The Pink Squirrel is a tasty and nostalgic drink that brings a touch of vintage charm to any gathering. This creamy, ice cream-based drink is a perfect treat for those with a penchant for sweet, dessert-like cocktails.
The Pink Squirrel started in the Midwest in the 1940s. It mixes the nutty flavors of crème de noyaux with creamy vanilla ice cream, resulting in a tasty and smooth treat. Whether you’re hosting a retro party or just enjoying a special dessert, the Pink Squirrel brings fun color and great flavor that will impress everyone.
So without wasting any of your time, let’s make the perfect Pink Squirrel drink with ice cream!
What Is the Pink Squirrel Drink and Why Is It Special?
The Pink Squirrel is a special cocktail famous for its light pink color and rich taste. Its unique flavor primarily comes from crème de noyaux, a liqueur flavored with almonds or the kernels of peaches and cherries, which imparts a subtle, nutty undertone to the drink.
This drink usually has white crème de cacao, which gives a light chocolate flavor that goes well with the rich vanilla ice cream. One reason this drink is special is that you don’t see it much in modern bars, making it a nice surprise for those who know it and a fun discovery for new customers.
This cocktail has been loved for its fun and classy vibe. It brings back good memories and is great for celebrations or as a classic dessert drink.
Ingredients Needed for the Pink Squirrel Drink
To create the perfect Pink Squirrel drink, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ounce crème de noyaux
- 1 ounce white crème de cacao
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Crushed ice
- Maraschino cherries
- Whipped cream (optional)
That’s it! Only five simple ingredients are needed to make this delicious drink.
Nutritional Information for this Drink
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 70mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 2% DV |
Reminder: Daily Values (DV) are calculated based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This beverage is meant to be an occasional indulgence and should be consumed in moderation.
Equipment Needed
Before you start mixing, make sure you have the right equipment on hand:
- Blender
- Cocktail glass
- Ice cream scoop
- Measuring jigger
- Cocktail strainer (optional)
These are all the essential tools you’ll need to make a perfect Pink Squirrel drink.
Recipe for the Pink Squirrel Drink with Ice Cream
Okay, now that we have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into making this delicious drink. Follow these simple steps to create your very own Pink Squirrel.
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Start by adding the crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and vanilla ice cream into the blender. Next, add a small amount of crushed ice to enhance the creamy texture of the drink and ensure it stays nicely chilled. Blend the mixture on high until it is smooth and consistent, making sure that the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
While your drink is blending, place your cocktail glass in the freezer to cool it down quickly. This keeps your Pink Squirrel cold longer when served. If you want, you can also add some sugar to the rim of the glass for extra sweetness and a nice look.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Pour the blended drink into your prepared cocktail glass. If you want, add a bit of whipped cream on top for more enjoyment. To finish, put a maraschino cherry on top as a decoration.
Step 4: Enjoy
Your Pink Squirrel drink is now ready to be enjoyed. With its yummy mix of nutty and creamy flavors, this cocktail is like a tasty dessert and a fun throwback. Take your time with each sip and enjoy the refreshing experience.
Pink Squirrel Drink Recipe with Ice Cream
Equipment
- BlenderÂ
- Cocktail glass
- Ice cream scoop
- measuring jigger
- Cocktail strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 ounce crème de noyaux
- 1 ounce white crème de cacao
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Crushed ice
- Maraschino cherries
- Whipped cream optional
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
- Start by adding the crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and vanilla ice cream into the blender. Next, add a small amount of crushed ice to enhance the creamy texture of the drink and ensure it stays nicely chilled. Blend the mixture on high until it is smooth and consistent, making sure that the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
- While your drink is blending, place your cocktail glass in the freezer to cool it down quickly. This keeps your Pink Squirrel cold longer when served. If you want, you can also add some sugar to the rim of the glass for extra sweetness and a nice look.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
- Pour the blended drink into your prepared cocktail glass. If you want, add a bit of whipped cream on top for more enjoyment. To finish, put a maraschino cherry on top as a decoration.
Step 4: Enjoy
- Your Pink Squirrel drink is now ready to be enjoyed. With its yummy mix of nutty and creamy flavors, this cocktail is like a tasty dessert and a fun throwback. Take your time with each sip and enjoy the refreshing experience.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve the Pink Squirrel Drink
If you’re feeling creative and want to add a unique twist to your classic Pink Squirrel, here are some ideas:
- Mini Glasses: Serve the Pink Squirrel in small, chilled shot glasses for a fun party treat. This way, guests can enjoy a little without feeling too full.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Make pink ice cubes by freezing maraschino cherry juice. They add color and a little extra sweetness as they melt into the drink.
- Flavored Rim: Make your cocktail look great by coating the rim of the glass with flavored sugar or crushed marzipan to enhance the almond flavors in the drink.
- Layered Presentation: Instead of blending, carefully layer the ingredients for a visually striking version. Pour the crème de noyaux, then layer the crème de cacao and finally the ice cream, creating distinct tiers of flavor and texture.
- Thematic Presentation: Make the drink special for events like Valentine’s Day or bridal showers by adding pink sprinkles or edible glitter on the rim for a fun touch.
