Step back in time with a sip of pure nostalgia! Our recipe for the Pink Squirrel cocktail brings a cherished retro classic back to life. This delightful dessert-like drink blends smooth vanilla ice cream with the nuanced flavors of Crème de Cacao and Crème de Almond, crowned with a dollop of whipped cream and a vibrant maraschino cherry. It’s more than just a cocktail; it’s a creamy, dreamy indulgence that drinks like a milkshake and transports you to a bygone era.
The Classic Pink Squirrel Cocktail: A Retro Dessert Drink Revival
In an age where “vintage” commands a premium, the enduring appeal of retro trends continues to captivate. From fashion to home decor, there’s a certain charm in rediscovering treasures from the past and integrating them into our modern lives. While I might not possess the innate talent for furnishing a contemporary home with antique pieces, my passion for the golden age of music and cinema runs deep. Nothing quite compares to the timeless cool of The Rat Pack or the sophisticated allure of shows like “Mad Men,” where Don and Betty Draper always seemed to have a classic cocktail effortlessly in hand – be it a Manhattan at the office or a Dirty Martini during lunch. This appreciation for the classics extends beautifully into the world of mixology, bringing us to the delightful Pink Squirrel, a cocktail that perfectly embodies this retro spirit.
Rediscovering the Charm of the Pink Squirrel Cocktail
The Pink Squirrel is a vibrant testament to the golden age of cocktails, a delightful concoction that traces its roots back to the 1940s. This indulgent adult beverage masterfully combines rich, creamy vanilla ice cream with the distinct nutty notes of Crème de Almond and the subtle chocolate undertones of Crème de Cacao. The result is a smooth, luscious drink with a captivating pink hue, making it an irresistible choice for celebrations or simply a decadent treat. As everything old becomes new again, the Pink Squirrel stands out as a charming, indulgent drink, perfect for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day, festive gatherings, or any moment that calls for a touch of whimsy and elegance.
What Makes the Pink Squirrel a Timeless Treat?
Beyond its captivating color, the Pink Squirrel offers a uniquely satisfying experience. It’s the ideal choice for a variety of social occasions, whether you’re hosting a girls’ night in, celebrating a bridal shower, adding sparkle to a holiday party, or simply seeking a delightful pick-me-up after a long day. Its slightly sweet profile, refreshing chill, hint of chocolate, and eye-catching bright pink color create a harmonious blend that sets it apart from more traditional cocktails. This sweet, creamy elixir is a comforting throwback, reminding us that sometimes, the best new experiences are found in revisiting cherished old ones. It’s a fantastic conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering both flavor and flair.
While its peak popularity may have faded over the decades, the classic ingredients for the original Pink Squirrel recipe are still readily available at most well-stocked liquor stores and supermarkets. However, if you find yourself unable to source a specific liqueur, don’t fret! We’ve provided a comprehensive list of substitutions below, ensuring you can still whip up a delicious version that tastes remarkably close to the beloved original. Experimentation is part of the fun in cocktail crafting, and you might even discover a new favorite variation.
For those who appreciate the allure of dessert cocktails, the Pink Squirrel is just the beginning. If you fall in love with its creamy, sweet profile, we highly recommend exploring other delightful concoctions that blur the line between drink and dessert. Consider trying the vibrant Grasshopper Cocktail, the playful Dirty Shirley Floats, or the citrusy sweet Dreamsicle Martini. Each offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in liquid form.
The Origin Story: A Taste of Milwaukee’s Cocktail History
The Pink Squirrel’s storied history dates back to 1941, born in the creative mind of Bryant Sharp at his renowned Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This Midwestern invention quickly rose to fame as a sophisticated yet fun after-dinner drink, cherished for its vibrant color and uniquely refreshing indulgence. Its charming name, inspired by its distinctive pink hue, perfectly captures its playful essence. Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge itself became an iconic destination, known for its extensive cocktail menu and innovative creations, cementing the Pink Squirrel’s place in cocktail lore.
Next time you’re planning a special gathering, celebrating a milestone, or simply looking to cool down on a warm summer evening, reach for your blender and whip up a batch of these boozy milkshakes. The recipe is incredibly easy to scale; you can effortlessly double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more guests, making it perfect for entertaining a crowd. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this delightful blast from the past, a truly tasty and memorable adult beverage.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pink Squirrel
Crafting the perfect Pink Squirrel is a simple affair, relying on a few key ingredients that deliver its signature flavor and creamy texture. For a detailed list of quantities and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Crème de Almond: This essential liqueur provides the distinct nutty, almond flavor that is central to the Pink Squirrel. If Crème de Almond is hard to find, Crème de Noyaux is an excellent, traditional alternative, often offering a slightly more pronounced bitter almond note and contributing to the pink color.
- White Crème de Cacao: Crucial for the subtle chocolate undertone, white crème de cacao delivers a clear chocolate flavor without altering the drink’s iconic pink color. If white crème de cacao is unavailable, a clear chocolate liqueur or even a touch of high-quality dark chocolate liqueur (though this might slightly impact the color) can be substituted.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The foundation of this creamy cocktail! Opt for your favorite premium vanilla ice cream for the richest, smoothest texture. For a slightly lighter version, you can experiment with vanilla frozen yogurt, but a good quality ice cream truly makes this drink shine.
