Ingrédients
- 1½ oz Irish Whiskey
- ¼ oz Créme de Menthe
- ¾ oz honey syrup
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- 1 dash saline solution
- Ice cubes
- Mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Shaker
- Strainer
- Measuring Jigger
- Rocks Glass
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Chill your rocks glass with some ice.
- Add Saline Solution: Drop 1 dash saline solution into the shaker.
- Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour ¾ oz lemon juice into the shaker.
- Add Honey Syrup: Add ¾ oz honey syrup to the mix.
- Add Créme de Menthe: Measure and pour ¼ oz Créme de Menthe into the shaker.
- Add Whiskey: Finish with 1½ oz Irish Whiskey.
- Prep Shaker: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into your rock glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Add a mint sprig for garnish if desired.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Irish Whiskey: If you don't have Irish Whiskey, try using bourbon for a sweeter profile or rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
- Créme de Menthe: I've used peppermint schnapps in place of Créme de Menthe when I wanted a stronger mint flavor.
- Honey Syrup: You can substitute honey syrup with agave nectar or simple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness level.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice works as an alternative if you want a slightly different citrus note.
Making a Pitcher of Hightower Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Irish Whiskey, 2 oz of Créme de Menthe, 6 oz of honey syrup, and 6 oz of lemon juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Irish Whiskey, Créme de Menthe, honey syrup, lemon juice, and saline solution. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled rocks glasses and garnish with mint sprigs.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Irish Whiskey Substitute: Use non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives available on the market; they mimic the flavor without the alcohol content.
- Créme de Menthe Substitute: Opt for mint-flavored syrup to maintain the minty essence without alcohol.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these non-alcoholic substitutes to enjoy a refreshing mocktail version.
Making it Vegan:
- Honey Syrup Substitute: Replace honey syrup with agave nectar or maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these vegan substitutes and follow the original recipe steps to enjoy a vegan version of this cocktail.
What is a Hightower Cocktail?
A Hightower Cocktail is an Irish Whiskey drink made of Créme de Menthe, honey syrup, lemon juice, and saline solution. It’s not difficult to make because it involves straightforward mixing steps with easily accessible ingredients. The cocktail offers a unique blend of minty freshness and citrus tang that sets it apart from more traditional whiskey cocktails.

What is a Hightower Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Get these ingredients ready for making a Hightower Cocktail:
- Irish Whiskey: Delivers a smooth, rich base with hints of vanilla and oak.
- Créme de Menthe: Infuses the drink with a refreshing minty flavor.
- Honey Syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a floral touch.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy tang to balance the flavors.
- Saline Solution: Enhances the overall taste by adding a subtle saltiness.



