The 10 best Vanilla Ice Cream cocktails

Introduction

Indulge in Chilled Creamy Delights!

Vanilla ice cream isn't just for sundaes - it's a versatile ingredient that brings a luxurious creaminess to a variety of cocktails.

Adding a scoop of this smooth delight can transform a simple drink into an indulgent experience. Whether you're looking to create a decadent dessert cocktail or simply elevate a classic favorite, these rich and creamy concoctions will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Vanilla ice cream's sweet and creamy profile complements a wide range of spirits and mixers, making it perfect for everything from fruity fusions to rich coffee concoctions.

In this listicle, we've curated the top 10 cocktail recipes that showcase the delightful blend of spirits and vanilla ice cream, offering a mix of traditional favorites and innovative new blends.

Top 10 Vanilla Ice Cream cocktails

  • · · · · · ·   Mudslide
  • · · · · · ·   Strawberry Dream
  • · · · · · ·   Soyer au champagne
  • · · · · · ·   Brandy And Banana Milkshake
  • · · · · · ·   Affogato Martini
  • · · · · · ·   Chocolate Monkey
  • · · · · · ·   Don Pedro
  • · · · · · ·   Choc Heaven
  • · · · · · ·   Piña Colada with a Twist
  • · · · · · ·   Katcha

Conclusion

More about Vanilla Ice Cream

1. Mudslide

This cocktail is a decadent affair, combining the rich textures of Bailey's, vodka, and coffee liqueur with the creamy softness of vanilla ice cream. The result is a luxurious drink that slides smoothly over the palate, offering a symphony of coffee and cream flavors accented by the subtle warmth of alcohol. Perfect for sipping on a cool evening or as a sumptuous after-dinner treat, it's a drink that turns any moment into a special occasion.

Ingredients

Method

Add all the ingredients and ice to a blender and blend until smooth
Pour into a hurricane glass and garnish with a crumbled Cadbury’s flake before serving
Go to recipe

2. Strawberry Dream

Imagine the sweet bounty of summer captured in a glass. This cocktail blends ripe strawberries, pineapple juice, and strawberry schnapps with the lush richness of vanilla ice cream, creating a drink that's both vibrant and indulgently creamy. Dark rum adds depth and complexity, balancing the sweetness and bringing a touch of the exotic. It's a cocktail that evokes sunset beachside sipping, perfect for those who cherish the flavors of summer and seek a touch of luxury.

Ingredients

Method

Add all the ingredients into a blender with crushed ice
Blend slowly for ten seconds then fast for another ten seconds
Pour into a hurricane glass, garnish with a mint sprig and serve
Go to recipe

3. Soyer au champagne

Elegance in a glass, this cocktail marries the sophistication of cognac and champagne with the playful sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Orange and maraschino cherry liqueurs introduce citrus and cherry notes, elevating the concoction into a celebratory drink that's both refined and delightfully indulgent. Perfect for toasting special occasions, it exemplifies how vanilla ice cream can transcend its usual role, contributing to a sophisticated, layered cocktail experience.

Ingredients

Method

Add the three liqueurs with a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker with ice
Give it a good shake until well combined
In a chilled cocktail glass add a scoop of vanilla ice cream before straining the liqueurs over the ice cream
Top up the glass with champagne
Add straws and serve while frothy
Go to recipe

4. Brandy And Banana Milkshake

Melding the rustic charm of brandy with the tropical sweetness of bananas, this milkshake-inspired cocktail elevates the humble banana milkshake to an adult beverage that's hard to resist. The generous scoops of vanilla ice cream add a creamy texture and a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the richness of the brandy and the natural sweetness of the bananas, creating a comforting yet sophisticated drink perfect for any season.

Ingredients

Method

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until it is a smooth consistency
Pour into a tall glass and add straws for decoration before serving
Go to recipe

5. Affogato Martini

Combining the robust flavors of coffee and vodka with the sweet creaminess of vanilla ice cream, this martini offers a sophisticated twist on the classic affogato. A dash of honey adds a nuanced sweetness, enhancing the coffee's rich aroma and the smooth texture of the ice cream. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate the finer points of a cocktail, blending the line between dessert and drink for an elegant after-dinner indulgence.

Ingredients

Method

Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream into a champagne glass
Place all other ingredients into a shaker with ice
Shake well
Fine strain the mixture over ice cream
Garnish with a vanilla pod and chocolate flakes and serve
Go to recipe

6. Chocolate Monkey

For those who adore the combination of chocolate and banana, this cocktail is a dream come true. Banana liqueur and a dash of chocolate syrup merge with the creamy texture of vanilla ice cream to create a drink that's both dessert and beverage in one. It's a playful yet rich concoction that speaks to the heart of comfort food, perfect for indulging a sweet tooth or elevating a casual get-together into something memorably sweet.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients together in a blender together with ice and blend
Pour into a cocktail glass
Garnish with banana slice and a dollop of whipped cream, then serve
Go to recipe

7. Don Pedro

This sumptuous cocktail is a testament to the opulence that simple ingredients can achieve when combined with care. A hearty base of vanilla ice cream, enriched with coffee liqueur and white rum, topped off with a light cream. The result is a velvety-smooth drink that feels both familiar and indulgent, ideal for slow sipping on a lazy afternoon or as a decadent ending to a meal.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth
Pour into a large brandy glass
Garnish with three or four whole coffee beans and serve
Go to recipe

8. Choc Heaven

This cocktail is a chocoholic's delight, blending the creamy luxury of vanilla ice cream with the rich indulgence of chocolate-flavored liqueurs and vodka. It's a beverage that straddles the line between dessert and cocktail, offering the best of both worlds. Whether served as a decadent treat at the end of a meal or enjoyed as a special treat on its own, it promises a velvety, chocolatey experience that's both comforting and sophisticated.