For Garnish: Elevate Your Cocktail Experience
While optional, garnishing your Pink Squirrel transforms it from a delicious drink into a stunning visual masterpiece. These small touches add an extra layer of flavor and sophistication.
- Maraschino Cherries: These vibrant red cherries not only add a beautiful pop of color against the pink drink and white cream but also provide a sweet, fruity counterpoint to the rich flavors. A classic choice that enhances the retro feel.
- Whipped Cream: A generous swirl of whipped cream is the quintessential topping for any dessert cocktail. You can use a convenient spray can for ease, or for a more luxurious touch, whip fresh heavy cream yourself, perhaps with a hint of vanilla extract, to create a truly decadent cloud of sweetness.
Crafting Your Pink Squirrel: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
One of the best aspects of the Pink Squirrel is how quickly and effortlessly it comes together, making it perfect for spontaneous treats or last-minute entertaining. You’ll be enjoying this delightful cocktail in mere minutes!
Simply gather all your ingredients and add them directly into a high-speed blender. Ensure the ice cream is soft enough to blend smoothly, but not completely melted, to achieve the ideal thick, milkshake-like consistency.
Blend on a medium to high setting until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible ice cream chunks. The texture should be thick and luxurious, similar to a classic milkshake. Stop blending as soon as it’s smooth to avoid over-aerating.
Pour the freshly blended Pink Squirrel into your chosen cocktail glass. You can enjoy it immediately in its simple, unadorned form.
For an extra touch of elegance and visual appeal, garnish your Pink Squirrel with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a bright red maraschino cherry on top before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds to the overall dessert-like experience.
Should you find yourself with any delightful leftovers of this ice cream cocktail, simply pour them into an airtight mason jar and store in the freezer. While refrigeration will cause it to melt and become quite thin, freezing will keep it thick. When ready to enjoy again, you can either re-blend it briefly to regain its creamy texture or, if you prefer, simply grab a spoon and savor it as a boozy, frozen dessert!
Love it? Pin it!
If this delightful Pink Squirrel cocktail recipe has captured your heart, make sure you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board today so you can easily find it whenever a craving for this creamy, dreamy drink strikes. Share the joy of this retro classic with your friends and followers!
Are Crème de Almond and Crème de Noyaux the Same? Understanding the Nuances
No, while they are often used interchangeably in recipes and share a common flavor profile, Crème de Almond and Crème de Noyaux are not precisely the same. Both are flavored liqueurs, but their distinct characteristics stem from their differing flavor sources and production methods. Understanding the difference can help you achieve the perfect flavor balance in your Pink Squirrel.
Both liqueurs certainly possess an almond-like taste, but the source of this flavoring is key. Crème de Almond typically derives its flavor from almond extract or essential oils, resulting in a generally sweet and straightforward almond profile. On the other hand, Crème de Noyaux is traditionally made from the bitter almonds found within the pits of stone fruits such as apricots, peaches, or cherries. This unique origin imparts a more complex, often slightly bitter or marzipan-like almond flavor, which some connoisseurs prefer. Furthermore, Crème de Noyaux is famously known for its distinctive pink or reddish hue, a natural outcome of its ingredients, which also contributes to the iconic color of the Pink Squirrel when used in the original formulation. If you’re seeking to replicate the most authentic vintage Pink Squirrel, Crème de Noyaux would be the more traditional choice, adding both flavor depth and color.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pink Squirrel Ice Cream Drink
What is a Pink Squirrel drink made of? A Pink Squirrel is a luscious dessert cocktail typically crafted by blending vanilla ice cream with Crème de Cacao (a chocolate liqueur) and an almond-flavored liqueur such as Crème de Almond or Crème de Noyaux. This combination results in a thick, creamy, and wonderfully indulgent adult milkshake.
What is the Pink Squirrel drink on Roseanne? The version of the Pink Squirrel cocktail famously featured on the TV show Roseanne is slightly different from the ice cream-based recipe. It consists of 1 oz Crème de Noyaux, 1 oz Crème de Cacao, 1 oz Heavy Cream, and ice, shaken together for a creamy, chilled cocktail without the thick consistency of ice cream.
What is a good substitute for Crème de Noyaux? If you don’t have Crème de Noyaux on hand, several excellent substitutes can be used. Amaretto is a popular choice, offering a sweet almond flavor, though it won’t provide the characteristic pink color. For color, you can add a dash of grenadine. A combination of amaretto and a small amount of pomegranate juice can mimic both the flavor profile and the reddish hue of Crème de Noyaux effectively.
Where was the Pink Squirrel invented? The Pink Squirrel has a clear and proud origin story! It was invented in 1941 by Bryant Sharp at his iconic Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This lounge became famous for its innovative cocktails and holds a special place in American mixology history.
