Stereotyping all creamy cocktails as desserts is a mistake. Consider the Mudslide, a drink consisting of nearly equal parts vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and coffee liqueur.
This drink doesn’t have to be overly sweet; a Mudslide can be enjoyed subtly, offering richness without being excessively sugary.
Often associated with dessert, a Mudslide is typically consumed as an after-dinner drink. Be cautious if you’re considering it as a nightcap since the caffeine content in coffee liqueurs can vary, affecting your sleep—verify the label beforehand.
What’s a Mudslide?
This creamy, shaken cocktail combines vodka, Irish cream, and coffee liqueur. It’s a twist on the classic White Russian, which includes vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream. The Mudslide swaps heavy cream for Irish Cream, which is a mixture of Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate, exclusively made in Ireland.
While Bailey’s Irish Cream was originally used, I prefer Kerrygold’s Irish Cream for its rich chocolate aroma and balanced whiskey taste. It’s enjoyable neat or mixed in cocktails, offering a taste similar to high-quality chocolate.
I also favor the Australian brand, Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur, for its strong coffee flavor, often opting for it over Kahlúa. Interested in creating your own Kahlúa? Try this homemade version for a similar effect.
The Origin Story
Discovering a drink’s origin adds depth to its story. The Mudslide has a relatively straightforward beginning at The Wreck Bar & Grill at Rum Point on Grand Cayman.
A bartender, lacking cream for a White Russian, used Bailey’s Irish Cream, which had recently launched in the mid-1970s. This creation quickly became popular and remains well-known today.
How to Make a Mudslide
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, Irish Cream, and coffee liqueur. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to blend and dilute the drink properly. This will mix the ingredients thoroughly and produce a foamy top, enhancing the creamy cocktail experience.
Swaps and Substitutions
The Mudslide is delicious on its own and serves as a versatile base for experimentation. Once you’ve mastered it, try these variations:
- Make it frozen! While traditionally served on the rocks, you can blend it with ice or ice cream for a chilled, adult treat.
- For more of a dessert-like experience, add a tablespoon of chocolate sauce before shaking to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- If you like chocolate and raspberry together, try using raspberry vodka for a fruity twist.
- Consider garnishing with dark chocolate shavings for an added touch of elegance.
More Creamy Cocktails to Try
(Keep screen awake)
- Ice for the shaker
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
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Shake and serve:
Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds with ice, add vodka, Irish Cream, and coffee liqueur. Shake well for 20 seconds, strain into a coupe glass, and serve.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 311 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 22g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
Nutrition information is estimated based on ingredient databases. Variations in ingredients may alter values. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included.
