The Irish Trash Can Drink is not a typical traditional Irish cocktail. It’s more of an Irish/American invention where our Irish Brothers and sisters thought, let’s make an Irish Cocktail that would be great for St Patrick’s Day. We can take all the alcohol we have, put it in a glass with Ice and, for fun, add some Red Bull because, with this amount of alcohol, we will need it.
That’s how I think this cocktail was invented, but I could be wrong. The Irish Trash Can drink really packs a punch. With seven alcoholic ingredients in it, it would make your Irish ancestors proud if you can handle more than one (please drink responsibly). Don’t forget to try one of these great Irish Toasts at your next gathering.
Why is it called the Irish trash can? Well, I guess that if you have too many of these, you eventually end up with your head in a trash can (I hope you can see the true Irish Sarcasm in my comments). Nobody really knows to be honest. Some think it’s because some bartenders would mix a range of spirits in a trash can full of ice for parties and events and they stuck Irish on this one because it was green.
The Irish Trash Can Drink
The Irish Trash Can drink is a highly colourful, flavourful, robust and alcoholic drink. This Irish Trash Can Recipe calls for seven measurements of alcohol, which are:
- Vodka (substitute for Irish Poitin if you can find some)
- Gin (Use a good Irish Gin)
- Rum (silver rum like Bacardi will do)
- Peach Schnapps
- Blue Curacao
- Triple Sec
- Midori (melon liqueurr)
In addition to these, you will need a can of Red Bull or similar energy drink, Ice, Lemon and lime soda for optional flavour and lemon and lime garnish.
How to make an Irish Trash Can Drink.
Use a tall glass like a pilsner glass or a tall high ball glass such as a Collins cocktail glass and fill it with Ice.
The Irish Trash Can Drink should be layered, starting off with a blue colour on the bottom that gradually goes to green as it goes to the top.
First, add the Blue Curacao to the glass, followed by Triple Sec. These two ingredients have a delicious citrus orange flavour to them.
Next, you want to add your clear alcohol, such as vodka, rum and gin and then your Midori. The Midori has a unique melon flavour, but it adds a fantastic green colour that will mix with your clear alcohol. This will give you the colours that the Irish Trash Can is known for, which is a blue-going-to-green cocktail.
As an additional, you may add a splash of lemon and lime soda for extra citrus flavour or add a splash of sour mix.
Top up your glass with Red Bull, leaving the can of Red Bull upside down in the glass. Garnish your glass with a slice of Lemon and Lime to give your nose a citrus blast while you are sipping on your chilled Irish Trash Can Drink.
You have now made a fantastic and powerful Irish Trash Can Drink that you can be proud of.
The Irish Trash Can Drink goes a long way. You don’t want to be downing these in one go. With the amount of alcohol in these, you want to enjoy your Irish Trash Can Drink as well as the party. The last thing you want is to have to do an Irish goodbye.
Irish Trash Can Ingredients
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) vodka
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) gin
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) rum
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) peach schnapps
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) blue curaçao
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) triple sec
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) Midori (melon liqueur)
- 1 can of Red Bull or similar energy drink
- Ice
- Splash of sour mix (optional)
- Splash of lemon-lime soda (optional)
- Garnish: Lemon or lime wedge
Instructions:
- Fill a large glass or pitcher with Ice.
- Pour the vodka, gin, rum, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, triple sec, and Midori over the Ice.
- Add a splash of sour mix and/or lemon-lime soda for extra flavour if desired.
- Top off with a can of Red Bull or a similar energy drink.
- Give the drink a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!
Note: The Irish Trash Can drink is known for its vibrant colours and potent mix of alcohol and caffeine. It’s a fun and energizing cocktail but should be consumed in moderation due to its high alcohol and caffeine content.
Irish Trash Can Nutritional Information
- Alcohol Content:
- Total alcohol content: Approximately 0.97 ounces or 29 millilitres of pure alcohol per serving.
- Total ABV (alcohol by volume): Approximately 27.86%.
- Caffeine Content:
- Red Bull or similar energy drink: Approximately 80 mg of caffeine per 8.4 fl oz (250 ml) can.
- Calories:
- Calories from alcohol: Approximately 194 calories.
- Calories from Red Bull (or similar energy drink): Approximately 110 calories.
- Total calories in the drink: Approximately 304 calories.
Before you go…
Make sure to check out some of my other more Traditional Irish Cocktails, such as my classic Baileys Irish Cream Recipe or my Traditional Irish Coffee. For the morning after the night before, read my article on what’s in a Full Irish Breakfast to get the best hangover cure in the world.
Don’t forget to check out my list of the Best Irish Whiskey to Drink Straight.
Related Articles:
- Myths and Legends of Ireland
- Samhain (Halloween): An Irish Tradition
- The Tale of the Banshee
- The Story of the Irish Leprechaun
Why is it called an Irish trash can?
The name “Irish Trash Can” likely stems from its eclectic mix of ingredients, reminiscent of items found in a trash can. It often features an energy drink like Red Bull, associated with late-night partying. While lacking traditional Irish ingredients, the term “Irish” may signify its lively nature. Originating in bars and clubs, its popularity surged among younger crowds, possibly in the late 20th or early 21st century.
What is an Irish trash can made of?
An Irish Trash Can is a cocktail made with vodka, gin, rum, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, triple sec, Midori, and an energy drink like Red Bull. These ingredients are combined over ice to create a visually striking and potent drink with a sweet, fruity flavour profile and an energizing kick from the caffeine in the energy drink.
Who created the Irish trash can?
The specific individual or bartender who created the Irish Trash Can cocktail isn’t widely documented. It likely originated in a bar or club setting where bartenders experimented with combining various spirits and mixers to create a visually striking and potent cocktail. Over time, it gained popularity among patrons, particularly in nightlife scenes, but the precise creator remains unknown. It is not a drink consumed in Ireland.
