Ingredients
- 1½ oz Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- ½ oz apricot Brandy Liqueur
- ¼ oz Cynar
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Mixing Glass
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Coupe glass with ice cubes, stir and set it aside.
- Add Cynar: Pour ¼ oz Cynar into the mixing glass.
- Add Apricot Brandy Liqueur: Add ½ oz apricot Brandy Liqueur to the mix.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour 1 oz Sweet Vermouth into the glass.
- Add Whiskey: Pour 1½ oz Irish Whiskey over the ice.
- Add ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Strain: Strain your mixture in your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Express a lemon twist on the drink and use it as garnish.
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.
- Sweet Vermouth: In a pinch use any sweet wine or use dry vermouth for a different and dryer variation.
- Apricot Brandy Liqueur: Peach schnapps can work as an alternative if apricot brandy is unavailable, though it will add a slightly different fruitiness.
- Cynar: If you can't find Cynar, consider using Campari for a more bitter edge or Aperol for a lighter touch.
Making a Pitcher of Holy Joe:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Irish whiskey, 8 oz of Strucchi Rosso Vermouth, 4 oz of apricot brandy liqueur, and 2 oz of Cynar.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whiskey, vermouth, brandy liqueur, and Cynar with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and reasonably mimic the flavor profile.
- Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar to replicate vermouth's complexity.
- Brandy Liqueur Substitute: Use apricot nectar or juice to maintain the fruity element without alcohol.
- Cynar Substitute: Create a simple syrup infused with herbs and spices to mimic Cynar's unique bitterness.
Making it Vegan:
All ingredients in this recipe are typically vegan-friendly, but always check labels to ensure no animal-derived products are used in production processes.What is a Holy Joe?
A Holy Joe is an Irish whiskey-based cocktail made of Sweet Vermouth, Apricot Brandy Liqueur, and Cynar. It’s easy to make, as it involves mixing and stirring the ingredients gently. This unique combination offers a bold and intriguing flavor profile that stands out among classic cocktails.

What is a Holy Joe made of – The ingredients
Begin with these essentials for your Holy Joe cocktail:
- Irish Whiskey: Delivers a smooth, rich base with hints of vanilla and oak.
- Sweet Vermouth: Adds sweet, herbal notes for complexity.
- Apricot Brandy Liqueur: Brings a fruity sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Cynar: Infuses a bitter, artichoke-infused depth for an intriguing finish.







