Irish Slammer

The Irish slammer (formerly called the Irish car bomb) is a popular bar shot and incredibly easy to make. The combination of full-flavored and lightly bitter, malty beer and a creamy shot is a favorite of some. If you've enjoyed a few at the bar, it's time to learn how to create this fun party drink at home. You'll need just three Irish ingredients for your Irish slammer—Irish whiskey, Irish cream, and Guinness Stout.

How to Drink an Irish Slammer

Similar in both method and effect as the Jäger bomb and the ​boilermaker, the Irish slammer is not for the faint of heart. It is customary to chug the drink right after the shot of Irish cream and whiskey is dropped into the glass of beer. It's also popular for bartenders to skip the shot glass and simply mix everything right in the pint glass. It is a lot to get down in one shot. Unless you want to get drunk quickly (or enjoy a rather nasty hangover), then it may be best to limit yourself to one (or two) per night.

Why Isn't it Called an "Irish Car Bomb" Anymore?

Do not order this drink in Ireland. It is an American drink and the name refers to the explosive effect when the shot is dropped into the beer. Real car bombs are not taken lightly in Ireland. Ordering an "Irish car bomb" is likely to get you thrown out of the pub and few people would argue that you did not deserve it. 

Worldwide, many people choose to no longer use the name Irish car bomb. It is considered offensive in Ireland and by many Irish-Americans, and rightfully so. While the shot wasn't necessarily named after the Irish Republican Army's bombing attacks in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, the name has violent connotations. It even led the inventor of the shot, Charles Burke Cronin Oat, to regret the name once the drink became popular.

Recipe Tips

• An Irish slammer must be drunk quickly—not just because it's a party shot, but because the Irish cream will curdle if the drink is left to sit for even a minute. The combination of the acidic beer and the cream will cause a reaction in the drink, resulting in a curdled, unpleasant texture.
• Some drinkers have taken to layering the Irish whiskey on top of the Irish cream, then lighting the whiskey on fire. It's not necessary and 80-proof whiskey really doesn't flame well—you need a higher-proof liquor for that. Besides, if your intention is to get "bombed," playing with fire is not in your best interest. This is especially true if you've already had a few drinks.
• Jameson is the most popular Irish whiskey to pour into an Irish slammer. There are many options available, including Bushmills and Kilbeggan. Pour what you like, but try not to spend too much money on the whiskey. After all, it is just a shot.