Introduction
If you’ve been to a party lately or scrolled through TikTok, you’ve probably seen the colorful, fizzy, and somewhat chaotic Trash Can Drink taking over the scene. This eye-catching cocktail is equal parts wild and genius, famous for its blue-green hue and a literal can of energy drink sitting upside down in the glass. Whether you’re a partygoer who loves experimenting with bold new drinks or a bartender eager to wow your guests, the Trash Can Drink deserves a spot on your drink menu.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Trash Can Drink: from its origins to a detailed recipe, fun variations, party tips, and even safety notes you should know before serving it. So grab your shaker, and let’s dive into the viral cocktail trend that’s shaking up the party scene in the best way possible!
What is a Trash Can Drink?
The Origins of the Trash Can Drink
The Trash Can Drink is a relatively modern cocktail that originated in nightlife circles, especially college bars and high-energy clubs, in the early 2000s. It got its name from its chaotic mix of multiple liquors and a full can of energy drink — which resembles tossing everything into a trash can. Some bartenders joke that it’s “a drink made with everything behind the bar” because it mixes so many elements together. Despite its silly name, the Trash Can Drink has become a crowd-pleaser because of its vivid color, easy-to-share presentation, and, of course, the high-energy buzz it delivers..Cold Brew Iced Tea
Why It’s Called the Trash Can Drink
People sometimes think the name is about garbage — but it’s really about throwing everything together. The Trash Can Drink usually includes blue curaçao, which gives it that electric blue-green color, along with a lineup of spirits like vodka, rum, gin, and triple sec. Then, you pop a can of Red Bull or another energy drink upside down into the glass. The floating can slowly releases its contents as you sip, keeping the drink lively and foamy — just like dumping ingredients into a trash can, but way tastier.
This cocktail is not about subtlety. It’s bold, powerful, and made for parties. Whether you serve it in a giant pitcher for sharing or in an oversized glass for individual fun, the Trash Can Drink is a guaranteed conversation starter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the most fascinating things about the Trash Can Drink is its unapologetic, over-the-top mix of ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this vibrant party cocktail.
Alcohol Base
Traditionally, the Trash Can Drink is built on a solid foundation of multiple spirits. This is what gives it a powerful kick, perfect for high-energy parties:
- Vodka – A neutral spirit that helps boost the alcohol content without overpowering the taste.
- Light Rum – Adds a subtle sweetness and tropical note.
- Gin – Offers botanical undertones that pair surprisingly well with the blue curaçao.
- Triple Sec – Brings a hint of orange flavor for a balanced, citrusy finish.
This spirit combination is sometimes called a “rainbow pour” by bartenders since it takes elements from several liquor categories and blends them into one wild drink.
Energy Drink Element
Here’s what makes the Trash Can Drink truly unique: the energy drink. A standard can of Red Bull or a similar brand is inserted upside down into the glass or pitcher, slowly infusing the drink as you sip. This step does more than just add energy — it helps dilute the strong spirits while adding sweetness, carbonation, and a playful visual that guests love..Iced Tea Recipe
Pro tip: Choose a sugar-free or flavored energy drink if you want to reduce sugar or try a new twist on the classic recipe.
Other Mixers & Garnishes
Apart from the base spirits and the energy drink, you’ll also need:
- Blue Curaçao – This is the star of the show, giving the drink its unforgettable blue-green color.
- Sweet and sour mix – Provides balance with a tangy, refreshing acidity.
- Ice – Essential to keep everything chilled and enjoyable.
- Garnishes – Lemon slices, orange wedges, or even a cocktail cherry for a festive finish.
These final touches not only enhance the flavor but also make your Trash Can Drink look Instagram-worthy. After all, half the fun of this cocktail is how dramatic and colorful it is!
