Pink Squirrel Drink

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Creamy and strong, this inviting-looking tipple is the perfect rainy day treat.

In the 1992 movie Wayne’s World, our hapless heroes Wayne and Garth are taken to an Alice Cooper concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Afterward, they meet the rock god backstage, where he educates the duo on some of the state’s history. “Actually, it’s pronounced ‘mill-e-wah-que’”, he imparts. “Which is Algonquin for ‘the good land.’”

And a good land it is, with many delicious gifts that it has given the world. One of these is a cocktail called the Pink Squirrel. Comprised of white crème de cacao, crème de noyaux and heavy cream, this is one drink that doesn’t favor the lactose intolerant. Around since the 1940s, the Pink Squirrel was said to have been originally made using ice cream, causing many to compare the mixture to a booze-filled milkshake. Truly, we are not worthy.

Milwaukee’s legendary establishment Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge used to cater to the local beer-drinking and brewing culture, but soon rebranded themselves with a darker, more mysterious atmosphere. Around since the 1930s, Bryant’s is now one of the preeminent American bars, and its menu is said to contain almost 500 cocktails. A worldwide nexus of mixed drinks, both old and new, Bryant’s is also where the Pink Squirrel is said to have been invented.

My mother told me that her friend’s mom would often make them a few drinks on the sly when they were teenagers. She’d excitedly run behind their home bar and ask the young women if they’d like a Pink Squirrel. According to my Ma, they always loved having that particular beverage, as it didn’t have that biting, alcohol taste and leaned more towards a fruity and creamier flavor. Plus, she noted the frothy look will make anyone feel fancy.

What is Crème de Noyaux?

Crème de noyaux is a crème liqueur that originally hails from France. Despite being made from stone fruit pits, like apricot, cherry or peach, this spirit tastes of almonds, giving many of the cocktails it is used in a sweet and nutty profile. In the 19th century, traces of cyanide were used in the bottling process, but not enough to be dangerous or harmful. Unfortunately, bottles that were left in cellars or stores for decades would have the cyanide float and collect towards the top, killing whoever took the first drink.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Pink Squirrel Drink?

This is one creamy and delectable drink, and while there are a few brands of cacao and noyaux to choose from, you really can’t go wrong with whatever brand you choose. Same goes for the heavy cream. If you’d like to go for a more old-school style when making this, try some vanilla ice cream in place of the heavy.

What kind of glassware and garnish is used?

Chill a long-stemmed coupe glass in your freezer for around twenty minutes before pouring your Pink Squirrel into it. Grate a little nutmeg on top for garnish.

Is the Pink Squirrel a popular drink?

Its status in the cocktail world declined after the 1970s, but the drink still pops up from time to time at retro-themed parties or lounges.

Similar Cocktails to the Pink Squirrel

If the Pink Squirrel is your preferred way to sip a grey day away, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a couple of other options out there that might satisfy your cravings. When you just want to laze about, listen to music or watch a movie and want an “adult milkshake” to keep you company, Twist & Toast has some tasty and easy-to-make recipes for you to test drive over a relaxing weekend.

• Grasshopper – Swap the noyaux in the Pink Squirrel for crème de menthe to make yourself a Grasshopper.
• Bushwacker – This creamy and tropical-tasting rum cocktail is a great way to enjoy dessert.
• Frozen Mudslide – Like an ice cream sundae in a glass, the Frozen Mudslide is a fantastic way to beat the heat.
• Piña Colada Smoothie – This alcohol-free concoction is a healthy and delicious way to start the day.