Trash can drinks are fun and easy to make for big groups. They mix different alcohols and juices in a large container like a trash can.
These drinks are perfect for parties and events where you want to serve a lot of people quickly.
You can find many recipes for trash can drinks online. Some use fruit juices, while others add energy drinks or sodas.
The key is to balance the flavors and alcohol content. With so many options, you’re sure to find a trash can drink recipe that fits your taste and party needs.
1. Jungle Juice
Jungle Juice is a popular party drink that packs a punch. You can make it by mixing different types of alcohol with fruit juices and sodas.
A basic recipe includes vodka, rum, and fruit punch. For extra flavor, add sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, and strawberries.
To make a big batch, use a large container or even a clean trash can.
Mix 1 part each of vodka, rum, and gin with 3 parts fruit punch. Add ice and garnish with fresh fruit slices.
Jungle Juice is strong, so drink responsibly and make sure your guests know its potency.
2. Blue Lagoon Punch
Blue Lagoon Punch is a cool, refreshing drink perfect for summer parties. To make it, you’ll need vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade.
Mix equal parts vodka and blue curaçao in a large container. Add lemonade to taste. The blue curaçao gives the drink its signature bright blue color.
For extra fizz, you can add some soda water. Garnish with lemon or lime slices. Adjust the sweetness by using more or less lemonade.
Serve this eye-catching punch in a clean trash can for a fun party twist. Remember to drink responsibly and provide non-alcoholic options for guests.
3. Electric Lemonade
Electric Lemonade is a bright blue cocktail that puts a fun twist on classic lemonade. It’s easy to make and perfect for summer parties.
To mix this drink, you’ll need vodka, Blue Curacao, lemon-lime soda, and ice.
Pour 1.5 ounces of vodka and 0.5 ounces of Blue Curacao over ice in a tall glass. Top it off with lemon-lime soda and give it a gentle stir.
The blue color comes from the Curacao liqueur. You can garnish with a lemon slice if you’d like.
This refreshing drink is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Its eye-catching color and zesty flavor make it stand out from other cocktails.
4. Hunch Punch
Hunch Punch is a party favorite that packs a punch. You can make it in large batches, perfect for big gatherings.
The basic recipe includes fruit juices and various alcohols. Orange juice, pineapple juice, and fruit punch form the base. Vodka and rum are common alcohol choices.
To make Hunch Punch, mix 3 gallons of fruit punch in a large container. Add 16 ounces each of orange juice and pineapple juice.
Then pour in 16 ounces each of vodka and light rum. Stir well and taste. You can adjust the mix by adding more juice if it’s too strong.
Serve chilled over ice for a refreshing drink. Remember to drink responsibly. Hunch Punch can be stronger than it tastes due to the fruit juices.
5. Trash Can Punch
Trash Can Punch is a party favorite that serves a crowd. You mix it in a clean trash can, hence the name.
The recipe typically includes vodka, tequila, and fruit punch. Some versions add Everclear for extra kick.
Fresh fruit like strawberries, oranges, and pineapple chunks add flavor and visual appeal. Ice keeps it cool and refreshing.
To make it, pour the liquor and fruit punch into the clean trash can. Add fruit and ice. Stir well and serve with a ladle into cups.
Be careful – it’s stronger than it tastes! Enjoy responsibly at your next big gathering.
6. Hurricane Punch
Hurricane Punch is a tropical cocktail that packs a punch. You’ll love its fruity flavor and vibrant color.
To make it, mix rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice. Add a splash of grenadine for sweetness and color.
Serve Hurricane Punch in a large bowl or pitcher with ice. Garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries.
This drink is perfect for beach parties or summer gatherings. It’s easy to make in large batches for a crowd.
7. Spiked Arnold Palmer
A Spiked Arnold Palmer is a boozy twist on the classic drink. You mix iced tea, lemonade, and vodka for a refreshing cocktail.
To make it, start with equal parts iced tea and lemonade. Add a shot of vodka to give it a kick. Stir well and serve over ice.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. For a stronger drink, add more vodka. If you prefer it sweeter, use more lemonade.
Garnish with a lemon slice or mint leaves for extra flair. This drink is perfect for summer parties or relaxing on hot days.
8. Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a popular mixed drink that packs a punch. It combines vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec with a splash of cola.
To make one, mix equal parts of the spirits in a tall glass filled with ice. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and top with cola.
Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wedge.
This drink looks like iced tea but contains no actual tea. It’s known for being strong, so sip slowly. The cola gives it a sweet taste that masks the alcohol flavors.
You can try variations by swapping ingredients. Blue curaçao instead of triple sec makes a Blue Long Island. Midori creates a Tokyo Tea version.
9. Party Punch Drink
Party punch is a crowd-pleasing trash can drink. You can make it in large batches for your next gathering.
Mix fruit juices like orange, pineapple, and cranberry in a clean trash can or large container. Add lemon-lime soda for fizz.
For an alcoholic version, include vodka, rum, or both. Adjust the alcohol amount to your liking.
Float sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, and strawberries on top. Add ice to keep it cold.
Serve in cups with ladles. Your guests will love this colorful and refreshing drink.
10. Caribbean Rum Punch
Caribbean Rum Punch is a fruity and refreshing drink that brings the tropics to your glass. You’ll need white rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
Mix these ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add a splash of grenadine for sweetness and color. Garnish with orange and pineapple slices.
