Are you looking to add some excitement to your next party? Trash can drinks are a popular choice for gatherings because they combine a variety of flavors in unique and visually appealing ways. Trash can drinks are known for their ease of preparation and the fun experience they bring to any event.
This article introduces you to 15 creative trash can drink recipes you can try. These drinks often mix various types of alcohol and mixers, creating colorful and potent beverages that are sure to impress your guests.
1) Jungle Juice
Jungle Juice is a popular party drink known for its fruity flavor and vibrant mix of ingredients. It is often prepared in large quantities, making it perfect for gatherings.
To make Jungle Juice, you’ll need fruit juices, alcohol, and fresh fruit. Common juices include orange, pineapple, and cranberry. Mix your juices in a large container.
Next, add alcohol. Popular choices are rum, vodka, and sometimes gin. The mix of different spirits gives Jungle Juice its punch. Combine the alcohol with the juices and stir well.
Finally, add fresh fruit like sliced oranges, lemons, and berries. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a decorative touch. Chill the mixture for a few hours before serving.
Serve Jungle Juice in cups filled with ice. This keeps the drink refreshing and cool. It’s a lively and colorful option that always stands out at parties.
2) Shark Attack
Shark Attack is a fun and colorful drink that makes any party exciting. It combines flavors that are both sweet and tangy.
Start by mixing blue curaçao and pineapple juice. Fill a glass with ice and pour the blue mixture over it. This creates a refreshing and visually appealing base.
For a cocktail version, blend lemonade, rum, vodka, and curaçao in a pitcher. Add gummy sharks and ice. Pour in some seltzer for a fizzy touch. Drizzle grenadine to mimic blood in the water.
For a mocktail, use a mix of punch and Sprite. Add gummy sharks and ice to make it festive. This keeps the fun without any alcohol.
Serve in clear glasses to show off the layers of color and floating sharks. It’s sure to impress your guests and is easy to make.
3) Electric Lemonade
Electric Lemonade is a vibrant and refreshing drink, perfect for summer gatherings.
To make this drink, you’ll need vodka, lemonade, blue curaçao, and lemon-lime soda.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, lemonade, and blue curaçao. Shake well. This will mix the ingredients and chill the drink.
Next, fill a tall glass halfway with ice. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
Top off the drink with lemon-lime soda. This gives it a fizzy finish.
Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately. Electric Lemonade is sure to be a hit at your summer parties.
4) Zombie Punch
To make Zombie Punch, start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need rum, apricot brandy, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
Combine these ingredients in a large pitcher. Make sure to mix well so that all the flavors blend together.
Chill the mixture in the fridge until your guests arrive. This helps the flavors develop better.
When you’re ready to serve, pour the punch into a large bowl. Add ice to keep it cold.
For a special touch, garnish with mint sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and grapefruit slices. These add both flavor and a nice look to the drink.
Remember to enjoy the Zombie Punch responsibly.
5) Hurricane Delight
A Hurricane Delight is a refreshing and fruity mix perfect for any gathering.
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, and a splash of lime juice.
Next, add a teaspoon of grenadine for that signature red hue. Shake well until the mix is fully chilled.
Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.
This drink is sweet thanks to the fruit juices, and the rum adds a nice kick. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests at any party.
6) Swamp Water
Swamp Water is a fun and colorful drink that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye at your next party. The key to making Swamp Water is combining different types of alcohol with mixers to create a vibrant green hue.
To start, fill your glass or pitcher with ice. Add tequila, sour apple pucker, melon liqueur, and sweet and sour mix.
Then, pour in some lemon-lime soda and stir well to mix everything together. Top it off with a splash of blue curaçao. This will give your drink that signature swampy green color.
For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the alcohol with green-colored soda or juice. You’ll still get the fun, swampy look without any of the alcohol.
Remember to garnish your drink with a slice of lime or a few pieces of fruit to make it even more appealing. Swamp Water is both tasty and visually striking, making it a perfect choice for themed parties or casual get-togethers. Enjoy!
7) Midnight Cooler
You will need a large punch bowl and plenty of ice. Gather vodka, blue curaçao, lemon-lime soda, and a can of pineapple juice.
Fill the bowl halfway with ice. Pour in 2 cups of vodka, 1 cup of blue curaçao, and 2 cups of lemon-lime soda. Add 1 can of pineapple juice and stir gently.
Cut up some fresh fruit like oranges and lemons. Add them to the punch for extra flavor. Let the Midnight Cooler sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
When you’re ready, use a ladle to scoop the drink into glasses filled with ice. Enjoy your refreshing Midnight Cooler at your next party!
8) Island Splash
To make the Island Splash, start by filling a glass with ice.
