Blackthorn
An Irish whiskey cocktail with sweet vermouth, sloe gin or absinthe accents, and bitters.
The Blackthorn is an Irish whiskey short drink that typically includes sweet vermouth with sloe gin, absinthe, or bitters depending on the era. Modern builds often stir Irish whiskey and vermouth with a rinse or dash of absinthe and bitters. It gives Irish whiskey a serious stirred classic beyond coffee and mule templates.
Ingredients
- • 2 oz Irish whiskey
- • 1 oz sweet vermouth
- • 1 dash absinthe
- • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Did you know?
“Blackthorn recipes appear in early-20th-century manuals with conflicting formulas—Irish whiskey is the consistent thread that distinguishes it from sloe-gin-only drinks of the same name.”
Bartender's Note
Recipes vary widely. This stirred Irish whiskey–vermouth–absinthe version stays spirit-forward; sloe gin versions are fruitier.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Blackthorn
- 1Optional absinthe of a chilled coupe
- 2Stir whiskey, vermouth, absinthe (if not ), and bitters with ice
- 3Strain into the coupe
- 4Garnish with a lemon twist