How many calories are in a Pink Squirrel drink? The calorie count for a Pink Squirrel can vary significantly depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used, as well as any garnishes. Typically, a single serving can range from approximately 250 to 500 calories, largely due to the sugar content in the liqueurs and the richness of the ice cream and whipped cream.
What kind of glass should I use to serve a Pink Squirrel? For the most authentic and elegant presentation, serve your Pink Squirrel in a chilled martini glass or a classic coupe glass. These choices highlight its beautiful color and sophisticated retro appeal. For a more casual or milkshake-like experience, a tall glass or a stemmed dessert glass works wonderfully.
Creative Substitutions & Variations for Your Pink Squirrel
When it comes to crafting cocktails, don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity! Making substitutions allows you to tailor recipes to your personal taste, dietary needs, and the ingredients you have on hand. Feel empowered to make this Pink Squirrel truly your own!
To lighten up the drink without sacrificing its creamy essence, consider using heavy cream or half-and-half instead of ice cream. While you won’t get the frozen, milkshake-like texture, it will still be incredibly rich, smooth, and utterly delicious, maintaining the cocktail’s indulgent character.
If Crème de Almond is elusive, a high-quality almond liqueur or even Amaretto makes an excellent substitute. Amaretto, a popular Italian liqueur, offers a sweet, distinct almond flavor that will integrate beautifully into the cocktail, though it might be slightly sweeter than traditional Crème de Almond.
- Can’t locate Crème de Cacao? Don’t let that stop you! Any good quality chocolate liqueur can step in to provide the necessary chocolate notes. For a white Pink Squirrel (without the characteristic pink hue) a clear chocolate liqueur is ideal. If you’re willing to embrace a slightly darker shade, a dark chocolate liqueur will also work perfectly.
- For a dairy-free or vegan version, swap traditional vanilla ice cream for a plant-based vanilla ice cream alternative (like almond or coconut milk-based). Ensure your chosen liqueurs are also dairy-free.
- To intensify the chocolate flavor, you could add a small amount of chocolate syrup or a few drops of chocolate bitters to the blend.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Ultimate Pink Squirrel
For an extra refreshing and truly luxurious experience, consider chilling your cocktail glasses in the fridge or freezer for at least 15-30 minutes before you begin preparing your Pink Squirrel. This ensures your drink stays perfectly cold and prevents it from melting too quickly.
To achieve an even deeper, more vibrant pink color, you have a couple of options. A single drop of red food coloring can quickly enhance the hue. Alternatively, for a natural color boost and a hint of extra flavor, add a splash of the maraschino cherry juice from the jar or a touch of grenadine to your blend. This will give it that iconic, eye-catching shade.
For the most classic and elegant presentation, serve your Pink Squirrel in a beautiful martini glass or a stylish coupe glass. These iconic glassware choices instantly elevate the drink and enhance its retro charm, making every sip feel like a special occasion.
- Don’t over-blend! Blend just until smooth to prevent the ice cream from becoming too thin or overly aerated, which can diminish its creamy texture.
- For a richer flavor, use a high-fat, full-cream vanilla ice cream. The quality of your ice cream significantly impacts the final taste and texture.
Beyond the Pink Squirrel: More Recipes to Love
If you’ve enjoyed the creamy indulgence of the Pink Squirrel, you’re likely to appreciate other exquisite cocktails that offer similar depth of flavor and delightful experiences. Explore these additional recipes and expand your cocktail repertoire:
Kentucky Mule: A refreshing and spicy twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring bourbon for a distinctly Southern flair.
Dirty Vodka Martini: A sophisticated and savory classic, perfect for those who prefer a less sweet, more robust cocktail experience.
Pumpkin White Russian Cocktail (pictured above): A seasonal and creamy indulgence that combines the warmth of pumpkin with the classic smoothness of a White Russian.
Frozen Vodka Slush: A wonderfully refreshing and easy-to-make frozen cocktail, perfect for hot summer days or festive parties.
Rose Sangria: An elegant and fruit-infused wine cocktail, ideal for gatherings and light, celebratory sipping.
- Brandy Alexander: Another classic dessert cocktail, rich and creamy with brandy, crème de cacao, and cream.
See ALL of my Cocktail Recipes for more inspiration and delightful concoctions!
The Pink Squirrel is more than just a drink; it’s a nostalgic journey in a glass, a true adult milkshake that satisfies the deepest sweet tooth. The harmonious blend of creamy vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate, and distinct almond flavors creates an unforgettable indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of retro charm and exquisite taste. So, go ahead, treat yourself to this timeless classic and savor every delightful sip.
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Print Recipe
Pink Squirrel Cocktail
Equipment
- Ice Cream Scoop with Comfortable Handle
- Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
- Cuisinart Stick Hand Blender
- La Reveuse Smoothie Blender Personal Size
Ingredients
- 1 Ounce Crème de Almond or Crème de Noyaux
- 1 Ounce White Crème de Cacao
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Maraschino cherries and whipped cream for garnishing
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry if desired.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on January 18, 2018. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on February 2, 2024.
