Pink Squirrel

The Pink Squirrel is a classic after-dinner drink beloved for its smooth, creamy texture and sweet, nutty profile reminiscent of marzipan. A simple blend of crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream, it drinks like an indulgent alcoholic milkshake. Its charming pink color and dessert-like qualities make it a memorable retro classic, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
Pink Squirrel

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Pink Squirrel is classified as a dessert or after-dinner cocktail. Its rich, sweet, and creamy nature places it firmly in the category of drinks served in place of or alongside a final course.

Serving

Serve this moderately low-alcohol drink ice-cold and straight up in a pre-chilled coupe or martini glass to maintain its creamy texture and temperature.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Pink Squirrel was invented in the 1940s at Bryant's Cocktail Lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a city known for its supper club culture. Legend says that owner Bryant Sharp created the drink for a patron seeking a unique ice cream-based concoction. The result was this nutty, pink, creamy cocktail that became a beloved staple in the Midwest for decades.
Origin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, circa 1940s.

Pink Squirrel

The drink is consistently known as the Pink Squirrel, with no common alternative names or significant variations in its original name.
Original name
Pink Squirrel

Characteristics overview

The Pink Squirrel boasts a velvety, smooth texture and a lovely pastel pink color. Its flavor and aroma are dominated by sweet almond and white chocolate, making for a rich, decadent experience.
Flavor
Sweet, nutty, almond, creamy, white chocolate
Aroma
Marzipan, almond extract, sweet cream, hint of cocoa
Taste balance
Predominantly sweet
Aftertaste
Sweet, creamy, short
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, pastel pink, creamy
Texture
Smooth, rich, velvety, thick
Seasonality
All-season, festive, wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is intensely sweet and creamy, with a gentle alcohol presence. Its flavor is straightforward and rich, defined by its core nutty and chocolate notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple three-ingredient cocktail requires Crème de Noyaux, white Crème de Cacao, and heavy cream in equal parts for its classic profile.
  • Crème de Noyaux30 ml / 1 oz
    A red, almond-flavored liqueur made from the kernels of apricots, peaches, or cherries. It provides the signature color and flavor.
  • White Crème de Cacao30 ml / 1 oz
    Use the white (clear) version to maintain the drink's pink color.
  • Heavy Cream30 ml / 1 oz
    Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter texture.
  • Nutmeg1 pinch(optional)
    Freshly grated is recommended for the best aroma.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and strainer, to properly mix and chill this creamy drink.
  • Cocktail Shaker: To chill and combine the ingredients.
  • Jigger: For accurate measurement.
  • Strainer: To pour the drink without ice.

Instructions

To prepare, shake all liquid ingredients vigorously with ice, then double-strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with nutmeg.
1. Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes.
2. Combine the crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Double-strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth, froth-free texture.
6. Garnish with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg on top.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of freshly grated nutmeg provides a fragrant aromatic contrast to the sweet, creamy cocktail.
  • Freshly Grated Nutmeg: A light dusting over the surface of the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink contains dairy and is not vegan. Due to the crème de noyaux, it is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is an indulgent, high-calorie cocktail, with significant sugar and carbohydrate content coming from the liqueurs and cream.
Calories
Averagely 250-300 kcal / 1045-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfectly suited as a liquid dessert to cap off a meal. It's also a fun and nostalgic choice for holiday gatherings, celebrations, or any retro-themed party.
  • Dessert
  • After-dinner
  • Festive Occasion
  • Retro Party

Pairing suggestions

The Pink Squirrel is rich enough to serve as dessert on its own. If you wish to pair it, opt for simple, not-too-sweet accompaniments like shortbread or a piece of high-quality dark chocolate to balance its sweetness.
  • On its own as dessert
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Dark chocolate squares

The Pink Squirrel: A Creamy Retro Delight from the Midwest

The Pink Squirrel is a quintessential mid-century dessert cocktail that originated in the supper clubs of Milwaukee. This creamy and indulgent drink is a simple but delicious combination of almond-flavored crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Shaken until frosty and served straight up, it is celebrated for its velvety texture, sweet marzipan-like flavor, and lovely pastel pink hue. It remains a nostalgic favorite, perfect for an after-dinner treat.

Similar Cocktails

Brandy Alexander

A similar creamy classic made with brandy, dark crème de cacao, and cream, offering a spiced, deeper flavor profile.

Grasshopper

Another famous creamy, mid-century cocktail featuring crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream for a mint-chocolate flavor.

Golden Cadillac

A contemporary of the Pink Squirrel, made with Galliano, white crème de cacao, and cream, giving it a vanilla-anise flavor.

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