Why is it Called an Irish Car Bomb?
The Irish Car Bomb, a cocktail made with Baileys Irish Cream, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Guinness, is a popular drink around the world. But, what’s behind its unique and somewhat controversial name? Let’s dive into the history and origins of the Irish Car Bomb to understand why it’s called what it is.
Contents
Origins of the Name
The Irish Car Bomb is believed to have been created in the early 1990s in New York City‘s East Village, at the Irish pub McGillin’s Olde Ale House. The bartender, Sean Muldoon, is often credited with inventing the cocktail. According to Muldoon, the name was inspired by a tragic event that occurred in 1985, when a car bomb exploded in Bishopsgate, London, killing six people and injuring many more.
The Tragic Incident that Inspired the Name
On February 10, 1985, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) detonated a truck bomb in Bishopsgate, a busy shopping street in the City of London. The blast caused widespread destruction and loss of life, and it remains one of the most devastating attacks in British history.
In the aftermath of the attack, Muldoon, who was an Irish immigrant in the United States at the time, was horrified by the news. He began experimenting with a cocktail to pay tribute to his native Ireland and to memorialize the victims of the tragedy. The result was a drink that combined Irish ingredients with a nod to the tragic event.
The Ingredients and Recipe
So, what makes up the Irish Car Bomb? Here are the ingredients and recipe:
• Baileys Irish Cream: a creamy liqueur made from whiskey, cocoa, and vanilla
• Jameson Irish Whiskey: a triple-distilled whiskey from Cooley, Ireland
• Guinness: a stout beer from Dublin, Ireland
Recipe:
- Fill a shot glass with Guinness.
- Add 1.5 ounces of Jameson Irish Whiskey to the shot glass.
- Float 1.5 ounces of Baileys Irish Cream on top of the whiskey.
Criticism and Controversy
Not everyone is fond of the Irish Car Bomb, and some have criticized its name and association with violence. In 2016, Irish Consul General to the UK, Michael Collins, described the name as "misguided" and "hurtful." Similarly, Sinn Féin, a political party from Northern Ireland, has argued that the name perpetuates a negative stereotype about the Irish.
Polling and Debate
A poll conducted by IrishCentral in 2019 found that 47% of respondents thought the name was "disrespectful," while 41% thought it was "a clever tribute to Irish heritage." Another poll by The Irish Times in 2013 showed that 55% of respondents thought the name should be changed, while 45% thought it should remain the same.
Conclusion
The Irish Car Bomb is a drink with a complex and sometimes contentious history. While the name may be controversial, its origins are rooted in tragedy and a desire to honor the victims of a brutal attack. Whether or not you agree with the name, the Irish Car Bomb remains a popular cocktail enjoyed by people around the world. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, give the Irish Car Bomb a shot – but with a nod to its turbulent past.