How to Make a Trash Can Drink
Step-by-Step Trash Can Drink Recipe
Ready to get mixing? Here’s a simple, party-tested Trash Can Drink recipe that delivers on taste, color, and energy:
Ingredients (for one oversized serving):
- ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz light rum
- ½ oz gin
- ½ oz triple sec
- ½ oz blue curaçao
- 2 oz sweet and sour mix
- 1 can of Red Bull (or energy drink of choice)
- Ice
- Optional garnishes: lemon wedge, orange slice, cherry
Instructions:
- Grab a large glass or party cup. Fill it about halfway with ice.
- Add the vodka, rum, gin, triple sec, and blue curaçao.
- Pour in the sweet and sour mix and give it a quick stir.
- Open the can of energy drink and place it upside down in the glass, letting it rest gently on the ice.
- Garnish with your preferred fruits or a cocktail cherry, and serve immediately.
As you drink, the energy drink will slowly flow into the cocktail, keeping the taste fresh and fizzy from the first sip to the last.
Tips for Presentation & Party Serving
If you really want to impress guests, consider serving the Trash Can Drink in a fishbowl or a giant pitcher. It’s designed for sharing, and seeing an entire can of Red Bull bobbing upside down is guaranteed to make people smile.
- Use brightly colored straws for extra fun
- Label a large pitcher with “Trash Can” for a playful effect
- Try flavored energy drinks to create new color variations
The Trash Can Drink is as much about the show as it is about the taste — don’t be shy to lean into the performance factor.
Variations of the Trash Can Drink
While the classic Trash Can Drink is legendary for its blue color and upside-down energy drink, creative bartenders have invented all sorts of spin-offs. These variations allow you to tailor the drink to different palates, themes, or even health-conscious guests. Let’s break down some of the most popular Trash Can Drink variations you can try.
Low-Alcohol Versions
The original Trash Can Drink is seriously strong, thanks to its four or more types of liquor. But you can easily lighten things up while keeping the wow factor. Here’s how:
- Use half measures of vodka, rum, gin, and triple sec to reduce alcohol content while maintaining the colorful appeal.
- Swap in sparkling water or a flavored soda for half of the sweet and sour mix to keep the drink bubbly without adding more booze.
- Use a sugar-free or low-caffeine energy drink if you’re worried about overdoing the buzz.
These tweaks allow guests to enjoy the fun of the Trash Can Drink without going overboard on alcohol or sugar. It’s especially great for brunch parties or daytime events where you want something lighter but still festive.
Fruit-Infused Trash Can Cocktails
Fruit lovers, rejoice — you can give the Trash Can Drink a fresh twist by infusing it with seasonal fruits. This trend has caught on fast with party planners and bartenders alike. Here are some tasty fruit-infused ideas:
- Tropical Trash Can: Add chunks of pineapple, passion fruit, and a splash of coconut water.
- Berry Trash Can: Muddle fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries before adding your spirits.
- Citrus Burst Trash Can: Add slices of grapefruit, lemon, and lime for a zesty kick.
The added fruits not only boost flavor and aroma but also make the drink look absolutely amazing. Plus, they pair perfectly with the sweet-and-sour backbone of the classic Trash Can Drink.
Safety & Responsible Drinking Tips
Given that the Trash Can Drink combines a large amount of alcohol with a full energy drink, it’s critical to stay responsible. Here’s what to keep in mind before serving:
- Limit your intake – High levels of caffeine and alcohol together can mask intoxication, making it easy to overdo it.
- Pace yourself – Sip slowly and don’t chug, especially with the upside-down can steadily adding more energy drink.
- Eat beforehand – Always pair this cocktail with a meal to help absorb the alcohol.
- Never drive after drinking – Arrange a ride or a designated driver.
For more details on staying safe with alcohol, check out the CDC’s alcohol safety guidelines. Mixing energy drinks with alcohol has some health concerns, so you may also want to read up on energy drink health risks to be well-informed.
As fun as the Trash Can Drink is, it’s still important to enjoy it with care — so you and your guests have a great time without any regrets.
