The Irish Trash Can is one of those cocktails that’s hard to forget, both for its vivid blue-green color and its, shall we say, robust flavor profile. If you’re looking for something strong and memorable, this drink definitely delivers.
This article is your ultimate guide to the Irish Trash Can cocktail. We’ll cover its (likely apocryphal) history, the list of ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions on how to make it, a few fun variations, and answers to your frequently asked questions.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of Irish Trash Can recipes, let’s get started!
What is an Irish Trash Can, anyway?
An Irish Trash Can is a potent cocktail made with a variety of liquors, topped off with an energy drink like Red Bull.
Typically, you’ll find gin, rum, vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, and triple sec in the mix, with Red Bull adding the distinctive flavor and caffeinated kick.
Despite its name, the Irish Trash Can isn’t actually Irish. The name probably comes from the drink’s green color, which is stereotypically associated with Ireland. The “trash can” part of the name may refer to the way the drink combines different types of liquor in one glass.
Irish Trash Can Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make an Irish Trash Can cocktail:
Core Liquors
- Gin: ½ to 1 oz. (Use a good quality gin for a better taste.)
- Rum: ½ to 1 oz. (White rum is the usual choice, but dark rum can add a richer flavor.)
- Vodka: ½ to 1 oz. (Again, a premium vodka will make for a smoother drink.)
Liqueurs and Schnapps
- Blue Curaçao: ½ to 1 oz. (This gives the drink its signature blue color. Double the amount if you want a more intense hue.)
- Peach Schnapps: ½ oz. (Adds sweetness and peach flavor. Add more if you like it sweeter.)
- Triple Sec (Cointreau): ½ to 1 oz. (This provides some citrus notes.)
The Energy Drink
- Red Bull: 1 can (8.4 oz). (Provides energy and a unique flavor. You can use low-calorie Red Bull to cut down on calories. Monster Energy is another option for a different flavor profile.)
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make an Irish Trash Can, you’ll want to have these items on hand:
- Highball glass: This tall glass is perfect for holding all the ingredients and the Red Bull can.
- Jigger: Use this to precisely measure each of the liquors for a balanced flavor.
- Stirrer or bar spoon: You’ll need this to gently mix everything together.
- Ice: To keep your cocktail nice and cold.
How to make an Irish Trash Can Cocktail
Ready to mix up this eye-catching concoction? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Fill a highball glass completely with ice.
- Add gin, rum, vodka, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, and triple sec to the glass.
- Stir gently to combine the liquors.
- Carefully invert an open can of Red Bull into the glass, or slowly pour it in.
A few tips for the perfect Irish Trash Can:
- Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra-cold drink.
- Always use fresh ice.
- Pour the Red Bull slowly to minimize fizzing.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or twist for a pop of color.
Recipe variations and substitutions
While the classic Irish Trash Can is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to experiment with these twists to customize your drink:
Liquor substitutions
- Tequila for gin: If you’re not a fan of gin’s botanical notes, tequila can add a different kind of kick.
- Dark rum for light rum: Dark rum brings a richer, molasses-like flavor to the mix.
- Jameson Irish Whiskey: To give the drink a real Irish taste, consider adding Jameson instead of the vodka.
- Apricot brandy for peach schnapps: This substitution adds a subtle stone-fruit flavor.
Energy drink variations
- Monster Energy: For a bolder flavor and a different look, swap Red Bull for Monster.
- Sugar-free Red Bull: To cut down on sugar, use the sugar-free version of Red Bull.
Non-alcoholic version
Want to enjoy the fun without the alcohol? Here’s how:
- Use non-alcoholic spirits and blue curaçao syrup.
- Top it off with a non-alcoholic energy drink or flavored sparkling water.
Irish Trash Can vs. Other Cocktails
So, how does the Irish Trash Can stack up against other cocktails?
- Irish Trash Can vs. Long Island Iced Tea: Both are strong and use multiple liquors. The Irish Trash Can has Red Bull and uses different specific liquors.
- Irish Trash Can vs. AMF (Adios Motherfker): Both are blue and pack a punch. The AMF usually has sweet and sour mix and a lemon-lime soda.
- Irish Trash Can vs. Irish Car Bomb: These are totally different. An Irish Car Bomb involves dropping a shot of Irish cream and whiskey into a glass of Guinness.
Making a pitcher of Irish Trash Can
Want to make a batch of Irish Trash Can cocktail instead of just one? Scale up the recipe by multiplying all the ingredients by the number of servings you want to make.
Make sure to mix everything except the Red Bull ahead of time and chill it. Add the Red Bull right before serving to keep it fizzy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is it called an Irish Trash Can? Because it’s green.
- What’s in an Irish Trash Can drink? Gin, rum, vodka, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, triple sec, and Red Bull.
- How much alcohol is in the Trash Can cocktail? About 3 ounces of hard liquor, plus Red Bull.
- How many calories are in an Irish Trash Can? Roughly 576 calories with regular Red Bull, and 400 with the low-calorie version.
Closing Thoughts
The Irish Trash Can is a potent, vibrant cocktail that’s easy to customize to your taste. If you’re looking for a drink that packs a punch and looks great while doing it, this might be the cocktail for you.
Enjoy responsibly, and experiment with the variations to find your perfect Irish Trash Can recipe!