Looking for a fun and bold drink option for your next party? Trash Can drinks are popular cocktail mixes that combine multiple liquors with colorful mixers to create eye-catching and potent beverages.
These drinks get their playful name from their vibrant colors and the fact that they contain a variety of alcohols mixed together, similar to throwing everything into a trash can.
Trash Can cocktails typically include vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and blue curaçao, giving them their signature blue color. Some variations also add peach schnapps or energy drinks for extra flavor and kick.
You can adjust these recipes to suit your taste preferences or create themed versions for special occasions like parties or holidays. These drinks are sure to be conversation starters and crowd-pleasers at your next gathering.
1. Classic Irish Trash Can
The Irish Trash Can is a powerful cocktail that packs a serious punch. This drink combines six different spirits in one glass.
To make it, use 1 oz each of vodka, gin, light rum, triple sec, blue curaçao, and ½ oz of peach schnapps. Mix these ingredients in a tall glass with ice.
Top the mixture with Red Bull energy drink, which creates a fizzy, energetic finish. The blue curaçao gives this drink its distinctive blue color.
With so many types of alcohol, enjoy this drink slowly and responsibly.
2. Tropical Trash Can
The Tropical Trash Can is a refreshing twist on the classic trash can cocktail. This fruity version combines multiple spirits with a tropical flair.
Use 1oz vodka, 1oz gin, 1oz rum, and coconut rum instead of peach schnapps. Add a splash of pineapple juice for that tropical taste.
Mix all the ingredients together in a glass with ice. The combination creates a sweet and potent drink perfect for summer gatherings.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry to enhance the tropical vibe. This cocktail is strong, so remember to enjoy responsibly.
3. Blue Curaçao Trash Can
The Blue Curaçao Trash Can is a vibrant, high-energy cocktail that’s perfect for parties. Its eye-catching blue color comes from Blue Curaçao liqueur.
Start by pouring Blue Curaçao into the bottom of a tall glass. Add ice to fill it halfway.
Pour in equal parts (about 1 oz each) of vodka, gin, light rum, peach schnapps, and triple sec. These spirits create a potent but balanced flavor profile.
Top the drink with an energy drink like Red Bull. Place the can upside down in the glass for the distinctive “trash can” appearance.
4. Peach Schnapps Trash Can
The Peach Schnapps Trash Can is a colorful and potent cocktail that combines multiple spirits with a fruity twist. Pour Blue Curaçao in the bottom of a tall glass filled with ice.
Add equal parts (about 1/2 to 1 oz each) of vodka, gin, light rum, triple sec, and peach schnapps over the ice. The peach schnapps adds a sweet, fruity flavor that balances the strength of the other alcohols.
Top the mixture with an energy drink like Red Bull for a caffeinated kick. The Blue Curaçao sits at the bottom, and the energy drink floats on top.
5. Red Bull Irish Trash Can
The Irish Trash Can is a powerful cocktail that combines six different types of alcohol topped with Red Bull. This colorful drink gets its name from its appearance and potent mix of ingredients.
Use blue curaçao, gin, vodka, rum, triple sec, and peach schnapps. Pour one ounce of each liquor (half an ounce for peach schnapps) over ice in a tall glass.
Add an 8.4-ounce can of Red Bull, often by inverting the can into the drink. The blue curaçao gives this drink its distinctive blue-green color.
This cocktail is popular for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or whenever you want a high-energy, fruity drink.
6. Trash Can Jungle Juice
Trash Can Jungle Juice is a party favorite that’s perfect for large gatherings. This fruity concoction typically combines vodka, tequila, and box wine with fresh fruits like limes, oranges, and strawberries.
Use a clean trash can or another large container. Add ice, then pour in your liquors and wine.
Add sliced fruits for flavor and color. The fresh fruits enhance the taste and make the drink look more appealing.
Stir well before serving to blend all the flavors together. This potent punch serves many people and suits parties or outdoor events.
7. Triple Sec Trash Can
Triple Sec is a key ingredient in the popular Trash Can cocktail. This orange-flavored liqueur adds a sweet citrus note that balances the other spirits.
Use 1 oz each of vodka, gin, rum, Triple Sec, Blue Curaçao, and 1/2 oz of Peach Schnapps. Pour all these ingredients over ice in a tall glass.
Top it off with an energy drink like Red Bull. Invert the can into the drink for presentation.
The Triple Sec Trash Can is known for its bright blue color and potent mix of alcohols.
8. Vodka Gin Rum Mix Trash Can
The Vodka Gin Rum Mix Trash Can is a potent cocktail that combines three popular spirits. Use equal parts of vodka, gin, and rum as the base.
Mix 1 oz each of vodka, gin, and rum. Add 1 oz of Triple Sec and 1 oz of Blue Curaçao for sweetness and color.
Include 1/2 oz of Peach Schnapps for extra fruity flavor. Some variations include cranberry, orange, and pineapple juices to balance the strong alcohol content.
For a party-sized batch, use 2 cups each of vodka, gin, and rum with 1 cup of Triple Sec and fruit juices to taste.
