The Pink Squirrel Dessert Drink is a vintage frozen ice cream drink that is served as an after-dinner cocktail in many Wisconsin supper clubs.
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Easy Dessert Recipe
This recipe is super easy to make and tastes delicious. While the version that we have at our favorite eatery does have alcohol, I have provided some options for a non-alcoholic version too.
It is a pretty drink that our family enjoys often; whether we are out to eat or at home. It takes all of 5 minutes to make this scrumptious dessert cocktail.
To be honest, the hardest part is remembering to stop at the store and get the ingredients. If we are having guests over, this is a quick and easy way to finish off a meal and gives me a chance to enjoy spending time with my company.
What is a Pink Squirrel?
A Pink Squirrel is an ice cream drink that has a pink tint. Often, it is topped with a maraschino cherry.
What Does a Pink Squirrel Taste Like?
This tastes like a milkshake with a hint of chocolate, almond and maraschino cherries.
How to Make a Pink Squirrel
It takes all of five minutes to make a Pink Squirrel. Just pop the ice cream into a blender, add the Crème de Cacao and Crème de Noyaux, blend a minute or so.
Pour into a glass. Top with whipping cream and a maraschino cherry.
Recipe hints.
Blend the ingredients until the ice cream is smooth. You can add your liquid ingredients first for easier blending.
If you would like a thicker texture, add a bit more ice cream. I sometimes do that after I have blended the mixture. If it looks a bit too soft and frothy, I add one more scoop.
What are Pink Squirrel Ingredients?
If you do not consider the garnish of whipped topping and pomegranate syrup, I add to mine ~
Typically, along with the vanilla ice cream, this is made with two other ingredients.
Clear Crème de Cacao. This is a chocolate flavored liqueur with hints of vanilla. This comes in dark and clear. For this recipe, since we want the pink to shine through, I use the clear.
Crème de Noyaux. This is a liqueur that has a red color, which gives this drink the pink color.
What are some substitutions for Crème de Cacao?
Some good substitutes for creme de cacao include:
You can substitute “clear” creme de cacao for the regular dark creme de cacao. Except for the coloring, they are interchangeable.
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup for one shot glass of the crème de cacao.
Other flavor variations in place of the crème de cacao are coffee, hazelnut, or almond liqueur.
For a non-alcohol substitute use 3 tablespoons water and 3/4 teaspoon of chocolate extract
What are some substitutions for Crème de Noyau?
There is only one store where I can find this locally. Therefore, I am not sure if you will have this available where you live.
If you can’t obtain crème de noyau then substitute with the following two options:
- 3 parts amaretto to 1 part pomegranate juice.
- 2 parts almond extract to 2 parts grenadine syrup.
Both will give you that pink coloring and a nice flavor too.
Non-alcoholic version of brandy alexander and pink squirrel
If you want to make a non-alcoholic pink squirrel, I have a few suggestions.
I would still start with vanilla ice cream. Or you could use milk, cream, or melted vanilla ice cream.
Then you could also add a little clear chocolate flavoring or extract.
For the pink color and similar flavor, I would use a little of the juice from the maraschino cherry jar. A little almond extract would also be good.
Pink Squirrel Dessert Drink
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 oz. crème de noyaux
- 1 oz. white crème de cacao
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 Maraschino cherry optional garnish
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pomegranate syrup r grenadine syrup optional garnish
- 1 Tablespoon Whipping Cream optional garnish
Instructions
- Pour crème de noyaux and crème de cacao into the bottom of a blender. Top with ice cream.
- Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Pour into glass, top with whipping cream, then drizzle pomegranate syrup or grenadine syrup on top. Top with a maraschino cherry.
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If you love dessert drinks, this Salted Caramel White Russian is easy and delicious.
I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.