Irish Trash Can Cocktail Recipe

Why Is It Called the Irish Trash Can?

We have to admit, the name Irish Trash Can is a real attention-grabber. Surprisingly, this cocktail is not actually Irish. It gets the Irish part from its bright green color, which reminds us of Ireland’s iconic landscapes and festive St. Patrick’s Day vibes.

The trash can part comes from the fun way it is served. An upside-down energy drink can is placed right in the glass, giving it a quirky, trash can-like appearance.

Here is a little trivia for you. The Irish Trash Can is like a green twist on the Long Island Iced Tea. Both are packed with multiple spirits and pack quite a punch, but this one stands out with its vibrant color and energy kick.

We love serving this drink at parties. It is not just tasty, it is also a great conversation starter. With its bold look and lively flavors, it is always a hit at celebrations. Cheers!

Ingredients for an Irish Trash Can

Let’s break down what goes into making this vibrant and bold cocktail. Every ingredient brings its own unique touch, combining to create the colorful, flavorful Irish Trash Can we love.

Vodka

Vodka brings a smooth, neutral flavor that lets the other ingredients shine without overpowering the mix. We usually reach for popular brands like Grey Goose, Tito's, or Smirnoff, but feel free to use your favorite.

Its versatility is what makes vodka so great for this drink. It blends seamlessly with the fruity and sweet notes, giving the cocktail a perfectly balanced taste.

Gin

Gin adds a layer of herbal complexity to the mix. Its botanical flavors, especially the hint of juniper, really elevate the overall experience of the Irish Trash Can.

For the best results, we like using a London Dry gin such as Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray. These gins are crisp and clean, pairing beautifully with the other ingredients.

Light Rum

Light rum brings a touch of sweetness and richness to the cocktail. Its subtle flavor works perfectly in this fruity mix without overpowering it.

We often go with Bacardi or Mount Gay for their smooth profiles. Together with the other spirits, light rum helps create a flavor that’s perfectly balanced.

You might also like:  Easy White Rum Drinks

Peach Schnapps

Peach schnapps adds a burst of fruity sweetness that ties everything together. It’s what gives the Irish Trash Can its tropical vibe.

We love how it enhances the drink’s festive feel. If peach isn’t your thing, you can always switch it out for another fruit-flavored schnapps to keep it fun and flavorful.

Blue Curaçao

Blue curaçao is the ingredient that makes this cocktail pop. Its bright blue color is what gives the Irish Trash Can its signature look, and its orange flavor adds a citrusy kick.

We like using brands like Bols or DeKuyper for their vibrant hues and smooth taste. This liqueur also creates that beautiful blue layer at the bottom of your glass.

Triple Sec

Triple sec adds another layer of citrus flavor, making the cocktail even more exciting. Its hint of orange zest complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Cointreau or Grand Marnier are great options here, but any quality triple sec will do the trick.

Red Bull

Finally, there’s Red Bull. This energy drink is what gives the Irish Trash Can its fizz, sweetness, and a little caffeine boost to keep the party going.

We pour it gently over the other ingredients for that layered effect everyone loves. If you want to mix things up, try a different energy drink, but keep the carbonation and energy kick that make this cocktail special. And, of course, drink responsibly.

How to Make the Irish Trash Can Cocktail

Making the Irish Trash Can cocktail is as fun as it looks. Let’s walk through the steps together.

Start with a tall glass and fill it to the brim with ice. This keeps everything nice and chilled while you build the drink.

Now, let’s add the good stuff. Pour 1 oz each of vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and blue curaçao into the glass. Do not forget to include 1/2 oz of peach schnapps for that extra layer of fruity sweetness. Give everything a quick stir to blend the flavors.

Here is where it gets exciting. Take a full can of energy drink and flip it upside down right into the glass. Let it sit partially submerged. This creates a cool effect as the drink mixes together on its own.

The blue curaçao will give the cocktail its signature vibrant color, making it a real showstopper. For a finishing touch, we love adding a slice of lime or a cherry for a pop of color. It is a simple garnish, but it makes the drink feel complete.

If you need a quick reference, there is a recipe card with the full details waiting for you below.

This cocktail is bold, so let’s always remember to enjoy it responsibly. Cheers to mixing up something colorful and delicious!

Variations of the Irish Trash Can Cocktail

Who’s ready to shake things up? Let’s put our own spin on the classic Irish Trash Can with some fun and easy variations.

For starters, we can make it feel "more Irish" by adding a splash of whiskey. A little Irish whiskey gives the drink a bold kick and brings out those Emerald Isle vibes.

Not a fan of Red Bull? No problem. Swap it out for a different energy drink or even a soda to create a whole new flavor. Ginger ale is a great choice for adding a refreshing zing.

Want something for our friends who don’t drink alcohol? We’ve got a mocktail version that’s just as fun. Mix fruit juices with a tiny dash of blue food coloring to capture that signature look.

We’d love to hear about your Irish Trash Can experiments. Try these ideas or create your own twist, and let us know which one is your favorite. Cheers to happy mixing!

Other Cocktails You Might Want to Try

If you enjoyed the Irish Trash Can cocktail, try these drinks next:

• Long Island Iced Tea
• Blue Hawaiian
• Electric Lemonade
• Blue Motorcycle

For more inspiration and recipes, check out:

• Vodka Tonic Cocktail Recipe
• Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe
• Mezcal Margarita Recipe
• Rum Punch Cocktail Recipe
• Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

Happy mixing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Irish Trash Can drink?

An Irish Trash Can is a colorful and potent cocktail. We mix vodka, gin, light rum, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, and triple sec in a tall glass.

Then we top it off with Red Bull. The result? A vibrant green drink that's perfect for parties and celebrations.

How strong is the Irish Trash Can cocktail?

This cocktail packs a punch. We estimate its alcohol content between 15% and 27%, depending on the measurements.

That's about 2.48 units of alcohol per serving. While strong, it's not as potent as a martini or Long Island Iced Tea.

What does the Irish Trash Can cocktail taste like?

The Irish Trash Can is sweet and fruity. We taste notes of orange from the triple sec and peach from the schnapps.

The gin and triple sec add a dry balance to the sweetness. It's a refreshing mix that goes down easy but hits hard.

What is the origin of the Irish Trash Can cocktail?

We're not sure where this drink came from. It likely started in college party scenes, not Ireland.

The name "Irish" comes from its green color. It's become a St. Patrick's Day favorite due to its festive look.

Is it safe to mix alcohol with energy drinks like Red Bull?

Mixing alcohol and energy drinks can be risky. It can increase heart rate and mask the effects of alcohol, making it harder to gauge your level of intoxication.

We recommend drinking in moderation, having water alongside, and eating food to help balance the effects. Health organizations often warn about the dangers of combining alcohol with energy drinks.