Walking into a pub on St. Patrick’s Day, you might hear someone order a round of drinks with a name that sounds more like a news headline than a cocktail. The name is a reference to a dark period in Northern Ireland’s history known as The Troubles, a time marked by violent conflict. Because of this, the drink’s name is considered highly offensive and insensitive, especially to those with Irish heritage or anyone affected by that era of violence.
What is an Irish Car Bomb drink?
So, what is an Irish car bomb? It’s a type of cocktail known as a “bomb shot” or “depth charge,” where a shot of liquor is dropped into a glass of beer. The specific recipe involves dropping a shot glass half-filled with Irish cream and half with Irish whiskey into a half-pint of Irish stout. The drink is then quickly consumed before the cream curdles from the reaction with the stout, creating a chunky texture.
Why the name is problematic
The name directly references the car bombings that were a tragic and common feature of The Troubles. Using such a painful historical event as a catchy name for a fun, party drink minimizes the real suffering and loss of life that occurred. Many people find the term deeply hurtful. In Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide, ordering this drink by its common name is a major social faux pas and is likely to cause offense. It’s simply not a drink you would find on a menu in a pub in Ireland.
A more respectful alternative
If you enjoy the flavor combination of the drink itself, the best approach is to simply describe its ingredients when ordering. You can ask the bartender for “a shot of Irish cream and whiskey to drop in a stout.” Some establishments have even created their own renamed versions, such as an “Irish Slammer” or a “Dublin Drop.” This allows you to enjoy the sweet and creamy beverage without causing discomfort or disrespect to others. Being mindful of the language we use, especially around culturally significant topics, is a simple way to show respect.
While the drink itself is a popular creation in some parts of the world, its history is tied to a painful conflict. Choosing to order it by its ingredients or an alternative name is a small but meaningful step toward being a more considerate patron and person.
Leave a Reply