This post may contain affiliate links. See my privacy policy for details.

As a guy with an Irish background that loves cocktails I wanted to explore the Irish car bomb cocktail, a very controversially named cocktail, and delve into the history of it. The Irish Car Bomb is a type of cocktail that is great for parties and a fun way to add a bit of a kick to the traditional glass of stout beer. If you have friends that are fans of Guinness or any other Irish stout, this drink is perfect for them.

Let me forewarn you now, never go into a bar and ask for an Irish car bomb, please refer to it as the Dublin Drop or Irish Slammer instead.

Close up of shot glass filled with irish cream and irish whiskey held over a mug full of beer — Irish Car Bomb

What is an Irish Car Bomb/Irish Slammer/Dublin Drop?

The Irish Car Bomb is a crazy cocktail that gets its name from the dropping of a shot glass (often called a bomb shot) filled with Irish Cream and Irish Whisky into a glass of Stout (beer). There are many places where the name is considered offensive (for instance, in Ireland) so it’s often referred to by other names instead such as Irish Slammer, Irish Bomb Shot, or Dublin Drop to avoid upsetting patrons.

Being half Irish and half Scottish, I am conflicted by the name; The Irish part of me is offended but the Scottish side of me is telling me to make it at home and be quiet because I’m saving myself from spending full price at a bar for one. So let’s just call it the Irish Slammer instead and make it at home to save money!

Who Invented It?

This drink was NOT invented by the Irish, it was invented by an American – it was invented in 1979 by Charles Burke Cronin Oat at Wilson’s Saloon in Connecticut which is why you never go into anywhere in Ireland and ask for this drink.

The only Irish part about this drink is that it uses all Irish ingredients traditionally: Guinness, Irish Cream and Irish whisky. If you like Irish Whiskey, be sure to try my Irish Sour recipe as well.

How to Make an Irish Car Bomb/Irish Slammer/Dublin Drop

To make this cocktail, watch the video below or scroll down for easy instructions. I’ve included pictures for each of the steps to make things easier.

Ingredients

To make an Irish Slammer you need the following ingredients:

Irish Cream (Bailey’s is an example of a typical brand)
Irish Whiskey (such as Jameson
Irish Stout (such as Guinness)

Directions

1. First, you’ll pour three-quarters of a glass of stout into a beer glass or mug (as pictured) being sure to leave some room as you will be dropping a shot glass filled with two ingredients (Irish Cream and Irish Whiskey) into the glass.
  Pour the stout into the glass on an angle to reduce foaming (or head).
  
  The more you fill the glass with stout, the higher chance you’ll have of splashing the beer or causing a spill so be sure to leave some room. If you aren’t sure what I mean, watch the video below to get the process down pat.
2. Next, pour 3/4 of an ounce of Irish Cream into a shot glass.
  Pour 3/4 of an ounce of Irish cream into a shot glass.
3. Using a spoon, pour 1/4 ounce of Irish Whiskey over the back of a spoon on top of the Irish Cream in the shot glass. The goal here is to layer the shot without the two ingredients combining. Pouring over the back of a spoon helps disperse the whiskey, allowing for layering.
  Layering the shot by adding Irish Whiskey over the back of a spoon.
4. The final step is to drop the shot glass that you filled into the stout in the beer glass and enjoy!
  Preparing to drop the shot glass into the stout.

Now don’t be surprised if you get a bit of a splash when the shot glass is dropped, it’s very likely to happen so just be forewarned.

The foam looks curdled, is that ok?

Yes! The foam from the shot glass contents curdles on the top of your glass, this is a normal reaction and nothing to worry about. It’s perfectly safe to drink.

There you have it folks, the Dublin Drop, the Irish Slammer! Safe drinking!
~ Mike

Pin this to your Cocktails Board and remember to FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST for more great recipe ideas!

Thanks to ads on this website, readers of The Kitchen Magpie are now sponsoring 2 families a month through the Edmonton Food Bank. Learn how you can help here.

Learn to cook like the Kitchen Magpie

Flapper Pie and a Blue Prairie Sky

A Modern Baker’s Guide to Old-Fashioned Desserts

Learn More

The Prairie Table

Suppers, Potlucks & Socials: Crowd-Pleasing Recipes to Bring People Together

Learn More

Irish Car Bomb

The Irish Car Bomb is a type of cocktail that is great for parties and a fun way to add a bit of a kick to the traditional glass of stout beer. If you have friends that are fans of Guinness or any other Irish stout, this drink is perfect for them.

5 from 2 votes

Review SavePrint

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: cocktails

Servings: 1

Calories: 88

Author: Karlynn Johnston