Milky Way Cocktail Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Milky Way Cocktail recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Vodka
Alcohol 20%
Calories 300 calories
Fat 10g
Protein 2g
Carbohydrates 20g
Prep time 5 minutes

The Milky Way Cocktail is a delightful blend that mimics the flavors of the famous candy bar, making it a sweet, creamy, and utterly indulgent treat. This article will guide you through its history, flavor profile, interesting facts, ingredients, recipe, and more. Ready to embark on this delicious journey with us? Let’s dive right in! ⬇️

History

The Milky Way Cocktail is a relatively modern invention, inspired by the beloved Milky Way candy bar. It gained popularity in the late 20th century as mixologists sought to create dessert-like cocktails. Its rich and sweet profile quickly made it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth.

  • The cocktail’s name is directly inspired by the Milky Way candy bar.
  • It became popular in the 1980s, a time when dessert cocktails were all the rage.
  • Its creation is often attributed to bartenders experimenting with chocolate and cream liqueurs.

The taste of a Milky Way Cocktail?

The Milky Way Cocktail tastes like a liquid dessert, with rich, creamy chocolate and caramel flavors. It’s sweet, smooth, and incredibly satisfying, much like the candy bar it’s named after.

I personally love drinking Milky Way Cocktails because they’re incredibly delicious and feel like a dessert in a glass.

Interesting facts about Milky Way Cocktail

  • It’s often served as a dessert drink, perfect for ending a meal on a sweet note.
  • Some variations include adding a hint of coffee liqueur for an extra kick.
  • It’s a popular choice for themed parties and events due to its indulgent flavor.

Ingredients 📃

  • Chocolate liqueur: 1 oz (30 ml)
  • Caramel vodka: 1 oz (30 ml)
  • Irish cream liqueur: 1 oz (30 ml)
  • Milk: 2 oz (60 ml)
  • Ice: As needed
  • Chocolate syrup: For garnish

A Milky Way Cocktail is best served in a **martini glass** because its wide bowl allows the rich aromas to be fully appreciated. Alternatively, you could use a **coupe glass** for a similarly elegant presentation.

Recipe. How to make Milky Way Cocktail 🍹

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine chocolate liqueur (*1 oz*), caramel vodka (*1 oz*), and Irish cream liqueur (*1 oz*).
  2. Add milk (*2 oz*) and a handful of ice.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Drizzle chocolate syrup on top for garnish.

While the Milky Way Cocktail is a delightful treat, it’s high in sugar and calories. To make a healthier version, consider using natural sweeteners or reducing the amount of liqueur. The milk provides calcium, but the overall drink should be enjoyed in moderation.

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Food Pairings

Certain foods complement the flavors of a Milky Way Cocktail beautifully.

Chocolate Desserts

Rich chocolate desserts like brownies or chocolate cake enhance the cocktail’s chocolatey notes.

Caramel Popcorn

The sweet and salty combination of caramel popcorn pairs wonderfully with the cocktail’s caramel flavors.

Cheese Platter

A variety of cheeses, especially creamy ones, balance the sweetness of the Milky Way Cocktail.

I really enjoy the taste of Milky Way Cocktails—the rich chocolate and caramel flavors make it a perfect treat for any occasion.


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Bartender Advice

  • Chill your glassware beforehand to keep the cocktail cold longer.
  • Use premium liqueurs for a richer and more refined taste.
  • Don’t overdo the chocolate syrup garnish; a little goes a long way.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Milky Way Cocktail, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Milky Way Cocktail

  • Chocolate liqueur: Can be replaced with dark chocolate liqueur for a more intense flavor.
  • Caramel vodka: Substitute with butterscotch schnapps for a different twist.
  • Milk: Use almond milk for a dairy-free option.

Milky Way Cocktail Variations

Minty Milky Way

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe but include the peppermint schnapps in the shaker.

Espresso Milky Way

  • Ingredients: Add a shot of espresso.
  • Recipe: Mix the espresso with the other ingredients in the shaker.

Nutty Milky Way

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur.
  • Recipe: Incorporate the hazelnut liqueur into the original recipe.

For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the liqueurs with chocolate syrup and caramel syrup, and use a bit more milk. Shake with ice and strain into a glass for a sweet treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Milky Way Cocktail taste like?

The Milky Way Cocktail tastes like a liquid dessert, with rich, creamy chocolate, and caramel flavors.

Can I make a dairy-free Milky Way Cocktail?

Yes, simply substitute the milk with almond milk or another dairy-free alternative.

What’s the best glass to serve a Milky Way Cocktail in?

A martini glass is ideal, but a coupe glass can also work well.

Can I make a non-alcoholic Milky Way Cocktail?

Absolutely! Replace the liqueurs with chocolate and caramel syrups and increase the milk.

Is the Milky Way Cocktail very high in calories?

Yes, it’s quite high in sugar and calories, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

What foods pair well with a Milky Way Cocktail?

Chocolate desserts, caramel popcorn, and cheese platters are excellent choices.

Enjoy crafting and savoring your Milky Way Cocktail!

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

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