9. Tequila Trash Can Variation
This tequila-based version of the Trash Can drink packs a serious punch and offers a refreshing citrus kick. Instead of the traditional vodka base, tequila takes center stage.
Mix 3 cups of tequila with 24 ounces of frozen limeade concentrate and 1 cup of fresh lime juice. Add orange liqueur for sweetness and complexity.
Pour the mixture into a large punch bowl filled with ice. Top with club soda for fizz and add agave syrup to taste.
Garnish with maraschino cherries or lime wheels. Serve this crowd-pleaser at outdoor gatherings or parties where you need a large-batch cocktail.
10. Cherry Kool-Aid Trash Can
Cherry Kool-Aid makes a delicious base for a trash can punch that’s perfect for large gatherings. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients but delivers big flavor.
Start with a clean trash can lined with a new plastic bag. Add several packets of Cherry Kool-Aid powder, then mix in lemonade for a tangy contrast.
For an adult version, add clear liquors like vodka, rum, and gin. A good starting point is 8 ounces of each liquor per gallon of the Kool-Aid mixture.
Add plenty of ice before serving. This bright red punch is eye-catching and refreshing, making it a hit at summer parties.
11. Pineapple Juice Trash Can
This fruity version of the Trash Can drink puts pineapple juice at the center of the flavor profile. You’ll need pineapple juice, Hawaiian Punch, Sprite, and lime sherbet as your base.
For the alcohol, mix in pineapple vodka, regular vodka, and coconut rum (like Malibu). Some recipes also include strawberry vodka for an extra fruity kick.
Combine all your liquid ingredients in a large bowl or punch container. Gently add scoops of lime sherbet on top.
The pineapple and coconut flavors create a vacation-like experience in a glass.
12. Light Rum Trash Can
The Light Rum Trash Can offers a more approachable version of the classic Trash Can cocktail. By using light rum instead of dark, you get a cleaner flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
Mix 1 oz light rum with 1 oz each of vodka, gin, triple sec, and blue curaçao. Add 1/2 oz of peach schnapps for sweetness.
Pour all ingredients over ice and top with a can of Red Bull or your preferred energy drink. The light rum creates a smoother taste while still delivering the signature blue color and energizing kick.
Garnish with fresh fruit slices for a touch of elegance.
13. Mixed Spirits Trash Can
The Mixed Spirits Trash Can is a potent cocktail that combines multiple liquors in one colorful drink. This version typically includes equal parts of vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and blue curaçao, with a splash of peach schnapps.
Pour 1 oz each of vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and blue curaçao into a glass filled with ice. Add 1/2 oz of peach schnapps, then stir gently to combine.
Top it with an inverted can of Red Bull for an authentic trash can experience. The blue curaçao gives this drink its distinctive bright blue color.
14. Irish Trash Can Easy Version
The Irish Trash Can is a powerful cocktail that combines six different spirits. Use 1 oz each of vodka, gin, light rum, triple sec, blue curaçao, and ½ oz of peach schnapps.
Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour all spirits over the ice and stir briefly.
Top with Red Bull to complete this colorful concoction. This easy version maintains its signature blue color and potent kick.
The mix of liquors creates a sweet, fruity flavor that masks the drink’s strength.
15. Six-Spirit Power Trash Can
The Six-Spirit Power Trash Can is not for the faint of heart. This potent cocktail combines six different types of alcohol in one powerful drink.
Use 1 oz each of vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and blue curaçao, plus 1/2 oz of peach schnapps. Mix all these spirits together over ice.
Top this mixture with an energy drink like Red Bull for an extra kick. The blue curaçao gives the drink its signature blue color.
This cocktail is especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
16. Peach and Blue Curaçao Mix
This vibrant drink combines the tropical sweetness of peach with the eye-catching blue hue of curaçao. Pour 1 oz of Blue Curaçao into a tall glass filled with ice.
Add 1 oz each of vodka, gin, light rum, and triple sec. Pour in 1/2 oz of Peach Schnapps to balance the flavors with its fruity sweetness.
Top it with a can of Red Bull for an energizing finish, similar to the Irish Trash Can recipe. The result is a bright blue drink that tastes as good as it looks.
17. Red Bull Topped Trash Can
This powerful cocktail combines six types of alcohol with a can of Red Bull energy drink. The mix includes vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, peach schnapps, and blue curaçao.
Pour blue curaçao into a tall glass with ice. Add all the other alcohols, then top it off with Red Bull.
Leave the energy drink can in the glass to create its distinctive “trash can” appearance. The result is a bright blue, fruity, and potent cocktail.
It’s popular for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. You can enjoy it anytime you want a high-energy mixed drink.
18. Fruit Punch Trash Can
This big-batch cocktail is perfect for parties. It combines several types of alcohol with fruit punch for a tasty drink.
To make a Fruit Punch Trash Can, use Everclear or grain alcohol, vodka, and Hawaiian Punch or another fruit punch. Some recipes also include rum.
