Mudslide Cocktail

Putting all creamy cocktails in one dessert category is a tragedy. It’s probably what you picture when you think of the Mudslide, a cocktail that’s almost equal parts vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and coffee liqueur.

But it doesn’t have to be that way – a mudslide can be subtle, and while rich, it’s nowhere near as cute as you might think.

What is a mudslide?

This creamy, shaken cocktail is made with vodka, Irish cream and coffee liqueur. Supposedly it’s a twist on the classic White Russian with vodka, kahlúa and cream. In the mudslide, the cream is replaced with Irish cream, a mixture of Irish whiskey, cream and chocolate. It may only be manufactured in Ireland under the Irish Cream name.

While the original recipe used Bailey’s Irish Cream, I reach for Kerrygold’s Irish Cream for this and almost all recipes that call for Irish Cream. It has a very chocolaty aroma and flavor and the whiskey is present but not overpowering. It’s delicious on its own, but mixes well in cocktails. It tastes like a high quality chocolate.

I personally love the Australian brand Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur with its intense coffee flavor and often use it instead of Kalhúa. Would you like to try making your own Kahlúa? Here’s a homemade version that might do the trick.

The origin story

Tracing a drink back to its origin gives it weight. And I love knowing all the fun tidbits about drinks and their history. The Mudslide has a mostly unique origin, beginning at The Wreck Bar & Grill at Rum Point on Grand Cayman.

There, a bartender was asked to prepare a White Russian. Not having cream on hand, they used Bailey’s Irish Cream, which had been launched in the mid-1970s. The creation took off and is still a household name to this day.

How to make a mudslide

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, Irish cream and coffee liqueur. This is important: shake properly. With these liqueurs you have to shake vigorously and for a long time (about 20 seconds) to incorporate everything. Shake vigorously to evenly mix the cocktail and give it an appropriate dilution (the amount of water that goes into your drink).

Shaking the drink also introduces some air bubbles into the mix. It gives your cocktail a frothy top, a pleasant complement to creamy drinks.

Swaps and Substitutions

A mudslide cocktail is delicious on its own, but it also makes a great base for mixing. Try out a few of these swaps and subs after mastering the original.

• make it frozen! Although a mudslide is known for being served over ice, you can mix it with ice or even ice cream to make a frosty adult-only treat.
• Even if the name may indicate a rather chocolaty cocktail, there is actually only a hint of chocolate in the Irish Cream. If you prefer to crank up the chocolate and really make this a dessert cocktail, add a tablespoon of chocolate sauce before shaking.
• Chocolate and raspberries go well together and if you like this combination, swap out regular vodka for a raspberry vodka for a fruity twist on the drink.
• If you’re considering a garnish for this drink, try a light sprinkling of dark chocolate shavings.

More creamy cocktails to try

• Locust Cocktail
• Brandy Alexander cocktail
• Coconut White Russian
• Chocolate Martini
• milk punch