Ingredients

Method

Allow ice cream to partly melt then place in a blender
Add all other ingredients and blend
Pour into a cocktail glass over ice and serve
Go to recipe

9. Piña Colada with a Twist

Refreshing and rich, this twist on the classic Piña Colada introduces vanilla ice cream to the traditional mix of coconut rum, Cointreau, pineapple juice, and white rum, turning a familiar favourite into something blissfully creamier. The addition of vanilla ice cream softens the sharpness of the pineapple and enhances the coconut's tropical flavor, creating a luxuriously smooth cocktail that's like a vacation in a glass.

Ingredients

Method

Add three shots of white rum, two scoops of vanilla ice cream, a glass of pineapple juice, three shots of Malibu and a shot of Cointreau to a blender
Blend, then pour into a highball glass with ice and serve
Go to recipe

10. Katcha

This cocktail presents a harmonious blend of light, refreshing notes with the creamy decadence of vanilla ice cream. The melon liqueur introduces a sweet and fruity flavor that's beautifully balanced by the effervescence of lemonade, while the vanilla ice cream adds a smooth, creamy texture that makes each sip more delightful than the last. It's a joyful blend of flavors that offers a light, refreshing escape, perfect for warm days or as a cheerful toast to any occasion.

Ingredients

Method

Put ice cream and Midori into a highball glass, then pour in the lemonade
Allow it to fizz up, then serve
Go to recipe

Conclusion

Our selection of cocktails was carefully chosen based on their flavor profiles, popularity, and unique use of vanilla ice cream.

Each cocktail offers a distinct balance of sweetness, creaminess, and alcoholic punch, making them ideal for various occasions. These top 10 recipes highlight the versatility of vanilla ice cream as an ingredient, demonstrating how it can enhance and elevate a wide variety of cocktails. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious beginner, these recipes promise to add a touch of indulgence to your cocktail-making repertoire.

More info

Want to discover more?

More about Vanilla Ice Cream

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the origin of vanilla ice cream?

Vanilla ice cream traces its origins back to at least the 18th century, with some of the earliest records suggesting its creation in Europe. The use of vanilla in desserts became prominent after vanilla pods were brought back to Europe from the New World, particularly Mexico, where the vanilla orchid originated. Over time, vanilla became a popular flavor for ice cream, a treat that was initially a luxury for the elite before becoming widely accessible. The exact origin of vanilla ice cream is difficult to pinpoint due to the evolution of ice cream and frozen desserts over centuries, but it has become one of the most beloved flavors worldwide.

INGREDIENT_SUBSTITUTIONS

What can be used as a substitute for vanilla ice cream in cocktails?

If you're looking for a substitute for vanilla ice cream in cocktails, there are several options depending on your dietary preferences and desired outcome. For a non-dairy alternative, coconut milk ice cream or almond milk ice cream can offer a similar creamy texture and rich flavor. Greek yogurt or frozen yogurt can be used for a thicker, less sweet option, while heavy cream mixed with vanilla extract offers a similar flavor profile but with a liquid consistency. For a similar mouthfeel without the dairy, blending cashews with water, vanilla extract, and a sweetener until smooth can also work.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

How do you incorporate vanilla ice cream into cocktail recipes?

Incorporating vanilla ice cream into cocktail recipes is straightforward and can add a rich, creamy texture to your drink. For a smooth consistency, blend the ice cream with other liquid ingredients until well combined. If using a shaker, first soften the ice cream slightly, then combine with the other ingredients and shake well until mixed. Vanilla ice cream can also be added directly to the glass for floats or layered drinks, allowing it to slowly meld with the other components. For a thicker cocktail, use more ice cream; for a lighter, more sippable concoction, use less and consider adding a bit of milk or cream to adjust.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

What are some popular cocktails that feature vanilla ice cream?

Some popular cocktails featuring vanilla ice cream include the Brandy Alexander, where it's blended with brandy and crème de cacao for a creamy, luxurious drink; the Mudslide, a decadent mixture of vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream along with vanilla ice cream; and the boozy Root Beer Float, which combines root beer with a splash of bourbon or vodka and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Other creative uses include the Espresso Martini Float, adding a scoop to the traditional espresso martini for a rich twist, or the Vanilla Ice Cream Mojito, blending ice cream with rum, mint, and lime for a refreshing yet creamy variation.

DIETARY_CONSIDERATIONS

Are there vegan options for cocktails that typically use vanilla ice cream?

Yes, there are vegan options available for recreating cocktails that typically use vanilla ice cream. Many brands offer dairy-free ice cream made from almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk, all of which can serve as excellent substitutes. These vegan ice creams still provide the creamy texture and rich vanilla flavor desired in cocktails. When selecting a vegan vanilla ice cream, look for options with minimal additives to ensure the cleanest flavor profile for your cocktail. Utilizing these alternatives allows vegans and those with dairy allergies to enjoy indulgent, creamy cocktails without compromising on taste or texture.