Irish Trash CanCocktail recipe
Rating
A colorful and energizing cocktail with a mix of vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, and a can of Red Bull for an electrifying boost.
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Pint glass
Ingredients
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Cocktail Colin says:
The Irish Trash Can is a riotously colorful cocktail with a personality as bold as its electric blue hue – imagine an uptempo party in a pint glass! Vodka, gin, and rum form a strong, neutral backbone while the tang of triple sec and the citrusy sweetness of blue curaçao dance together to spark an intriguing flavor harmony. The peach schnapps adds a gentle fruit-forward softness, balancing the intensity of the spirits, but the real kicker is the Red Bull, which imbues a lively effervescent buzz, making it as much about the experience as the taste. This cocktail is a playful juggernaut, perfect for those who fancy a drink that’s as high-energy as it is eye-catching.
Method
How to make a Irish Trash Can
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- Pour the Blue Curaçao into the bottom of a pint glass
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- Fill the glass about 2/3 full with ice
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- Add the vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and peach schnapps over the ice
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- Open a can of Red Bull and quickly flip it over, placing it directly into the glass
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- Serve with a straw and enjoy!
Power tips
Elevate the Irish Trash Can with these master mixologist tips
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Find out more- Chill your glass before preparation to balance the temperature, maintaining the drink's cool and refreshing nature longer. Keep the pint glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before use for optimal effect.
- To enhance the color gradient effect, pour the Blue Curaçao gently down the side of the tilted glass. This method will allow it to settle at the bottom, creating a more visually appealing layer.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's

Can I substitute any of the ingredients in the Irish Trash Can cocktail?
While the Irish Trash Can is typically made with vodka, gin, white rum, triple sec, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, and an energy drink, there are some substitutions you could consider. For instance, if you prefer a less intense flavor, you might swap out the gin with a smoother, botanical-infused gin. Similarly, for a slightly different flavor profile, you can use flavored vodka, like citrus or berry, instead of plain vodka. If you can't find Blue Curaçao, you could use a similar orange-flavored liqueur, although you might lose the vibrant color, or add food coloring. Always remember that substitutions might alter the taste of the cocktail, so aim to balance flavors if you make changes.

For what occasions is the Irish Trash Can cocktail most suitable?
The Irish Trash Can cocktail is particularly well-suited for lively occasions and gatherings, such as parties, holidays, and celebrations where a fun and energetic atmosphere is encouraged. Its colorful appearance and the combination of energy drink with multiple spirits make it popular at gatherings like St. Patrick's Day parties, college events, or any festive outdoor summer party where the vibe is vibrant and spirited. Due to its relatively strong alcohol content and energizing components, it's best enjoyed when you're planning to be active and social throughout your event.

How should the Irish Trash Can cocktail be prepared for the best taste?
To ensure the Irish Trash Can cocktail tastes its best, follow a few key preparation techniques. Begin by filling a pint glass with ice. Pour equal parts of vodka, gin, white rum, triple sec, and blue curaçao into the glass. Follow it with a smaller amount of peach schnapps for a sweet touch. The distinctive feature is the addition of an energy drink, often with the can left inverted in the glass. This method allows the energy drink to gradually mix with the alcohol as you sip. Shake the spirits with a cocktail shaker beforehand if you prefer a more blended taste. The cocktail's combination of ingredients benefits from a thorough chill, so make sure your glass and ingredients are cold for optimal refreshment.

What foods pair well with the Irish Trash Can cocktail?
The Irish Trash Can's vibrant and energetic profile pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly those that can match its lively spirit. Bar snacks like spicy buffalo wings, loaded nachos, and crispy fries complement the cocktail's bold flavors, creating a perfect harmony of taste. Additionally, foods with a hint of sweetness, like a honey-glazed barbecue, can balance nicely against the cocktail's citrus and peach undertones. Light, refreshing fare, such as grilled shrimp or tropical fruit platters, also makes an excellent option, allowing the boldness of the cocktail to take center stage. Thanks to the layered flavors of the Irish Trash Can, it pairs seamlessly with meals intended to please a crowd.

How does the alcohol content of the Irish Trash Can cocktail compare with other cocktails?
The Irish Trash Can cocktail has an alcohol content of around 15%, which positions it in the mid-range compared to other mixed drinks. Some classic cocktails like the Martini or the Manhattan typically have a higher alcohol content, often ranging from 25% to 30%, due to the lack of non-alcoholic components in their recipes. Conversely, cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan or Daiquiri, with alcohol contents around 10% to 15%, are more comparable to the Irish Trash Can. The unique combination of multiple spirits in the Irish Trash Can, balanced with an energy drink, creates a distinctive kick that can be quite intoxicating, despite the moderate alcohol percentage. As always, it's important to enjoy responsibly, especially due to the energizing effects imparted by the energy drink content.
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