For extra flavor, you can add a dash of Angostura bitters and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Serve this punch over ice for a cool, tropical treat.
This drink is perfect for parties or beach days. It’s easy to make in big batches, so everyone can enjoy the taste of the Caribbean.
11. Vodka Lemonade
Vodka Lemonade is a classic trash can drink that’s easy to make and perfect for hot summer days. You’ll need vodka, lemonade, and ice.
Mix 1 part vodka with 3 parts lemonade in a large pitcher or trash can. Stir well to combine and add plenty of ice to keep it cold.
For extra flavor, try adding fresh lemon slices or mint leaves. You can also use flavored vodka like citrus or berry for a twist.
Serve in cups over ice. This refreshing drink is great for backyard parties or barbecues. Remember to drink responsibly and provide non-alcoholic options too.
12. Blue Hawaiian
The Blue Hawaiian is a tropical cocktail that brings a taste of the islands to your trash can punch. This bright blue drink is both eye-catching and delicious.
To make it, mix rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
The blue curaçao gives it its signature color, while the other ingredients create a sweet and creamy flavor.
For a big batch version, scale up the ingredients and add them to your trash can. Toss in some pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries for extra flair.
You can also make a non-alcoholic version by leaving out the rum and using blue food coloring instead of curaçao.
13. Rum Runner
The Rum Runner is a tropical cocktail that packs a fruity punch. You’ll mix light and dark rums with fruit juices for a refreshing drink.
To make it, you’ll need orange juice, pineapple juice, banana liqueur, and grenadine. Add a splash of blackberry brandy for extra flavor.
Pour the ingredients over ice in a tall glass. Stir well to combine and garnish with an orange slice and cherry for a colorful touch.
This drink is perfect for summer parties or lounging by the pool. Its sweet, fruity taste hides the strength of the rum, so sip slowly and enjoy responsibly.
14. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that brings tropical vibes to any gathering. To make it, you’ll need dark rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat syrup.
Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well for about 15 seconds and pour the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
For extra flair, garnish your Mai Tai with a mint sprig and a lime wedge. The result is a balanced drink with sweet, sour, and nutty flavors.
You can adjust the rum amount to suit your taste. Some recipes call for a blend of light and dark rums for added complexity.
15. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make and looks great in a glass. You’ll need tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.
Pour 2 ounces of tequila into a tall glass filled with ice. Add 4 ounces of orange juice and stir gently.
Slowly pour 1/2 ounce of grenadine syrup down the inside of the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a sunrise effect.
Don’t stir after adding the grenadine. This keeps the layers separate and maintains the sunrise look. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry for a finishing touch.
History and Origin of Trash Can Drinks
Trash can drinks have a colorful past spanning several decades. These large-batch cocktails became popular at college parties and social gatherings, known for their potent mix of various alcohols and mixers.
Evolution of Trash Can Drink Recipes
Trash can drinks started in the early 1900s. People mixed leftover beer with other drinks to make “jungle juice” or “bucket punch.”
These early versions were a way to use up extra alcohol and create a strong, shared drink.
As time went on, the recipes changed. More types of alcohol were added. Fruit juices and sodas became common mixers. The drink got its name from the large containers used to mix it, often clean trash cans or big plastic bins.
By the 1970s, trash can drinks were a staple at college parties. Each person would bring a bottle to add to the mix. This made the drink a symbol of sharing and community.
Cultural Impact on Social Gatherings
Trash can drinks changed how people partied. They became a centerpiece at large gatherings.
The act of making the drink became part of the fun. Everyone could take part in creating it.
These drinks made parties more inclusive. You didn’t need to know how to mix cocktails. You just added your bottle to the mix. This let everyone join in, no matter their drink-making skills.
Trash can drinks also sparked creativity. People tried new combinations of liquors and mixers. Some added fruit or ice cream.
This led to many local variations and secret recipes.
While fun, these drinks raised concerns about responsible drinking. Some schools banned them due to their high alcohol content. This led to safer versions with more mixers and less alcohol.
Health and Safety Considerations
Trash can drinks can be fun, but it’s crucial to keep safety in mind. Pay attention to alcohol content and cleanliness to avoid potential issues.
Monitoring Alcohol Content
Keep track of how much alcohol goes into your trash can drink. Mix drinks carefully to avoid making them too strong.
A good rule is to use 2-4 parts non-alcoholic mixers for every 1 part alcohol. This helps prevent people from drinking too much too fast.
Use measuring tools to add alcohol. Don’t just pour freely.
Write down what you add so you can tell others what’s in the drink.
Let your guests know the drink is strong. Suggest they drink water between alcoholic drinks.
Have non-alcoholic options available too.
Ensuring Hygiene and Cleanliness
Clean your trash can thoroughly before using it for drinks.
Wash it with hot, soapy water and rinse well. Dry it completely to prevent bacteria growth.
Use food-grade liners inside the trash can. This adds an extra layer of protection.
Replace the liner if it tears or gets dirty.
Keep the drink cold with ice, but don’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours.
After that, bacteria can grow quickly. Make smaller batches and refill as needed instead of one huge batch.
Use clean utensils for mixing and serving.
Wash your hands often when preparing the drink.
Cover the trash can when not actively serving to keep out bugs and debris.