Frequently Asked Questions
People love asking about the Trash Can Drink — from how to make it safer to whether it can be adapted for non-alcoholic parties. Let’s clear up the most common questions so you feel confident making or serving this unforgettable cocktail.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you want to enjoy the visual drama of a Trash Can Drink without the alcohol, just replace the liquor with:
- Lemon-lime soda
- Flavored sparkling water
- Sugar-free blue sports drinks for the color
- Upside-down Red Bull or another energy drink if you still want the caffeine buzz
Combine these in the same style, with the energy drink resting upside down in the glass, and you’ll get all the fun of the Trash Can Drink without any of the alcohol content. This is a fantastic option for teen parties, sober events, or simply for anyone who wants to stay sharp but still enjoy a viral cocktail trend.
Is it safe to mix energy drinks with alcohol?
This is one of the biggest concerns with the Trash Can Drink. Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and stimulants, which can hide how intoxicated you really feel. That means you might end up drinking more alcohol than intended, raising the risk of over-intoxication.
The CDC’s alcohol safety guidelines warn about this exact combination, advising people to limit how many energy drinks they mix with spirits. If you plan to serve Trash Can Drinks at your party, make sure guests know the risks and offer plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives, water, and food.
What is the best party to serve it at?
The Trash Can Drink is the ultimate showstopper for:
- College parties
- Housewarming events
- Summer BBQs
- Game nights
- Bachelor/bachelorette parties
Basically, anywhere people are ready to let loose and have fun, this cocktail will fit right in. Its bright colors, energy-boosting fizz, and eye-catching upside-down can are guaranteed conversation starters.
Tip: Because the drink is strong and caffeinated, it’s usually best served at night-time events or late parties where guests won’t mind the energy kick.
Can I use other energy drinks besides Red Bull?
Absolutely! Red Bull is the classic, but you can swap in Monster, Rockstar, Celsius, or any other energy drink you like. Just be mindful of sugar and caffeine levels since each brand is a bit different. Flavored energy drinks can also create fun color variations — for example, a watermelon Monster will give the drink a pinkish hue, while a tropical flavor might add a golden tint.
Can I batch this cocktail for a crowd?
Yes! You can easily scale up the Trash Can Drink by multiplying the recipe ingredients in a big pitcher or a party-size fishbowl. Instead of one energy drink, try placing two or three cans upside down in the pitcher so everyone gets a chance to share.
Be sure to stir lightly before serving so the flavors are balanced. And, of course, always warn guests about how strong the drink is!
Conclusion
The Trash Can Drink is more than just a flashy party cocktail — it’s a whole experience. Its electric blue color, its tower of ice, and the show-stopping upside-down energy drink can make it a guaranteed highlight for any celebration. Whether you stick with the classic version or try fun fruit infusions or lower-alcohol alternatives, there’s no denying the Trash Can Drink’s ability to grab attention and bring a smile to people’s faces.
Still, it’s essential to serve this cocktail responsibly. The combination of high-proof spirits and an energy drink packs a serious punch, so you and your guests should always enjoy it in moderation. Consider pairing it with snacks, staying hydrated, and pacing your drinks to have a safe and memorable night.
From college parties to backyard BBQs, the Trash Can Drink continues to evolve as a viral sensation, and with its easy-to-customize recipe, it’s likely to stay popular for years to come. If you’re searching for a new cocktail that delivers energy, style, and a splash of social media fame, this is the one to try. So grab those bottles, flip that can, and get ready to wow your friends with one of the most legendary drinks in the world of party cocktails!
Name: Trash Can Drink
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions:
- Fill your tall glass halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, rum, gin, triple sec, and blue curaçao.
- Pour in the sweet and sour mix and stir lightly.
- Open the energy drink and place it upside down into the glass, resting gently on the ice.
- Garnish with fruit or a cherry if desired.
- Serve with a straw, and sip slowly as the energy drink flows into the cocktail.