Add sliced fruits like strawberries, oranges, watermelon, and grapes to enhance the flavor. You can also include carbonated beverages like sparkling water or soda for fizz.
The finished drink should taste like fruit punch with little alcohol taste, making it dangerously easy to drink. Serve responsibly since this punch contains high-proof alcohol.
19. Blue Curacao and Peach Schnapps Mix
The Blue Curacao and Peach Schnapps Mix is a vibrant cocktail that makes a bold statement at any gathering. This eye-catching drink combines several spirits for a potent result.
Pour Blue Curacao into the base of a tall glass filled with ice. Add equal parts (about 1/2 oz each) of vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and peach schnapps.
Top the mixture with an energy drink like Red Bull for an authentic version. The bright blue color transforms into a striking green when you add the energy drink.
People sometimes call this cocktail an Irish Trash Can. It makes for an excellent conversation piece at parties.
20. Lemon Vodka Trash Can
The Lemon Vodka Trash Can brings a citrusy twist to the classic trash can cocktail. This drink combines lemon vodka with several other spirits for a potent mix.
You’ll need lemon vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and blue curaçao. Some versions also include peach schnapps for added sweetness.
Fill a tall glass with ice and add about half an ounce of each spirit. Top with lemonade for extra tangy flavor.
Add an inverted energy drink can for an authentic finish. The bright blue color from the curaçao gives this drink its eye-catching appearance that’s perfect for parties.
21. Half-Ounce Spirit Mix Trash Can
The Half-Ounce Spirit Mix Trash Can is a simplified version of the classic Irish Trash Can. Use half-ounce pours of each spirit instead of full shots.
You’ll need half an ounce each of vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, blue curaçao, and peach schnapps. This mix creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile while keeping the alcohol content more manageable.
Pour all ingredients into a large glass with ice. Top with Red Bull or another energy drink for that signature fizz and blue-green color.
The half-ounce approach lets you enjoy the complex flavors without overdoing it. Garnish with a lime wedge or orange slice to complement the citrus notes in the drink.
What Is a Trash Can Drink?
A Trash Can drink is a strong, colorful cocktail known for its unique presentation with an energy drink can often inverted into the glass. This potent mixed drink combines multiple liquors for a high-alcohol content beverage that’s popular at parties.
Origins and Popularity
Trash Can drinks emerged on the bar scene as a novelty cocktail designed to pack a punch while offering visual appeal. The name comes from the mixture of various alcohols “thrown together” like items in a trash can, as well as the presentation style with the energy drink can sticking out of the glass.
The Irish Trash Can variant gained popularity as a St. Patrick’s Day favorite due to its blue-green color, though the drink itself has no authentic Irish heritage. These drinks became staples at college parties and casual bars where their high alcohol content and dramatic appearance make them conversation pieces.
You’ll often find them at house parties. Someone noted it was “a good conversation piece” for their gathering.
Common Ingredients
Trash Can drinks typically contain an impressive lineup of spirits. Standard ingredients include:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz rum
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1/2 oz peach schnapps
- Energy drink (often Red Bull)
Some variations might include tequila or Midori (melon liqueur), especially in the Irish Trash Can version. The blue curaçao gives the drink its distinctive blue color, while the energy drink adds both flavor and the trademark presentation.
Pour all liquors over ice in a tall glass, then top with the energy drink. Insert the empty can upside down into the drink as a garnish to create the “trash can” visual effect that gives the cocktail its name.
Tips for Safe and Responsible Trash Can Drink Consumption
Trash can drinks pack a powerful punch with their multiple liquors and energizing mixers. Enjoying these festive beverages requires awareness and planning to ensure everyone has a good time.
Alcohol Content Awareness
Trash can drinks typically contain multiple types of alcohol including vodka, rum, gin, triple sec, and peach schnapps. This combination creates a deceptively strong beverage that can affect you faster than expected.
Know what’s in your drink: Always check which alcohols are being used and in what quantities. A standard trash can drink can contain 5-6 different spirits.
ABV matters: These drinks often have an alcohol content between 15-20%, much higher than beer (around 5%) or wine (12-14%).
Pace yourself: The sweet mixers and energy drinks mask the alcohol taste, making it easy to consume too much too quickly.
Use measured pours rather than free-pouring to control alcohol content. Add precise amounts of each spirit with jiggers or shot glasses.
Hydration and Moderation
The high alcohol content combined with caffeinated energy drinks can cause rapid dehydration and impair judgment.
Alternate with water: Drink a full glass of water between each alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated. This also helps slow your consumption.
Eat before and during: Never drink trash can cocktails on an empty stomach. Protein and healthy fats help slow alcohol absorption.
Watch the caffeine: Energy drinks in trash can cocktails can mask feelings of intoxication. They also add dehydrating effects.
Set a drink limit before starting. Stick to your limit.
Consider sharing a trash can drink with friends instead of drinking an entire one yourself.
Time your drinking: Give your body at least 1 hour to process each drink. Slow down if you start feeling the effects strongly.
