Paul Kushner
A high-energy favorite at Irish celebrations, the Irish Car Bomb is a fun and interactive cocktail that delivers a rich and creamy explosion of flavor. This classic drink combines smooth Irish whiskey and velvety Irish cream in a shot glass, which is then dropped into a pint of dark, malty Guinness. The moment the shot hits the beer, the flavors blend into a frothy, creamy delight with notes of coffee, caramel, and whiskey warmth. Best enjoyed immediately after dropping, this drink is a festive and lively way to raise a toast—just be quick before it curdles! Sláinte!
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Tasting Notes
The Irish Car Bomb is a unique experience. You’ll get the deep, roasted flavors from the stout, which pair perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the Irish cream. The whiskey adds a warm, smooth finish that ties everything together. It’s like a dessert and a drink all in one – a real treat for your taste buds.
Equipment and Glassware
There isn’t much of a prerequisite for enjoying an Irish Car Bomb. You only need two glasses: one for a pint and one for a shot. After you’ve poured the stout into the pint glass, add a shot of whiskey, Irish cream, and a dash of salt. Easy ingredients for a boozy beverage!
Ingredients
- ½ Oz Irish Whiskey
- ½ Oz. Irish Cream
- ¾ Pint Guinness
Instructions
- Slowly pour the cream into the whiskey so you get a nice, layered effect
- Drop this quickly into the shortened pint of Guinness.
- This really gives the best effect, though some philistines do actually just combine all three in one glass. You lose all the visual effects if you do this, however, so we can’t recommend it.
Pro Tips
- Serve it fast: This drink is best enjoyed immediately after mixing to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the stout, cream, and whiskey, the tastier your drink.
- Practice the drop: Get the shot glass to drop straight to avoid splashing.
When to Serve
St. Patrick’s Day is the ideal occasion for the Irish Car Bomb. If you’re looking to spice up your evening, it’s perfect for a night on the town with friends.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Whiskeys like Jameson, Baileys Irish Cream, and Guinness stout are the finest options. Using these high-quality brands will ensure that your Irish Car Bomb is one of a kind.
Similar Cocktails
- Black Velvet – A classy mix of stout and champagne.
- Irish Coffee – A warming blend of coffee, whiskey, and cream.
- B-52: A layered shot similar to the Baby Guinness in its presentation.
- White Russian: Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream or milk, this cocktail
- Mudslide – A creamy, chocolatey drink with vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream.
History
The Irish Car Bomb was created in the late 1970s in Connecticut, USA, not Ireland. It takes its cues from the traditional boilermaker—a beer and a shot—but adds a distinctive Irish twist. Despite its controversial name, it’s become a beloved drink worldwide.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ Oz Irish Whiskey
- ½ Oz Irish Cream
- ¾ Pint Guinness
Instructions
- Slowly pour the cream into the whiskey so you get a nice layered effect
- Drop this quickly into the shortened pint of Guinness.
- This really gives the best effect, though some philistines do actually just combine all three in one glass. You lose all the visual effects if you do this, however, so we can't recommend it.
Video
Notes
If you don’t drink the Irish Car Bomb shot fast, the cream in the drink starts to curdle because of the beer’s acidity. This can make the texture less pleasant. It’s best to enjoy it right after mixing to get the smooth, rich taste without the cream turning thick. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version of the Irish Car Bomb shot. Instead of using alcoholic beer and whiskey, you can use non-alcoholic stout and a non-alcoholic whiskey-flavored syrup. For the cream part, non-alcoholic Irish cream flavoring is available. This way, you get a similar taste without the alcohol. Why is it called an Irish Car Bomb?
The name “Irish Car Bomb” comes from the drink’s Irish ingredients and the method of dropping the shot glass into the pint glass, which resembles a bomb being dropped. However, it’s important to note that the name can be sensitive or offensive due to historical contexts involving actual violence in Ireland. Some people prefer to call it an “Irish Slammer” or simply a “stout bomb” to avoid this sensitivity.
