Trash can drinks are crowd-pleasing party beverages that mix multiple liquors and mixers in large quantities. These colorful concoctions get their name from the large containers often used to serve them.
You can make trash can drinks in many fun flavors to suit different tastes and themes.
Trash can drink recipes offer an easy way to serve big groups at parties and events. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up gallons of tasty cocktails that will keep the party going.
From fruity punches to boozy blends, there are trash can drink options for every occasion. Let’s explore some popular recipes to try at your next gathering.
1. Jungle Juice
Jungle Juice is a popular trash can drink that packs a punch. You can make it by mixing various alcohols and fruit juices in a large container.
Start with equal parts vodka, rum, and gin. Add a generous amount of lemonade or fruit punch for sweetness and flavor.
Toss in sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. This adds a fresh taste and makes the drink look more appealing.
For extra kick, consider adding a splash of grain alcohol. But be careful – this makes the drink much stronger.
Remember to stir well before serving. Jungle Juice is best enjoyed over ice in small cups or glasses.
2. Witch’s Brew
Witch’s Brew is a spooky cocktail perfect for Halloween parties. You can make it with or without alcohol, depending on your guests.
To create this eerie drink, mix lime sherbet, sports drink, and lemon-lime soda. The result is a fizzy, green concoction that looks like it came straight from a cauldron.
For an adult version, add vodka to the mix. Some recipes include pineapple juice for extra flavor.
To enhance the creepy factor, serve your Witch’s Brew in a large punch bowl. Add plastic spiders or gummy worms as garnish. You can even use dry ice for a smoky effect, but be careful to handle it safely.
3. Electric Lemonade
Electric Lemonade is a vibrant blue cocktail that adds a fun twist to traditional lemonade. This drink combines vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade for a refreshing and colorful beverage.
To make Electric Lemonade, fill a shaker with ice. Add 1 oz vodka, 1 oz blue curaçao, and 2 oz lemonade. Shake well for about 10 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. You can garnish with a lemon slice or cherry for extra flair.
This drink is perfect for summer parties or backyard gatherings. Its bright blue color makes it a standout among other cocktails.
4. Hurricane Party Punch
Hurricane Party Punch is a fruity and refreshing drink perfect for large gatherings. You’ll need fruit punch, orange juice, and limeade concentrate as the base.
Add light rum to give it a tropical kick. Mix everything in a large container or clean trash can for easy serving.
This punch has a beautiful sunset-like color that will impress your guests. It’s sweet, tangy, and sure to be a hit at your next party.
Remember to serve it over ice for the best taste. You can also add fresh fruit slices for extra flavor and decoration.
5. Zombie Punch
Zombie Punch is a strong tropical cocktail that packs a flavorful punch. It typically contains several types of rum, fruit juices, and liqueurs.
To make Zombie Punch, mix light rum, dark rum, and orange liqueur. Add lime juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice for fruity flavors. A splash of grenadine gives it a reddish hue.
Some recipes include additional ingredients like Pernod or absinthe for complexity. Garnish with fresh fruit slices or mint sprigs.
Serve Zombie Punch in tall glasses filled with ice. Be careful – this drink is potent! Sip slowly and enjoy responsibly.
6. Swamp Water
Swamp Water is a fun and spooky trash can drink perfect for Halloween parties. This murky green concoction looks gross but tastes great.
To make Swamp Water, mix pineapple juice, limeade concentrate, and sweetened condensed milk in a large container. The mixture will turn an eerie green color.
Add sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, and berries for extra flavor. Serve the drink over ice in cups or glasses. You can also use a clean, new trash can as a fun serving container.
For adult parties, try adding white rum or vodka to give it an extra kick. Remember to drink responsibly, as spiked versions can be quite strong.
7. Tropical Trash Can
Want to bring some island vibes to your trash can drink? Try a tropical twist! Replace the lemon-lime soda with coconut water for a more hydrating and less fizzy experience.
Keep the same mix of spirits, but expect a mellower taste with a hint of coconut. This version is less sweet but still packs a punch.
For extra tropical flair, garnish with a pineapple wedge or paper umbrella. You can also add a splash of pineapple juice for more fruity flavor.
This beachy variation is perfect for warm weather gatherings. It offers a refreshing change from the standard trash can recipe.
8. Rum Bucket
The Rum Bucket is a fun twist on the classic Trash Can drink. This recipe focuses on rum as the main spirit. You’ll need light rum, dark rum, and coconut rum.
Mix these with pineapple juice, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine. Add some ice to keep it cool. For extra flavor, toss in some fresh fruit like pineapple chunks or orange slices.
Serve this drink in a small bucket or large pitcher. It’s perfect for beach parties or backyard gatherings. The fruity flavors make it easy to drink, but be careful – it’s stronger than it tastes!
9. Pink Panty Dropper
Pink Panty Dropper is a popular trash can drink that packs a punch. This sweet and fizzy concoction combines beer, vodka, and pink lemonade concentrate.
To make it, you’ll need beer (light varieties work well), frozen pink lemonade concentrate, and vodka. Mix these ingredients in a large container or punch bowl.
For a single serving, use one beer, a splash of pink lemonade concentrate, and a shot of vodka. Chill the ingredients beforehand for the best taste.
This drink goes by many names, including Skip and Go Naked, Porchcrawler, and Jungle Juice. It’s known for its ability to lower inhibitions quickly.
10. Blue Lagoon Trash Can
This vibrant blue drink brings a tropical vibe to any party. It combines vodka, rum, blue curaçao, and lemon-lime soda for a refreshing taste.
To make it, fill a large container with ice. Pour in equal parts vodka and rum. Add blue curaçao for color and sweetness. Top it off with lemon-lime soda.
Garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries. The bright blue hue makes it perfect for pool parties or beach-themed events.
Adjust the alcohol to soda ratio to control the strength. Serve in tall glasses over ice for a cool, eye-catching drink your guests will love.
11. Hunch Punch
Hunch Punch is a popular party drink that packs a punch. It’s similar to Jungle Juice but has its own unique twist.
The key ingredient that sets Hunch Punch apart is Hawaiian Punch. This gives the drink a sweet, tropical flavor.
To make Hunch Punch, you’ll need vodka, rum, fruit juices, and Hawaiian Punch. Mix these in a large container like a cooler or trash can.
Add some fresh fruit slices for extra flavor and visual appeal. Popular choices include oranges, pineapples, and strawberries.
Serve Hunch Punch cold over ice. Be careful – it’s stronger than it tastes! Always drink responsibly and have a designated driver.
12. Summer Smash
This refreshing trash can drink is perfect for hot days. You’ll need vodka, white rum, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda.
Mix equal parts vodka and rum in a large container. Add twice as much pineapple juice as alcohol. Top it off with lemon-lime soda.
Throw in some ice cubes and sliced lemons for extra flair. Stir well before serving.
This drink is sweet, fizzy, and packs a punch. Sip it slowly to avoid overdoing it. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand too.
13. Citrus Explosion
This zesty trash can drink bursts with citrus flavors. Mix equal parts vodka, gin, and white rum in a large container. Add fresh-squeezed lemon, lime, and orange juices.
Pour in grapefruit soda for extra tang and fizz. Toss in sliced citrus fruits for a colorful touch. Stir well and serve over ice.
For a fun twist, rim glasses with sugar and citrus zest. This bright and refreshing drink is perfect for summer parties. It’s sure to wake up your taste buds!
14. Fruity Fusion
This trash can drink bursts with fruity flavors. You’ll need a large container to mix it up. Pour in equal parts vodka, rum, and gin – about 8 ounces each.
Add 16 ounces of pineapple juice and 16 ounces of cranberry juice. Toss in some sliced oranges, lemons, and limes. Top it off with lemon-lime soda.
Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Garnish each drink with a fresh fruit slice or two. This colorful mix is sure to be a hit at your next party.
15. Seasonal Slammer
The Seasonal Slammer is a trash can drink that changes with the seasons. In winter, mix vodka, rum, and amaretto with cranberry juice and apple cider. Add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth.
For spring, use gin, light rum, and elderflower liqueur. Combine with lemonade and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Summer calls for tequila, coconut rum, and blue curaçao. Mix with pineapple juice and lime soda. Float a slice of watermelon on top.
In fall, blend bourbon, spiced rum, and apple brandy. Add apple juice and ginger beer. Garnish with a thin apple slice.
16. Berry Blitz
Berry Blitz is a refreshing and vibrant drink that combines the sweetness of berries with a citrusy kick. You can easily make this tasty beverage at home.
To create your own Berry Blitz, blend frozen mixed berries, orange juice, and a banana. Add some Greek yogurt for creaminess and a protein boost.
For extra flavor, you can include a splash of honey. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. This drink is perfect for a quick breakfast or an energizing afternoon pick-me-up.
You can customize your Berry Blitz by using different berry combinations or adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious drink anytime!
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Picking the best ingredients is key for tasty trash can drinks. You’ll want to balance flavors and choose spirits that mix well together.
Balance and Proportion
Start with a base spirit like vodka or rum. Use about 16 ounces for a large batch. Add other liquors in smaller amounts, around 4-8 ounces each.
Mix in fruit juices for sweetness and flavor. Orange juice, fruit punch, and lemonade work well.
Use about 1 gallon of juice total. This helps balance the alcohol. Add fizzy drinks last, like lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. These give your drink a fun bubbly kick.
Don’t forget ice! Fill your container about 1/3 full with ice before adding liquid ingredients.
Flavor Pairing Tips
Match fruit juices to your liquor choices. Rum pairs nicely with tropical juices like pineapple or coconut water. Vodka mixes well with almost any juice.
Try adding fresh fruit chunks for extra flavor. Oranges, lemons, and limes work great. Berries can add nice color and taste too.
Avoid mixing too many strong flavors. Stick to 2-3 main taste notes. This keeps your drink from getting muddy or overwhelming.
For a twist, try adding a splash of flavored liqueur. Coconut rum or peach schnapps can give your drink a fun boost.
Safety Tips and Considerations
Trash can drinks can be fun, but it’s important to be smart about how you make and serve them. Knowing the alcohol content and following good safety practices will help keep everyone safe.
Alcohol Content Awareness
Trash can drinks often have a lot of alcohol. Pay attention to how much booze goes in.
Too much can sneak up on you fast. Mix drinks with a 2:1 or 4:1 ratio of juice/soda to alcohol. This helps control the strength.
Count how many standard drinks are in the mix. One standard drink is 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of liquor.
Keep track as you pour. Let guests know the drink is strong.
Use a measuring cup for accuracy. Don’t just guess amounts.
Avoid adding extra shots on top. The drink is already potent.
Serving and Storage Guidelines
Serve trash can drinks in small cups. This lets people pace themselves better.
Put out water and snacks too. Make sure there’s enough food to balance the alcohol.
Keep the drink cold in a clean container. Use food-safe materials only.
Never mix in a real trash can. That’s not safe or sanitary.
Cover the drink when not serving. Use a lid or plastic wrap.
This keeps out bugs and debris. Throw out any leftovers after 2 hours at room temp.
Have a sober person in charge of serving. They can watch for signs of drinking too much.
Don’t let drunk people serve themselves more.