How To Make A Tipperary

The Tipperary could — and should — be the gateway to discovering a newfound love of Irish whiskey.

Despite being one of the world’s oldest whiskey categories, and a one-time leader in the aged spirits space, Irish whiskey has curiously been an outlier as the base for classic cocktails. Other unconventional ingredients in the Tipperary include green Chartreuse and a small amount of absinthe, making this drink a wondrous curiosity.

The Tipperary’s origins date back to the early 1900s, with New York-based bartender Hugo Ensslin being the first to pen the recipe in his book, “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.” Typically considered a relative of the Bijou, the Tipperary swaps gin for whiskey while still featuring the punch of green Chartreuse. The cocktail takes its name from a small town in central Ireland, a location also referenced in the 1914 tune, “It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary.”

The cocktail itself, however, doesn’t require significant time or expertise to craft.

Two dashes of absinthe, adding a faint whisper of licorice, combine with a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Herbal liqueur green Chartreuse strikes a sweet and savory tone without overpowering the palate, playing well with the equal-parts inclusion of sweet vermouth and Irish whiskey (blended, single malt, or single pot still). After stirring until cold, the cocktail is strained into a cold Nick & Nora glass and garnished with an expressed lemon or orange twist.

Grab a bottle of Irish whiskey and stir up this unfamiliar classic.

Tipperary Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey
  • 1 ½ ounces sweet vermouth
  • ½ ounce green Chartreuse
  • 2 dashes absinthe
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Tipperary Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
  2. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
  3. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Rate This Recipe:

(52 votes)

Yield: 1
Calories: 230
Updated: 2022-12-02

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Tipperary Recipe Video