Pour in 1 oz of coconut rum and 1 oz of pineapple juice.
Next, add 0.5 oz of blue curaçao.
Finish off with a can of tropical-flavored energy drink.
Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
The Island Splash is a refreshing and vibrant drink.
Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry for a tropical touch.
Perfect for summer parties or a beach-themed gathering.
9) Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace is a bold and spicy twist on the classic trash can drink. It combines a variety of liquors with a hint of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Start by adding ice to a large glass or a brand new trash can. Pour in equal parts of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec.
Next, add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. This gives it the “fiery” characteristic. Be cautious not to overdo it with the hot sauce, as it can quickly overpower the drink.
Top off the mix with a can of Red Bull, placing it upside down in the container. This adds a fizzy, energetic touch to your drink.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some cut-up fruit like oranges or limes.
Let the drink sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir gently before serving, making sure the hot sauce is well mixed.
Your Fiery Furnace will be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their cocktails.
10) Purple Haze
Purple Haze is a fun and colorful drink that’s sure to be a hit at your next party. It’s simple to make and has a sweet-tart flavor.
Start with a highball glass filled with ice. Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of Chambord Raspberry Liqueur.
Top it with lemonade and lemon-lime soda in equal parts. Stir gently to mix.
For a different twist, you can try a recipe with blue curaçao and grenadine. This will give you a deep purple drink with a unique taste.
Fill a shaker with ice and add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, and 1/2 ounce of grenadine. Shake well.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel or lemon wedge. Serve immediately.
Each variation gives you a vibrant, tasty drink that’s perfect for celebrations.
11) Citrus Smash
The Citrus Smash is a refreshing drink that brings together the bright flavors of various citrus fruits. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you need something to cool down. The combination of different citrus juices gives this drink a unique, zesty kick.
To make a Citrus Smash, start with a highball glass filled with ice. Add vodka as your base spirit. Then, mix in fresh-squeezed lemon, lime, and orange juices. This trio of citrus flavors will create an invigorating and tangy taste.
Next, add a splash of simple syrup to balance the tartness. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also add a small amount of grapefruit juice.
Finish your Citrus Smash with a sparkling touch by topping it off with a splash of lemon-lime soda. This adds bubbliness and makes it even more refreshing. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime on the rim of the glass.
Enjoy your Citrus Smash as a delightful drink to lift your spirits and keep you refreshed during any summer gathering.
12) Spiked Punch
Spiked Punch is a flavorful and fruity drink that’s sure to be a hit at any party.
You start by adding a variety of fresh fruits to your punch bowl. Common choices include strawberries, pineapple chunks, and citrus slices. This not only adds flavor but also makes the punch look more inviting.
Next, pour in your alcohol. Common choices are vodka and rum, but you can also add Everclear for an extra kick. Mix in pre-made fruit punches like Hawaiian Punch to balance the alcohol with sweetness.
After combining all ingredients, stir well to ensure the flavors meld together. Allow the punch to sit for at least an hour. This allows the fruit to soak up the alcohol, making each bite a burst of flavor.
Before serving, give the punch another stir. Serve in individual cups with some of the fruit added to each. Remember, the longer the mixture sits, the stronger the fruit pieces become.
Enjoy responsibly.
13) Mojito Madness
Looking for a twist on the classic mojito? Mojito Madness brings delicious variations to this refreshing cocktail.
Start with the traditional base of rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and sparkling water. You can experiment with flavored rums or add fresh fruit like strawberries, mango, or pineapple for a unique taste.
Try adding different herbs such as basil or cilantro instead of mint. These can give a new depth of flavor.
You can also mix in fruit purées to make your mojitos even more vibrant. Blend fresh berries or tropical fruits into the mix. This adds color and fresh taste to every sip.
For a fun presentation, serve your mojito in a mason jar or a tall, decorative glass. Add a colorful straw and a sprig of mint or a slice of fruit on the rim.
Your guests will love these creative and refreshing mojitos at any party or get-together. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect Mojito Madness recipe.
14) Tropical Cyclone
The Tropical Cyclone is a refreshing drink perfect for summer days.
First, fill a shaker with ice. Add 1 oz Grand Marnier, 2 oz grapefruit juice, and 2 oz citron vodka.
Shake well until chilled. Strain the mix into an ice-filled highball glass.
Top up with some lemonade and stir gently.
For a nice touch, garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a twist of lemon peel.
15) Berry Fusion
Berry Fusion is a fun and fruity drink, perfect for a party.
Start with a large, clean container. Pour in 16 ounces of vodka and 16 ounces of light rum.
Add 1 gallon of cranberry juice and 1 gallon of mixed berry juice.
For a vibrant mix, add fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
Mix all the ingredients together.
