The Dublin Spider
The Dublin Spider is a cocktail that most of us will recognise, but didn’t know we were making it wrong all these years. Mixing whiskey and ginger ale is a combination most of us have made at one time or another, but who knew we were only one ingredient away from making a classic cocktail?
Adding a few dashes of Angostura Bitters transforms a simple Whiskey and Ginger Ale into a Dublin Spider, creating a sensationally balanced classic cocktail that is far more than just the sum of its parts.
Why Irish Whiskey Matters
Using a high-quality Irish whiskey will accentuate the flavour of this simple yet delightful cocktail. Irish whiskey is softer and smoother than either Scotch or Bourbon, and its use in this cocktail brings out its subtlety perfectly.
A Light and Refreshing Highball
A Dublin Spider is also known as a Dublin Spider Highball, as it is a light and refreshing cocktail that is traditionally served in a highball glass. This makes it the perfect cocktail for social gatherings, especially from spring until winter.
A Colonial Twist
The origins of the Dublin Spider are once again traced back to British colonialism. It is suggested that the Dublin Spider is a derivative of the Dark ’n’ Stormy cocktail, which became very popular in the Caribbean during colonial times. The Dark ’n’ Stormy is a blend of dark rum and ginger beer and became the inspiration for many cocktails containing a base spirit mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale—these are known as Buck cocktails.
The name Dublin Spider is said to have come about due to the intricate patterns made by the ginger ale once it is poured, which can resemble a spider’s web. Another theory behind the name is that the term “Spider” comes from an Australian tradition of blending ginger beer with lime, which has been known as a “Spider” since the early 20th century. This theory stands up well, especially considering the strong Irish influence in colonial Australia.
Dublin Spider Cocktail Recipe Ingredients:
- 50 ml Irish whiskey
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 90 ml Ginger Ale
- 1 Lime Wedge
Dublin Spider Instructions:
- Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled highball glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
*photo by Ian J Lauer
