Irish Trash Can (Cocktail Recipe)
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Loud, bright, and unapologetically bold, the Irish Trash Can is part cocktail, part spectacle. Multiple spirits, a hit of citrusy sweetness, and an energy drink that slowly releases into the glass, shifting the color as it goes. It’s strong, cold, and meant to be enjoyed immediately. This isn’t a subtle drink… and it’s not pretending to be.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE TRASH CAN DRINK
- Classic party cocktail with built-in drama
- Fast to assemble, fun to serve
- Strong but balanced enough to drink
- Color change is half the appeal
- Made for celebrations and big nights
Irish Trash Can
This is one of those drinks that announces itself the moment it hits the table. People notice. Heads turn. Someone always asks what it is.
Chad makes this when the night calls for something fun and slightly ridiculous… in a good way.
Unlike vodka and red, you don’t sip this quietly in the corner. You laugh, you watch the color change, and you understand pretty quickly why it’s a party classic.
The Irish Trash Can is not delicate. It’s not restrained. It’s a moment in a glass. And when the vibe calls for it, this one delivers exactly what it promises.
And although this trash can drink isn’t an actual Irish cocktail, the gorgeous green color makes it perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day party!
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Blue Curaçao: Adds color and a mild citrus sweetness that sets the tone.
- Gin, Rum, Vodka: The neutral backbone. Clean spirits that don’t fight each other.
- Peach Schnapps & Triple Sec: Bring sweetness and fruity flavor without overpowering the rest of the cocktail.
- Red Bull: The classic choice. The slow release is what makes the drink.
- Ice: Needed for dilution and balance. Don’t skimp.
CHAD’S RULE OF THUMB
If the spirit tastes clean on its own, it works here. If it’s harsh when served neat, it’ll show up fast once the ice melts. This Irish trashcan cocktail may look wild, but it still rewards good choices.
SOLID, NO-ARGUMENT PICKS
These spirits keep the trash can drink clean and drinkable:
- A standard London dry gin
- Light rum with no heavy vanilla notes
- Neutral vodka without added flavors
- Classic triple sec and peach schnapps… nothing syrupy
STEP-UP OPTIONS (CONNOISSEUR APPROVED)
If you want a cleaner finish:
- Higher-quality neutral vodka
- A brighter, citrus-forward triple sec
- A peach liqueur with less sugar and more fruit character
VARIATIONS
Lighter Pour: Use slightly less of each spirit for a softer version.
Different Energy Drink: Any 8-12 ounce can will work, but the flavor will change.
Extra Citrus: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime before dropping the can.
Party Version: Make multiple glasses at once, then drop the cans together.
Slow Sip: Let the can release gradually instead of all at once.
WHEN TO SERVE IT
- Big celebrations
- Group gatherings
- Late-night parties
- Game days (for the food and drinks, not the sportsball)
- When subtlety is not on the agenda
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Drink up immediately… the Irish trashcan waits for no one!
- Best for parties, celebrations, and late nights.
- Pair with salty snacks or hearty party food.
- Not a starter drink. Know your crowd.
IRISH TRASHCAN FAQ
Trashcan drinks, also known as jungle juice, were first introduced at college parties. There usually isn’t a recipe for them. Everyone just brings a bottle of liquor to pour into a clean trash can or plastic bin.
It’s a step up from the simpler Red Bull and vodka, but with that classic energy drink tang. So what makes this garbage can drink Irish? The green color, of course!
Yes. Like a Long Island Iced Tea, it’s a multi-spirit cocktail and should be treated accordingly.
As the energy drink releases, it mixes with the blue curaçao and spirits, shifting the color from blue to green.
You can, but you lose the signature effect.
The Irish Trash Can works because of balance and pacing, even though it looks chaotic.
All the spirits are relatively neutral, which keeps any single flavor from taking over.
The blue curaçao adds sweetness and acidity up front, while the energy drink releases gradually, changing the dilution and sweetness as you drink.
That slow integration is what keeps the cocktail from tasting harsh right away.
CHAD’S PRO TIPS
- Don’t go cheap. Lower-quality spirits will make the drink taste harsh.
- Chill energy drinks first. It keeps the cocktail colder, longer.
- Leave plenty of headspace before adding the can, or your garbage can drink will overflow.
- A wider rim is best for sipping. Rest the Red Bull at an angle and add a straw.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Tall Pint-Style Glass: Wide enough to safely fit the can.
- Jigger: Precision matters when stacking this many spirits.
- Ice Scoop: You’ll need a solid fill.
- Steady Hand: Dropping the can is part of the experience.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Great Vodka Cocktails
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) THE QUICK VERSION
- Classic party cocktail
- Multiple spirits with energy drink
- Color-changing presentation
- Strong and fast to make
- Best served immediately
- Not subtle, very fun
- Choose clean spirits for best balance
Irish Trash Can (Cocktail Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce blue curaçao
- Ice
- 1/2 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce light rum
- 1/2 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce peach schnapps
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- 1 8.4 ounce can Red Bull or other energy drink
Instructions
- ADD BASE: Pour ½ ounce blue curaçao into the bottom of a tall glass that is slightly wider than the Red Bull can.
- ADD ICE: Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- ADD SPIRITS: Pour in ½ ounce each gin, light rum, vodka, peach schnapps, and triple sec.
- DROP CAN: Open the Red Bull and carefully drop the entire can upside down into the glass. The drink will mix as the energy drink releases.
- SERVE: Serve immediately.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published October 2012, updated and republished January 2026
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
I can't have the caffeine in Red Bull. What could I substitute?
This was a delicious, easy to make drink! It is so pretty too! Great for a party or gathering!
This cocktail was so easy to make and tasted incredible!
Hi Peyton!
We’re so glad you enjoyed.
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn