Food - News
Why You Should Think Twice Before Ordering An Irish Car Bomb Again
By LESLIE MCMANN
An Irish Car Bomb is a popular alcoholic beverage made by dropping Bailey's Irish Creme and Irish whiskey into a full pint of Guinness stout. Despite its popularity in the U.S., attempting to order this drink at Irish or English pubs will get you some dirty looks at best, and thrown out or refused service at worst.
The drink’s name refers to acts of terrorism that occurred in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, a period of conflict and political violence from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. During this time, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), wielded a weapon that instigated fear throughout the world: the car bomb.
Made with supplies found around the home or garage, any car in Ireland or Britain could be turned into an explosive device the instant its engine started. Groups on both sides of the conflict quickly started implementing car bomb campaigns of their own, leaving many dead, permanently maimed, or traumatized.
This cocktail is not a fun and festive way to celebrate any occasion, as the use of "Irish Car Bomb" in a celebratory context trivializes the suffering and trauma that many people experienced during this time. There are also far better drink choices for St. Patrick’s Day — just do yourself a favor and skip the green beer.