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Best Irish Whiskey Cocktails In Orange County

bourbon 610 whiskey drink alcohol
(credit: shutterstock)

Whiskey is an interesting beverage. Bourbon mixes pretty well with a variety of things. However, when most people drink Irish whiskey, they don't employ a mixer. Still, if you explore, you can find some great cocktails made with this Irish drink staple. If you're looking for some different ways to take your Irish whiskey, try these top places to find Irish whiskey cocktails in Orange County.

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Irish coffee at Chapter One: The Modern Local

Chapter One: The Modern Local
227 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 200-2225
www.chapteronetml.com

No, Chapter One isn't an Irish pub, but it is a place where you can get a good cocktail, especially if you prefer whiskey. This place has a good selection of whiskeys. It also has a great Irish coffee made with The Knot Irish whiskey, topped with cream and garnished with a sprig of fresh mint. The caramel flavors of the whiskey mix well with the coffee. You can even enjoy this fine coffee by the fireplace to make it even more cozy.

Macallanshammered_before_breakfast
(credit: Macallans)

Macallans Public House
330 W. Birch St.
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 529-1224
www.macallanspubbrea.com

Macallans in Brea offers an impressive list of whiskeys, including more than 20 varieties of Irish whiskey. That being the case, it's not surprising that you can find some great cocktails here. Yes, you can get favorites like the Irish mule and Irish coffee made with the traditional recipe that originated in the Limerick Airport. In addition, you can find seasonal cocktails like the wonderfully-crafted "Hammered Before Breakfast" (pictured), which is citric, creamy and goes down perhaps a little too easily.

irish_vandal The Cellar)
(credit: The Cellar)

The Cellar
305 N Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 525-5682
www.cellardining.com

The Cellar seems like one of those discoveries that you want to share with everyone. This place has a lot of great wines, but it also features great craft cocktails. The Irish whiskey cocktails in particular are drinks you won't find just anywhere. One of those cocktails is 30° South. In what seems an unlikely pairing, this cocktail blends Irish whiskey with passion-fruit, banana and lemon. Another is the Irish Vandal, which blends Irish whiskey with muddled raspberries and grapefruit.

Related: Best Mixologist Bars In Orange County

Dublin 4 Gastropub
(credit: Edward S./yelp)

Dublin 4 Gastropub
26342 Oso Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 582-0026
www.facebook.com/Dublin-4-Gastropub

A charming Irish pub where you can find some great Irish cocktails, Dublin 4 is the type of bar where people frequent it for standards drinks like Irish coffee and more. You'll also find some more creative cocktails like The Hooligan, which is a Irish Manhattan flavored with cinnamon and clove-spiced simple syrups. Another terrific whiskey cocktail you'll find here is Through d Haze, which is made with The Knot Irish whiskey, bourbon, bitters and honey. The haze is created by floating a small amount of Guinness on top. With one sip of this cocktail, you may have a new favorite.

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(credit: Little Sparrow)

Little Sparrow Cafe
300 N Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 265-7640
www.littlesparrowcafe.com

Santa Ana's Little Sparrow doesn't have a vast selection of Irish whiskeys, but the bartenders here can make you a cocktail that you're not likely to find in many other places. For example, 'The Old Chapman' is made with Redbreast, Calvados, apple brandy, apple-cinnamon simple syrup and a dash of celery bitters. It's a bit like apple pie in a glass, and is a must order. Don't be surprised if you find yourself ordering more than one of these.

Related: Best Cocktail Happy Hours In Orange County

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com

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