Classic Mudslide

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Mouth watering, chocolaty and with a vodka and coffee liqueur bite, the smooth and creamy Mudslide can be enjoyed anytime your sweet tooth has a craving.

I’ve enjoyed a Mudslide or two in my day. Sometimes they’re frozen, mostly they’re served the way we’ll be making one tonight… shaken over ice and served straight up. Whenever I’ve enjoyed this rich and chocolate-flavored tipple, it’s usually been in the winter months. I’m at home with my family, sitting by a roaring fire and sipping my woes away. Sometimes I went to a T.G.I. Friday’s or a Chili’s, and ordered one for dessert after scarfing down some loaded potato skins. The point is that when I think of a Mudslide, my mind automatically drifts to snowy winter lodges or sunny suburban malls.

When I did some research into the when and where of this cocktail’s creation, I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was born in the opposite environments that I associated it with. Like I mentioned before, whenever this drink’s name is brought up, images of Olympic athletes and blonde snow bunnies enjoying a few Mudslides in a rustic ski lodge atop a powdery mountain are immediately conjured up. But what if I told you this libation has more tropical origins…

On Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean, there’s a place called Wreck Bar at the Rum Point Club. During the 1970s, a tourist came into the bar and ordered a White Russian. Having run out of heavy cream, the barkeep opted to use Baileys, then a new Irish cream liqueur, instead. The result ended up being the classic we know today as the Mudslide.

Catching on fairly quickly and gaining in popularity during the 1980s and following decades, the Mudslide combined the Irish cream and coffee liqueurs, vodka and a chocolate sauce drizzle to great success. Many folks likened the taste to a milkshake, which found favor amongst drinkers that weren’t wild about the taste of alcohol. Popular variations like the Frozen Mudslide add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and are prepped in a blender for a more dessert-like experience.

However and whenever you enjoy this cocktail is up to you, whether you’re on snow-covered ski slopes or tropical sandy shores.

What Is The Best Vodka to Use in a Mudslide?

When I use vodka in any cocktail, I tend to go with a peppery and smooth organic rye. A potato-distilled spirit is just as good, each sip finishing with a little extra heat. Since this is a sweet-flavored drink, you can experiment with bottles of vanilla vodka, or any other flavor you think will meld nicely in your Mudslide.

What Glassware and Garnish Is Used?

You can serve the Mudslide in an Old Fashioned, rocks or cocktail coupe glass. Chill in your freezer for up to thirty minutes, drizzle some chocolate sauce on the sides of the glass before pouring your drink in, and garnish with some dark chocolate shavings.

Can You Use another Spirit in this cocktail?

Some mixologists have used brandy in place of the vodka in this recipe. This will lend a more robust and floral sweetness to your drink, also including hints of oak if the spirit has been aged in barrels.

Similar Cocktails to the Mudslide

If you and your friends enjoy the sweeter side of life, including the cocktails you drink, the Mudslide and other beverages like it will always be a hit at any party you throw or go to. If you’re looking to spread your bartending wings and try a few other delightful concoctions out at your next soirée, let Twist & Toast help you get started. Check these recipes out and give them a try over the weekend.

• Brandy Alexander – John Lennon himself was a fan of this creamy and sweet cocktail, referring to it as a “milkshake”.
• Dirty Monkey – This creamy and tropical treat will instantly transport you to your dream resort.
• Orange Creamsicle – Citrusy and creamy, you’ll love sipping on this refreshing thirst quencher.
• Chocolate Martini – A fantastic wintertime tipple that is guaranteed to warm you up.