What are Irish car bombs are made of?

Answer 1

Drink History of The Original 'Car Bomb"

This cocktail according to witnesses was created in Norwich, Ct at Wilson's Saloon by Charles Oat. The creation is well documented locally and those present at the creation are still alive. This is a synopsis of a version of it's creation published in the early 90's.

Research: Originally the shot was called a "Grandfather"- 3/4 oz. of Baileys and 1/4 oz. of Kahlua. 2 brothers were drinking at the saloon on St Patrick's Day 1977 with their brother Charlie, the owner. So the story is told, the name "Grandfather" lasted through the first hour of its life as toasts to grandfathers were made that St. Patrick's Day afternoon. The story of the "Car Bomb" creation starts here.

After consuming a few "Grandfathers" along with Pints of Guinness , the pub owner realized something was missing. The taste of the "Grandfather" was incredible!! (Kahlua was key to this) but because it was weak in alcohol he added a good pour of Jameson. He made a simple comment "The IRA just showed up. This oughta work now!" he said. (As you add the Jameson to the Baileys and Kahlua, the shot boils up like an explosion, hence the IRA.) They continued privately drinking their IRA's and paid no attention to the fact that others at the bar joined in the toasting , "Give us some of those IRA shots they're drinking " The name Grandfather disappeared and the IRA shot was born. (In its early days the use of Scotch and American whiskeys was used in place of Jameson throughout the area, because so very few establishments had an Irish Whiskey in stock.

Two years later, drinking IRAs and Guinness, Oat got the idea to drop the IRA shot in a half finished Guinness. "Bombs Away " was the call. He called it the Belfast Car Bomb, Irish Car Bomb, and finally just "Car Bomb".

The most important part of the history is how it spread worldwide.

First, the drink was spread across America by the many Navy personnel stationed nearby who drank at Wilson's Saloon. They also took the recipe to places like Rota Spain and other foreign duty stations.

Second, World renown for this drink resulted a few years later after a marketing blitz by the Guinness corporation in America in the 80's put Guinness in every city and town. The massive popularity of Guinness in America that resulted made all things created with Guinness popular too.

Finally, of course the internet.

Answer 2

An Irish Car Bomb is a mixed drink containing:

3/4 pint Guinness® stout

1/2 shot Bailey's® Irish cream

1/2 shot Jameson® Irish whiskey