
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
- Sugars
- 0 g
USDA FoodData Central: Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 80 proof.
Substitutes
Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.
- Alcohol-free version — Leave it out and add a drop of vanilla and a little extra brown sugar to the coffee.
Related ingredients
Recipes with irish whiskey
Irish coffee (contains alcohol)
Irish · 9 min · 260 kcal · Vegetarian