Ingredients
- .5 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
- 2 oz Cranberry Juice
- 2 oz Irish Whiskey
Instructions
Mix the Drink:
- Add sweet and sour mix, cranberry juice, and Irish whiskey to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
Serve:
- Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Kingslayer Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Kingslayer Cocktail is a modern creation, clearly drawing its inspiration from the popular Game of Thrones series. This drink likely emerged from home bars or themed establishments, designed to capture the spirit of its namesake character. It’s a contemporary homage, not a dusty classic from a pre-Prohibition era.
At its core, this is a dressed-up whiskey sour, specifically a cranberry-forward variation. It shares DNA with the classic Whiskey Sour, but the cranberry juice and pre-made sweet and sour mix give it a distinct, fruitier, and more consistent profile compared to its fresh-squeezed cousins. Think of it as a robust, themed take on a familiar template.
You’d find this cocktail at a bar hosting a fantasy series viewing party, a casual neighborhood spot, or easily mixed at home for friends. It’s a solid choice for someone wanting a strong, flavorful drink that’s easy to appreciate without needing a lecture on obscure bitters or tinctures.
What it tastes like
On the first sip, the Kingslayer hits with a bright, tart wave of cranberry and a balanced citrus sweetness from the mix. The Irish whiskey quickly follows, its smooth, slightly malty character providing a warming counterpoint to the fruit. The finish is a pleasing balance of lingering sweet-tartness, with the whiskey’s warmth providing a satisfying close. It’s a well-integrated, fruit-forward whiskey drink.
With 2 ounces of 80-proof Irish whiskey in a roughly 4.5 ounce drink, the Kingslayer Cocktail clocks in around 18% ABV. This puts it firmly in the category of a serious drink, significantly stronger than a typical beer, which is usually 4-6% ABV. It’s a proper cocktail, designed to be enjoyed deliberately, not chugged.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled generously with ice. Seal it up and shake hard for a good 15-20 seconds. This ensures proper chilling and dilution. Then, strain the vibrant mixture over fresh ice into a standard cocktail glass. Serve it up immediately, while it’s still frosty.
The most critical technique here is a vigorous shake. Don’t just swirl it around. A hard, energetic shake is what properly chills the drink, dilutes it to the right balance, and fully integrates the sweet and sour mix with the juice and whiskey. A weak shake results in a lukewarm, watery, and poorly blended drink that tastes disjointed.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Irish Whiskey
- Use
- Smooth, approachable Irish whiskeys like Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., or Bushmills. Their inherent sweetness and lack of heavy peat or rye notes complement the fruit.
- Skip
- Heavily peated Scotch or a high-rye American whiskey. Their dominant, aggressive flavors will overpower the cranberry and sweet-sour profile.
- Why
- It provides the essential smooth, warming backbone and character. Without a good Irish whiskey, the drink loses its identity and balance.
Cranberry Juice
- Use
- Standard unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice cocktail. Ocean Spray or similar brands work perfectly.
- Skip
- Concentrated cranberry syrup or highly artificial, overly sweet cranberry liqueurs. These will throw off the drink’s sugar balance and make it cloying.
- Why
- This delivers the crucial tartness and vibrant color, cutting through the sweetness of the mix and complementing the whiskey. It’s integral to the drink’s profile.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Kingslayer Sour
- Add a frothy texture.
- For a richer mouthfeel, add one egg white to the shaker and dry shake before adding ice and shaking again.
Spiced Kingslayer
- A warming twist.
- Infuse your Irish whiskey with a cinnamon stick for a few days, or add a dash of allspice dram to the shaker.
Winterfell Kingslayer
- A bubbly, ginger kick.
- After straining into your glass, top the drink with 1-2 ounces of quality ginger beer for added spice and effervescence.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.25 oz simple syrup. It will be brighter and less artificial.
A smooth Canadian whisky or a lighter, less assertive American bourbon will work, though the flavor profile will shift.
Pomegranate juice offers a similar tart, fruity profile and rich color as a decent alternative.
A large jar with a tight-fitting lid works just as well for combining and chilling your ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Kingslayer Cocktail?
It contains Irish whiskey, cranberry juice, and sweet and sour mix.
Is the Kingslayer Cocktail strong?
Yes, it is a moderately strong drink with an ABV of around 18%, making it more potent than a typical beer.
What does a Kingslayer Cocktail taste like?
It tastes like a balanced blend of tart cranberry, sweet citrus, and smooth, warming Irish whiskey.
Can I make a Kingslayer Cocktail in a large batch?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by your desired number of servings and mix in a pitcher. Just add ice to individual glasses when serving.
What kind of glass should I use for a Kingslayer Cocktail?
A standard rocks glass or a highball glass filled with ice is appropriate for this drink.
Is this a sweet drink?
It has a balanced sweetness from the sweet and sour mix and cranberry, offset by the whiskey and tartness. It’s not overly sweet.
Can I use a different type of whiskey?
While Irish whiskey is traditional here, a smooth Canadian whisky or a mild bourbon can be substituted, but expect a different flavor character.
What’s the best way to garnish a Kingslayer Cocktail?
A simple lime wedge or a few fresh cranberries on a pick make a suitable garnish.
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