Lady Herbert’s Punch – A Refined Garden Cocktail Inspired by Muckross House

Step into the elegance of 19th-century Killarney with Lady Herbert’s Punch—a light, floral, and sparkling gin cocktail inspired by the lush gardens of Muckross House. Named in honour of Mary Balfour Herbert, the Victorian lady of the estate, this refreshing punch captures the essence of summer with elderflower, crisp apple juice, and the signature botanicals of Muckross Irish Gin.

Whether you’re hosting an afternoon garden gathering or want to impress guests with a heritage-inspired cocktail, Lady Herbert’s Punch is the perfect choice. Beautiful in a glass, simple to scale, and brimming with the botanical charm of Killarney National Park.

Lady Herbert’s Punch Recipe

Ingredients (Single Serve):

• 50 ml Muckross Irish Gin
• 15 ml Elderflower cordial
• 65 ml Apple juice
• 30 ml Fresh lemon juice
• 10 ml Fresh lime juice
• 25 ml Soda water
• Mint sprig & lemon/lime slices, to garnish

Method:

1. Combine Muckross Irish Gin, elderflower cordial, apple juice, lemon juice, and lime juice in a shaker or mixing glass.
2. Stir or shake gently to combine.
3. Pour over ice into a tumbler or highball glass.
4. Top with soda water.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon or lime.

Tip: Hosting a garden party? Multiply the ingredients and serve in a punchbowl or large jug over ice with citrus wheels and mint for an eye-catching centrepiece.

A Taste of Victorian Killarney

Mary Herbert was known not only for her refined taste and artistic talents, but also for her love of nature. Her influence lives on in the flourishing gardens of Muckross House—a perfect setting for a cocktail that balances elegance with the wild bounty of the Irish landscape.

Lady Herbert’s Punch brings that same charm to life with every sip. Floral, citrusy, and naturally sweet, it’s a cocktail that feels right at home on a lace-covered table beneath climbing roses or sipped from crystal tumblers on a sun-dappled terrace.

Make It a Heritage Favourite

Lady Herbert’s Punch is ideal for elegant celebrations and elevated brunches. You can make it your own with simple tweaks:

• Add fresh garden berries or cucumber ribbons for extra colour.
• Swap soda for sparkling elderflower tonic for a more botanical sparkle.
• Freeze lemon slices and mint into ice cubes for a stunning garnish.

Lady Herbert’s Punch – Elegance in Every Glass

Honouring the history of Muckross House and the grace of Lady Herbert herself, this cocktail delivers a perfect balance of flavour, style, and Irish heritage. Whether enjoyed by the glass or in a grand punchbowl, it’s sure to charm guests and become a signature serve of the season.

Sláinte is táinte!