📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Creme de Noyaux
Alcohol 10%
Calories 350 calories
Fat 15g
Protein 1g
Carbohydrates 25g
Prep time 2 minutes
Ever wanted to make the perfect Pink Squirrel cocktail? This creamy, dreamy drink is a delightful mix of sweet flavors and vibrant colors that create a truly unique drinking experience. We’ll explore its history, taste, and how to craft this fabulous concoction right at home. Ready to dive into the world of the Pink Squirrel? Let’s stir things up together! ⬇️
History
The Pink Squirrel cocktail is a frothy and sweet dessert drink that dates back to the 1940s. It originated in the United States and quickly gained popularity as a playful and indulgent concoction. Despite its dessert-like qualities, it has secured a spot in the pantheon of classic cocktails.
- The name ‘Pink Squirrel’ is inspired by the drink’s distinct blush color.
- It was a popular choice in supper clubs, especially in the Midwest.
- The Pink Squirrel was a symbol of mid-century American cocktail culture.
The taste of a Pink Squirrel?
When you sip a Pink Squirrel, your taste buds dance with the sweet flavors of almond and creamy chocolate. It’s like a liquid version of a cherry-topped ice cream sundae, all wrapped in a glass with a fun, pink twist.
I personally adore the Pink Squirrel for its nostalgic charm and dessert-like indulgence that makes every sip a celebration.
Interesting facts about Pink Squirrel
- The cocktail’s pink color makes it a popular choice for themed parties and special occasions.
- Creme de Noyaux, one of its key ingredients, is made from apricot kernels, which gives the drink its signature almond taste.
- Despite its sweet nature, the Pink Squirrel has a kick of alcohol that perfectly balances its dessert-like qualities.
Ingredients
- Crème de Noyaux: 1 oz (30ml)
- Crème de Cacao: 1 oz (30ml)
- Heavy Cream: 1 oz (30ml)
A Coupe glass is the best choice for a Pink Squirrel, as its shallow bowl showcases the drink’s color and frothy texture beautifully. Alternatively, a Martini glass could also work well, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Recipe. How to make Pink Squirrel
- Pour Crème de Noyaux and Crème de Cacao into a shaker filled with ice.
- Add 1 oz (30ml) of Heavy Cream.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Coupe glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a sprinkle of grated chocolate.
While the Pink Squirrel is a treat, it’s also a bit of a sweet trap with high sugar and calorie content. To make a lighter version, you could swap in low-fat cream and use natural sweeteners. The drink’s main allure, apart from its taste, is perhaps its creamy texture and the way it celebrates the simpler, more indulgent moments in life.
Food Pairings
The right food can elevate a Pink Squirrel from a simple cocktail to a symphony of flavors. Here are some pairings that harmonize with its sweet and creamy profile:
Chocolate Desserts
The rich notes of cocoa in a Pink Squirrel are a perfect match for chocolate-based desserts, enhancing the depth and sweetness of both the drink and the food.
Fruit Tarts
A fruit tart’s bright acidity and buttery crust complement the sweet, nutty flavors of the Pink Squirrel, creating a delightful contrast on the palate.
Cheese Platter
A platter of soft cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, pairs beautifully with the Pink Squirrel, as the creaminess of both melds together, offering a luxurious taste experience.
I find the Pink Squirrel’s flavor to be a delightful surprise—a candy-like concoction that turns any evening into a special occasion.
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Bartender Advice
- Chill your glass beforehand to ensure the drink stays refreshingly cold.
- Invest in quality liqueurs to give your Pink Squirrel a rich and authentic flavor.
- Don’t over-shake; you want the cocktail to be smooth, not overly airy or frothy.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Pink Squirrel, 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 Pink Squirrel
- Experiment with different nut-based liqueurs for a twist on the traditional almond flavor.
- Consider using flavored whipped cream to add an extra dimension to the drink.
- Adjust the sweetness by using more or less crème de cacao, depending on your preference.
Pink Squirrel Variations
Chocolate Squirrel
- Ingredients: Replace Crème de Noyaux with chocolate liqueur for a deeper cocoa taste.
- Recipe: Follow the standard Pink Squirrel recipe, using the chocolate liqueur for a chocolatey twist.
Blue Squirrel
- Ingredients: Use blue curaçao instead of Crème de Noyaux for a vibrant color change.
- Recipe: Mix as usual, the blue curaçao will give the drink a tropical citrus flavor and an electric blue hue.
Spiced Squirrel
- Ingredients: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the original recipe.
- Recipe: Sprinkle the spice on top of the finished drink for a warming touch.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic treat, a Virgin Pink Squirrel can be just as delightful. Simply blend almond milk, a dash of grenadine, and heavy cream for a similarly sweet and creamy drink.
Q&A
Can I make a Pink Squirrel dairy-free?
Absolutely, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based creamer for a vegan-friendly version.
Is the Pink Squirrel a strong cocktail?
It’s more on the milder side, but with a delightful kick that’s masked by its sweet flavor profile.
What can I use if I don’t have Crème de Noyaux?
Amaretto is a good substitute, though it will give the cocktail a slightly different taste.
Why is the Pink Squirrel pink?
The Crème de Noyaux has a natural reddish hue which, when mixed with the other ingredients, creates the signature pink color.
Can kids drink a Virgin Pink Squirrel?
Yes, the virgin version is alcohol-free and perfectly suitable for children to enjoy as a special treat.
Does the Pink Squirrel contain any allergens?
The drink contains dairy and may contain nuts, depending on the liqueurs used, so it’s important to check for allergies before serving.
