Irish Trash Can
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You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy this beverage! This Irish Trash Can drink is a fun cocktail that mixes up a half dozen varieties of alcohol and then is topped with a can of Red Bull.
It’s the perfect cocktail for celebrating St. Patrick’s day! The “Irish” name is simply because this beverage turns green after it mixes together. Plus, it’s pretty and delicious to drink!

I’ve been introducing some great new cocktails on the blog, haven’t I? Have you tried the Pickleback yet? There a bunch of Easy Cocktail Recipes on the blog or do you have Green Beer on the menu for St. Patrick’s Day?
WAIT! Before you make your trip to the liquor store to stock the bar I’m gonna give you one more cocktail for the party!
Have you ever had an Irish Trash Can?
No? Oh my, that needs to change stat!!
This is a great cocktail that mixes half dozen varieties of alcohol and then is topped with a can of Red Bull! How fun does that sound? It’s a great cocktail and a perfect way to start off your party!
It also seems like the drink I probably would have consumed back when I was a little more youthful.
Red Bull was a big thing back then.
If you are looking to relive your younger days I promise you this drink will help you do that!
What is an Irish Trash Can?
It’s a form of jungle juice that combines 6 different liquors and is served with a can of Red Bull on top for a boost of caffeine. It starts as blue on the top and transforms to green in the middle and bottom of the cocktail.
It’s not actually an Irish cocktail, but the gorgeous green color makes it perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with.
Irish Trash Can Ingredients
- Gin
- Light rum
- Vodka
- Peach schnapps
- Blue curacao
- Triple sec
- Red Bull Energy Drink
- Straws
Additionally, you may need Collins Cocktail Glasses. Tall and slender and this glass holds the Red Bull when it’s tipped over without sinking to the bottom of the glass. These are a must for this cocktail!
How to Make an Irish Trash Can Cocktail
- Fill a large Collins glass with ice.
- Add all the liquors, and stir thoroughly.
- Open the Red Bull and drop in the full can.
- Insert a straw and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Use a tall thin glass, or the Red Bull will topple out of the cocktail.
- Leave room in the drink for the addition of the can of energy drink so it doesn’t overflow!
- Ease the Red Bull in so it drizzles (rather than pours) into the cocktail.
Typically this drink is about 40% alcohol by volume or abv, but it depends on the brand of alcohol you use. This is a potent cocktail with 5 types of alcohol so please drink responsibly.
It can be considered jungle juice since the definition of jungle juice is an improvised alcoholic drink, but since I’m giving you a recipe, can we call it improvised?
Half the fun of this drink is that once all the alcohol mixes together it makes a pretty blue drink.
I’m all about pretty things, so my drinks might as well be pretty too!
If you’re looking for some good party eats, here are a couple of great ideas! Corned Beef Bagel Dip and Irish Soda Bread and when you’re wrapping up dinner, check this out for St. Patrick’s Day Desserts recipes!
More Delicious Cocktail Recipes!
- Warm up with an Irish Coffee! With only four ingredients it’s the perfect cocktail to warm up with during the fall and winter months!
- Serve a White Russian during your parties. It’s perfect for before or after dinner. A creamy three ingredients cocktail that’s smooth.
- Craving a refreshing cocktail? Mix up an Arnold Palmer! A blend of lemonade, iced tea and vodka!
Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Irish Trash Can Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ ounce gin
- ½ ounce light rum
- ½ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce peach schnapps
- ½ ounce blue curacao
- ½ ounce triple sec
- 5 ounces Red Bull Energy Drink
Instructions
- Fill a large Collins glass (or tall, slender glass with a 12 oz capacity) with ice. Add all the liquors, and stir thoroughly.
- Last open and drop in a full can of Red Bull upside-down. The can will float at first, then as the energy drink empties, it will slowly sink, turning your drink green as it does.
Marie DePue says
I used to be a avid fireball and Dr pepper drinker until I tried the Irish trash can and now all I order is the trash can
Brooke Kill says
Happy we could help you find your new favorite:)
Dede says
Can this be made as like a fish bowl idea?
Julie Evink says
Yes I’m sure if you triple it or something it would work fine!
Chess says
if you use the Juneberry flavor red bull it turns the drink purple with a blue rim and makes it fruitier.
Courtney says
Yumm.. that does sound delicious!
Jim says
You mentioned the drink is 40% alcohol volume, but it’s actually thats just the liquor content. Remember your liquor isn’t 100% alcohol, the average of the drinks you listed is 30-35%, so the true alcohol by volume is between 10-15% depending on the specific liquors used.
Sheila says
This was the first legal drink I ever had lol, back in 2008 an ornery bartender told me “you’ll like it, it’s sweet, kinda like 7 & 7 is” so i trusted her, they taste like liquid pixie sticks, so you gotta like Sweet! (And orange given both triple sec AND blue curaco are citrus/orange based liquers)
Wanna be economical?
Use a large, tall glass (pilsner or wedge flute works perfect)
Then just pick up a mixer of Long Island mix at the store (has ALL the liquor needed except the curaco)
Then fill the glass about half way, pour in 2-3 fingers (4-ish shots) of the long Island mix, about a shot of blue curaco and then drizzle the red bull on top (putting it IN the glass causes more waste and is more of an aesthetic thing to do, like bartenders do for entertainment)
Mix and enjoy, you’ve just made a $10 drink for about $5 inc the Red Bull 😉
Julie says
Thanks for the tip, Sheila!
Chess says
it was my first drink as well in 2011, my brother was the one that told me to try it. he is a big red bull drinker and thought it would be an easy first time. although I hated the long island iced tea I drank after it lol
James Ramsey says
Wowza best I’ve ever had. I’m energized and drunk!
Julie says
Well I’m glad you liked it but please enjoy responsibly!
Carol says
Wow this drink was amazing and definitely packs a punch
Julie says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Tiffany says
Always a must when I go to the bar!! I love staring with the Irish trash can!
Julie says
Perfect!
Malinda Linnebur says
This drink was a hit with the hubby!! Thanks!
Julie Evink says
So glad he enjoyed it!
Taryn says
Can’t wait for St. Patrick’s Day! Love this recipe.
Julie Evink says
Ditto to that!
Renee Goerger says
Wowza! This drink sure does pack a punch! I love it!
Julie Evink says
Yes it sure does!
Melissa Howell says
What a fun sounding drink! Love that it changes colors! It’s like a fun science experiment you can drink 🙂
Julie Evink says
Yes it is!
Danielle Green says
This Irish Trash Can looks quite refreshing!
Julie Evink says
Sure is!