If you want to try new drinks, we suggest our Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, non-alcoholic version. This tasty drink is just as enjoyable and perfect for those who like mocktails.
Storage Tips for the Pink Squirrel Drink
Since the Pink Squirrel drink is mostly ice cream, it’s best to make it fresh right before serving for the best texture and taste. But if you need to keep it for a bit, here are some simple tips to maintain its quality:
- Short-term Storage: Â If you’ve made the drink and need to keep it for a little while, pour it into a sealed container and put it in the freezer. This will help keep it close to its original texture for a short time, ideally no more than a few hours.
- Freezing Ice Cream Base: To make things easier later, mix together some crème de noyaux, crème de cacao, and vanilla ice cream, then freeze it in an ice cube tray. When you’re ready to serve, blend the ice cream cubes with a little fresh crème de noyaux to brighten the flavors.
- Avoid Prolonged Freezing: Keep in mind that freezing the mixed drink for a long time can cause ice crystals to form, changing its creamy texture. For the best taste, drink it right after making it.
- No Refrigeration: The Pink Squirrel doesn’t fare well in the refrigerator as the creamy elements may separate, and the texture will become unpleasant.
For a true experience, try to make and enjoy the Pink Squirrel fresh every time, savoring the bright flavors and smooth texture as they are meant to be.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pink Squirrel Drink
I know we’ve covered the recipe, but let’s quickly go over some main points to make sure your Pink Squirrel is perfect every time:
- Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients to enhance the drink’s flavor profile. Fresh vanilla ice cream and properly stored liqueurs will keep the taste vibrant.
- Proportion Precision: Measure your ingredients carefully to keep the right balance of nutty and creamy flavors. A measuring cup is helpful for accuracy.
- Chilling Equipment: For serving, chill your cocktail glasses ahead of time to ensure the drink remains cold and refreshing longer.
- Blending Technique: Blend at high speed until smooth, but avoid over-blending which can lead to a too-thin consistency.
- Garnish Creativity: Make your dish look great with simple toppings like whipped cream or a cherry to add flavor and visual charm.
- Taste Test: Before serving, taste the blend to ensure all flavors are well-balanced. Adjust sweetness or creaminess if necessary by slightly altering ingredient amounts.
- Look Good, Taste Good: Serve right after blending for the creamiest texture and best flavor, so your guests enjoy the Pink Squirrel at its finest.
These tips should help you achieve the perfect Pink Squirrel every time, so go ahead and impress your friends with this fun, tasty drink.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pink Squirrel stands out as a delightful and nostalgic drink that combines the creamy sweetness of ice cream with the rich tastes of crème de noyaux and crème de cacao.
Whether you’re crafting it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, by following the steps and tips outlined, you can ensure each drink is a delightful success. Have fun discovering fun ways to serve and store things to make your Pink Squirrel experience really special.
FAQ
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Pink Squirrel?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Pink Squirrel by replacing the crème de noyaux and crème de cacao with almond syrup and chocolate syrup, respectively. Use these with vanilla ice cream to maintain the classic flavors.
What is the best type of ice cream to use for a Pink Squirrel?
Using a high-quality, rich vanilla ice cream is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Opt for a brand that is creamy and smooth, without any ice crystals, to ensure the drink is perfectly blended.
How do I prevent the drink from separating after blending?
To get a smooth texture, blend the drink until it’s just smooth, and don’t blend too much. Serve right after mixing to keep it creamy and stop it from separating.
How can I adjust the sweetness level of the Pink Squirrel?
To change the sweetness, add more vanilla ice cream or mix in extra sweeteners like simple syrup or a bit more liqueur. Tasting while you mix makes it easy to adjust to your favorite flavor.
What is the ideal temperature for serving the Pink Squirrel drink?
For the best experience, serve the Pink Squirrel cold. Chill the glass first and use cold ingredients to keep the drink refreshing and enjoyable.
Can I prepare the Pink Squirrel in advance for a party?
To enjoy the creamy texture of a Pink Squirrel, it’s best to make it fresh. However, you can prepare the parts ahead of time. Freeze the blended ice cream mix in molds or ice cube trays. When it’s time to serve, blend the frozen mix with the liqueurs just before your guests arrive.
How can I ensure my Pink Squirrel has a vibrant pink hue?
To achieve a vibrant pink hue, ensure you’re using a crème de noyaux with a rich, distinct color. You can also add a drop or two of red or pink food coloring to enhance the color, but make sure to mix well for an even shade throughout the drink.
Can I use alternative milk products for lactose-intolerant guests?
For lactose-intolerant guests, consider using a lactose-free vanilla ice cream or an almond milk ice cream as a base. While this will alter the taste slightly, it will still offer a delightful alternative to the traditional version.
What does a Pink Squirrel taste like?
A Pink Squirrel tastes like a smooth blend of nutty almond and rich chocolate flavors, enhanced by the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream. This results in a nostalgic dessert-like cocktail that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
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Resources
- The Pink Squirrel Recipe by Epicurious
- Pink Squirrel Cocktail Recipe by Liquor
