Irish Car Bomb
/
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Irish Car Bomb
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.65 / 5
The Irish Car Bomb is a controversially named cocktail that combines a smooth and creamy texture with a sweet and complex flavor profile. It traditionally features a blend of rich Bailey's Irish Cream and robust whiskey, with cola providing a fizzy, caramel-like sweetness that complements the bold spirits. Served in a lowball glass, this cocktail is a fusion of Irish and American influences, offering a unique drinking experience. The name of the cocktail has been a subject of contention due to its reference to a sensitive historical issue in Ireland, and it's more commonly enjoyed in the United States. Despite its name, it is enjoyed for its distinctive combination of flavors and the interactive experience of dropping a shot into a tumbler of cola and whiskey.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Whiskey
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
200 calories
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.89% | 1.71 units *

Tags

Whiskey ingredient icon
Whiskey cocktails

Lowball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Bailey's cocktail ingredient icon for the Irish Car Bomb cocktail
Bailey's
Cola cocktail ingredient icon for the Irish Car Bomb cocktail
Cola
Whiskey cocktail ingredient icon for the Irish Car Bomb cocktail
Whiskey
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Irish Car Bomb

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Fill a shot glass full of Baileys
Put the whisky into a tumbler without ice
Top up with coke, leaving about a three centimetre gap from the top
Drop the shot of Baileys into the tumbler and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Irish Car Bomb with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Subscribe to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Irish Car Bomb cocktail?

The Irish Car Bomb originated in the late 1970s in Norwich, Connecticut, not in Ireland as one might assume. The cocktail was created by Charles Burke Cronin Oat, co-owner of Wilson's Saloon. The name references its Irish ingredients and the practice of dropping a shot glass filled with a mixture into a glass of another beverage, but has been met with controversy due to its insensitive reference to a troubled period in Irish history.

Serving suggestions icon

What is the best way to serve an Irish Car Bomb?

An Irish Car Bomb is traditionally served in a lowball glass. The process involves first pouring the whiskey and Bailey's into a shot glass, then dropping the shot glass into a lowball glass filled with cola, encouraging a rapid consumption. It's best served immediately after combining to experience the intended flavor profile and effervescent effect.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of an Irish Car Bomb compare to other similar cocktails?

The Irish Car Bomb has an alcohol content of 4.89%, which is relatively moderate compared to other bomb shots or similar cocktails. For example, a classic Jägerbomb might range closer to 7% alcohol by volume, depending on the ratio and type of energy drink used. The Irish Car Bomb's constituents and volume result in a lower alcohol content, making it less potent in terms of immediate impact.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute the cola in an Irish Car Bomb with another type of soda?

Yes, you can substitute cola with another type of soda in an Irish Car Bomb, although it will alter the taste profile of the cocktail. Some may prefer a lighter soda, like ginger ale, for a slightly different, perhaps less sweet, taste experience. However, it's important to note that the classic version specifically uses cola to achieve its characteristic flavor.

Customization ideas icon

Are there any popular variations or customizations for the Irish Car Bomb cocktail?

While the classic Irish Car Bomb recipe includes whiskey, Bailey's, and cola, some popular customizations include using flavored whiskey or cream liquors for a different taste. Experimenting with different types of cola or even adding a dash of flavored syrups can create a unique taste experience. Keep in mind, though, that modifications will change the traditional flavor profile of the cocktail.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

You might also like

Cameron's Kick

Classic

The Cameron's Kick is a classic cocktail that stands out with its unique blend of two different types of whiskey,...

Campfire Crackle

A warming, spiced cocktail combining whisky, crème de cassis, and apple & ginger juice, perfect for chilly evenings by the...

Green Tea

The Green Tea cocktail is a refreshing and zesty concoction that's designed to be served in a shot glass, providing...

Scotty Special

An original flavour that is neutral but has a refreshing kick, which somehow works in beautiful harmony.
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image