Allow the mixture to sit for at least an hour. This helps the flavors blend.
Add ice before serving to keep the drink cold.
For a fun touch, use a brand-new, clean trash can.
Serve with a ladle or large spoon.
History and Origin of Trash Can Drinks
Trash can drinks, also known as jungle juice or bucket punch, have a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. These vibrant and potent cocktails have become a staple at college parties, symbolizing fun and inclusivity.
What Are Trash Can Drinks?
Trash can drinks are large-batch cocktails typically mixed in a trash can or large container. These drinks often include a mix of various alcohols, fruit juices, and sometimes soda. The name comes from the container used to mix and serve them. The key to a good trash can drink is balancing the ingredients, ensuring it’s flavorful without any one type of alcohol dominating the mix.
Cultural Significance
Trash can drinks hold a special place in college culture and parties, often seen as a rite of passage for young adults. They bring people together through shared experiences and the communal aspect of serving from one large container. These drinks also symbolize the creativity and resourcefulness of college students, who often use whatever ingredients they have on hand to create unique concoctions.
Preparing to Make Trash Can Drinks
Before you start making trash can drinks, make sure you have all the ingredients and tools you need. This will help you make the drinks quickly and smoothly, ensuring great results.
Gathering Ingredients
Begin by gathering various types of alcohol such as vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and blue curaçao. Each recipe may require different combinations, so check ahead of time. Also, prepare mixers like fruit punch, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda.
You’ll also need some frozen juice concentrates. These add both flavor and a thick texture. Popular choices include orange juice concentrate and lemonade concentrate. Have these ready and keep them frozen until you’re about to mix.
Make sure to get plenty of ice, as trash can drinks need to be served chilled. Often, these drinks are made in large batches, so you’ll need a lot of ice to keep them cool and refreshing.
Essential Tools and Utensils
You’ll need a few essential tools to make trash can drinks properly. First, get a clean, new trash can or large container. This will be your main mixing vessel. Ensure it’s thoroughly washed and sanitized before use.
Have a couple of large mixing spoons or ladles on hand. These are necessary for stirring the mixture well to combine the flavors uniformly. You may also need a knife and cutting board for chopping up fruit, which adds a nice touch to your drinks.
Make sure you have enough glasses or cups for serving, and consider using fun, themed ones to match your event. Straws are also useful for sipping the drinks, especially if you’re adding cans of soda or energy drinks directly into the glass.
Lastly, keep some measuring cups and jiggers nearby. Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor balance and prevent the drinks from being too strong or too weak.
Tips for Serving and Presenting Trash Can Drinks
Making Trash Can Drinks appealing involves not just the recipe but also the way you serve and present them. The right containers and garnishes can elevate the experience.
Choosing the Right Containers
Selecting the right container is crucial. You can use highball glasses or large plastic cups for individual servings. For parties, opt for a large pitcher or even a mini trash can to stay true to the theme.
Ice is key. Fill the container with ice to keep the drinks cold. Make sure the container is see-through to showcase the colorful layers of the drink. Using clear containers can make the presentation more vibrant and enticing.
Garnishing and Decorations
Garnishing adds a visual appeal and enhances the flavor. Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and orange slices can be used as toppings. Adding a straw not only makes it easier to drink but also adds to the look.
You can also use cocktail umbrellas and fun stirrers for a festive touch. Place an open can of Red Bull upside down in the drink to create a unique presentation. The can slowly releases the drink and mixes it with other ingredients, adding a visual element as well as a burst of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect trash can drink requires careful attention to flavors and mixing techniques. Avoiding these common mistakes can elevate your party punch to the next level.
Balancing Flavors
Balance is key in trash can drinks. Overloading the drink with too many ingredients can result in a muddled and overpowering taste. Start with a few base ingredients and gradually add others.
Mix clear spirits like vodka, gin, and rum for a smoother taste. Avoid adding too much juice or soda as it can make the drink excessively sweet. Aim for a ratio of about 2:1 or 4:1 (alcohol to mixers).
Keep flavors complementary. For example, citrus juices pair well with most spirits, while tropical fruits like pineapple can add a refreshing twist without overwhelming the drink.
Proper Mixing Techniques
Proper mixing techniques are crucial for achieving a consistent taste. When combining ingredients, stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. Overstirring can cause dilution, affecting the overall flavor and potency.
Don’t add carbonated drinks like soda or ginger ale until just before serving. This prevents the drink from becoming flat. Layering ingredients in the correct order is also important. Start with ice, followed by spirits, then mixers, and finally any carbonated components.
Using a large container for mixing helps to manage quantity and maintain a balanced taste. Serve the drink in individual glasses with ice to keep it chilled and enjoyable throughout the party.
