This Pink Squirrel recipe is our tribute to the classic Wisconsin supper club ice cream cocktail. It blends vanilla ice cream with crème de cacao and crème de noyaux into a thick, blush pink dessert drink that tastes like a boozy almond chocolate milkshake in a chilled coupe.
When we serve Pink Squirrels at events, they are the drink guests point to and say, “I did not know you could order that anymore.” We batch the base in a blender, then finish each glass with whipped cream and a cherry so they leave the bar looking like vintage soda fountain sundaes that just happen to come with a straw and a buzz.
How to Make a Pink Squirrel
- Chill the glass. Place your coupe or dessert glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes so the ice cream cocktail stays colder and thicker when you pour it.
- Add ingredients to the blender. In a blender, add the vanilla ice cream, crème de cacao, crème de noyaux and milk or half and half. If you prefer an extra thick texture, add a small handful of ice.
- Blend until smooth and pink. Blend on medium high until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy and evenly pink. If it looks too thick to pour, blend in another splash of milk. If it looks too thin, add a little more ice cream.
- Pour and garnish. Remove the chilled glass from the freezer and pour in the Pink Squirrel mixture. Top with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry and a sprinkle of grated chocolate or sprinkles if you like.
- Serve immediately. Serve the Pink Squirrel right away with a straw and a long spoon. This is an ice cream cocktail that is at its best when it is thick, cold and just starting to melt around the edges.
Bartender notes
- For events, we pre scoop ice cream into cups and keep them in the freezer. When orders come in we dump a portion into the blender with the liqueurs and milk so drinks go out fast and consistent.
- Crème de noyaux gives the drink its signature pink color and almond note. If you cannot find it, you can substitute amaretto and adjust the color with a tiny splash of grenadine, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Serve these at the end of the night as a dessert course so they do not slow down the line during high volume bar rushes. They are rich, slow sippers and a fun reward after dinner.
Pink Squirrel Variations
- Classic cream Pink Squirrel. Skip the ice cream and shake 1 ounce crème de cacao, 1 ounce crème de noyaux and 2 ounces heavy cream with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe for the original lighter style cocktail.
- Chocolate fudge Pink Squirrel. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring and blend a spoonful of chocolate syrup into the drink for a more chocolate forward version.
- Coffee Pink Squirrel. Add 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur to the blender for a mocha almond twist that tastes like a boozy frozen mocha.
- Nut free Pink Squirrel. Replace crème de noyaux with crème de cacao and a splash of vanilla syrup. It will lose the almond flavor but keep the creamy chocolate profile. Check labels to be sure your replacements are nut free.
- Pink Squirrel milkshake bar. For family friendly events, blend a batch without alcohol, then swirl a splash of crème de cacao and crème de noyaux into adult servings only.
Serving Suggestions
We like to roll out Pink Squirrels at the end of holiday dinners, wedding receptions and retro themed parties where guests want one last treat before heading home. They pair well with light bites like biscotti, shortbread cookies and chocolate covered strawberries since the drink itself functions like dessert.
If you are planning a full holiday cocktail menu, consider offering this Pink Squirrel alongside a chocolate martini, peppermint martini or gingerbread martini for a trio of dessert cocktails that hit chocolate, mint and baking spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
- You can pre scoop ice cream portions into cups or containers and keep them frozen for several hours before service.
- Liquors can be pre measured into small bottles for quick batching behind the bar.
- Once blended, the drink is best enjoyed right away. If you need to hold it for a few minutes, keep the blended mixture in the freezer and give it a quick stir before pouring.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on one large dessert martini and standard liqueurs. This will vary with your ice cream and toppings.
- Serving size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Sugar: 36 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated fat: 11 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
More Retro Dessert Cocktails
Planning a party and not sure how much liquor or ice cream you will need for a round of dessert cocktails? Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate bottles by guest count, then visit our bartender booking page if you would like our team to bring the bar, scoops and cleanup to you.
For more drink inspiration, browse our cocktail recipes collection and seasonal guides like the Christmas cocktail recipes roundup.
Pink Squirrel FAQs
What is in a Pink Squirrel cocktail?
The classic Pink Squirrel is made with crème de cacao, crème de noyaux and cream or vanilla ice cream. The crème de noyaux brings almond flavor and a naturally pink hue, while crème de cacao layers in chocolate notes. Our version uses vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk to turn it into a thick dessert style drink.
What is a Pink Squirrel drink in Wisconsin supper clubs?
In Wisconsin, the Pink Squirrel is most often served as an ice cream drink. Bartenders blend vanilla ice cream with crème de cacao and crème de noyaux and pour it into a chilled sundae or cocktail glass. It is usually topped with whipped cream and a cherry and served as a dessert course after dinner.
Why is it called a Pink Squirrel?
The name comes from the cocktail’s playful pink color and creamy, whimsical personality. The red toned crème de noyaux turns the drink a pale pink once mixed with ice cream or cream, and the name Pink Squirrel stuck thanks to its fun, retro feel on old supper club menus.
What can I substitute for crème de noyaux?
Crème de noyaux can be hard to find in some markets. A practical swap is amaretto for almond flavor with a small splash of grenadine or cherry juice to bring back the pink color. The flavor will be slightly different but still sweet, nutty and dessert like.
Is a Pink Squirrel very strong?
Pink Squirrels are fairly gentle compared to spirit forward martinis. The liqueurs are lower proof than straight vodka or gin and they are blended with a generous amount of ice cream or cream. That said, it is still an alcoholic drink and it is easy to forget that when it tastes like a milkshake, so we always remind guests to sip slowly.
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