The boilermaker drink is a classic beverage that needs to be in every home bartender’s book of libations.
What is a Boilermaker Drink?
- The first mention of the boilermaker drink from Montana, USA, in the 1890s. It’s simple, straightforward, and strong, consisting of a beer and a shot of whiskey. The boilermaker cocktail has become the DOC (drink of choice) of blue-collar workers after a long, hard day working in the industrial trades.
- Boilermakers (AKA boilersmiths) are named after the workers who toiled long and hard during the transformation of civilization from building with wood to iron in the late 19th century and still up to today. Boilermakers are enjoyed everywhere, to “get the party started”, even if it’s just celebrating their weekly paycheck, just like the boilersmiths did.
- No fussy ingredients, steps, gear, or garnishes are needed. Original boilermakers are easy to make with two simple ingredients, just beer and whiskey.
- Boilermakers can elevate even the humblest bottle of beer and no-frills whiskey into a fun and easy cocktail that’s perfect for last-minute fiestas! Serve them tavern-style with a juicy burger and a hearty platter of French fries.
Easy Ingredients
- Beer: Technically, ANY kind of beer or whiskey works in a classic boilermaker. Use your fave! Lagers, Pilsners, Stouts, and even Mexican Lagers can be used.
- Whiskey: Whiskey is the bomb shot in this recipe! Use American, Canadian, Irish, or even Japanese whiskey. Bourbon and rye whiskey varieties work, too.
Best Beer and Whiskey Combos
Mix and match Boilermakers to the menu! Pair up these bold bevvies:
- Stout and Irish Whiskey
- IPA and Rye Whiskey
- Pilsner and Bourbon
- Guinness and Jameson
- PBR and Wild Turkey 101
- Coors and Old Grandad Bourbon
2 Ways to Drink It
- The unpretentious boilermaker cocktail is not without its flourishes. Use a tall, clear glass or a clear beer stein with a handle so you can see the boilermaker magic when the shot glass drops and the two liquids blend. One, two, three…chug, chug, chug!
- Another way to enjoy a boilermaker is to chug the whiskey shot and sip the beer separately. Simple, but effective (wink).
Tricks of the Trade
- For a true dive bar experience, chill the beer glass and the shot glass before using.
- Do not mix this drink in advance. Serve immediately upon pouring.
- Depending on the height of the glass, pour in only one-half to three-quarters full of beer to offset the volume of the whiskey-filled shot glass.
- Tip the beer glass at an angle when dropping the shot glass of whiskey in to avoid a backsplash of beer.
More to Sip and Savor
Did you enjoy this Boilermaker Drink? Leave a comment and rating below.
Boilermaker Drink
A classic boilermaker drink makes the perfect end to the week.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces beer
- 2 ounces whiskey
Instructions
- Pour the beer into a drinking glass.
- Fill a shot glass with whiskey and carefully drop it into the beer and enjoy.
- *If you want to try chaser style, take the shot and then chug the beer.
Notes
- Do not mix this drink in advance.
- Serve immediately upon pouring.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 208 | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 48mg | Sugar: 0.3g | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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