Vanilla Mudslide Cocktail

published Dec 8, 2021
A mudslide alcoholic cocktail in a martini glass with a chocolate swirl.
Credit: Laura Manzano

This is the dessert-lover's dream drink.

Serves2

Prep10 minutes

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A mudslide alcoholic cocktail in a martini glass with a chocolate swirl.
Credit: Laura Manzano

Like many great recipes, the mudslide is said to have been invented unintentionally. Back in the mid 1970s, a customer of the Wreck Bar on Grand Cayman Island asked for a White Russian and the bartender was out of heavy cream. Irish cream liqueur was used as a substitute, and from there the mudslide was born. 

Creamy, delicious, and consisting of entirely alcohol, the mudslide is the perfect drink for a winter party or to serve as a decadent dessert drink.

What’s in a Mudslide?

A mudslide consists of coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and vodka. For this recipe, we’re using vanilla vodka for a boost of flavor and extra intrigue, but feel free to use plain vodka, or any other flavor that appeals to you. 

Credit: Laura Manzano

How to Serve a Mudslide

Different sources will suggest serving this cocktail on ice, but after a good shake in a cocktail shaker, we prefer the elegance of serving it up in a well-chilled martini glass. And as far as the chocolate sauce, feel free to take the artistic reigns with how you choose to decorate. Just be sure to use a thick chocolate sauce, as opposed to a more common chocolate syrup, which is much thinner and will drip quickly rather than hold your chosen design. 

Are Mudslides Frozen?

Mudslides are not frozen — just well-shaken. To make a frozen mudslide, just double the recipe and add ice to a blender. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and you’ll really take it over the edge!

Mudslide Recipe

This is the dessert-lover's dream drink.

Prep time 10 minutes

Serves 2

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • Large ice cubes

  • 3 ounces

    vanilla-flavored vodka

  • 2 ounces

    Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur

  • 2 ounces

    Kahlúa liqueur

  • 2 ounces

    cold heavy cream

  • Chocolate sauce, for garnish

Instructions

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  1. Place 2 martini glasses in the freezer to chill.

  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with large ice cubes. Add 3 ounces vanilla vodka, 2 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur, 2 ounces Kahlúa, and 2 ounces cold heavy cream. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled and the outside of the shaker is frosty, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

  3. Decorate the chilled martini glasses with chocolate sauce in a festive pattern of your choice. Strain the mudslide into the glasses and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • Liquor: It helps if all of your liquors are cold to start; that way you don’t water the ice down too much when shaking.
  • Ice cubes: Large ice cubes are best for shaking this cocktail. Small ice will break down easily and water down the drink more quickly.
  • Equipment: If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a large Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid works just as well.