The Mudslide—a blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and heavy cream—epitomizes the ultimate alcoholic milkshake. Sweet, velvety, and indulgent, its popularity recalls an era when cocktail trends sprang from the laminated menus of chain restaurants. In short, the Mudslide isn’t a masterpiece of balance or craft. Yet it remains an irresistibly enjoyable creation.
This cocktail emerged in the 1970s at the Wreck Bar within Grand Cayman Island’s Rum Point Club. Ironically, it feels more suited to après-ski lounges than sandy shores. Its invention stemmed from a customer’s request for a White Russian, prompting the bartender to reimagine the recipe with Irish cream. This effortless twist became an instant hit, swiftly reaching U.S. shores and cementing its status as a staple at TGI Friday’s and home gatherings.
Why the Mudslide Works
Many Mudslide renditions drown in ice cream and arrive in oversized glasses, delivering brain freeze and a day’s calories in one sip. While such excess has its place, this streamlined recipe leans lighter, allowing the spirits to shine beyond mere sugar and dairy.
Creaminess comes from a duo: Irish cream and heavy cream. To counter this richness, the drink requires sharpness. Vodka cuts through the intensity, while coffee liqueur complements the silkiness with its signature coffee bitterness. The “mud” element arrives via a chocolate garnish—adding visual symbolism, aroma, and depth.
Whip up a Mudslide as a liquid dessert or when cravings skew sweet. Heavy cream is non-negotiable; skim or low-fat milk lacks the necessary texture. For an elevated twist, swap vodka for French brandy. Unorthodox? Yes. But the brandy’s aged smoothness creates a uniquely harmonious blend.
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Mudslide
- Total Time: 5minutes minutes
- Yield: 2
Description
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a quick and easy dessert drink! The popular Mudslide cocktail can be served on the rocks or blended for a frozen boozy milkshake.
Ingredients
Frozen Mudslide:
- 16 oz vanilla ice cream (about 4 scoops or 2 cups)
- 1 cup ice
- 2 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 2 oz espresso or classic vodka
- 2 tbsp Chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup Whipped cream
Mudslide on the Rocks:
- 1 1/2 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 1/2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 1 1/2 oz espresso or classic vodka
- 1 1/2 oz milk use full fat, low fat, or fat free
- ice
- 1 tbsp chocolate syrup
Instructions
Frozen Mudslide:
- Combine Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, vodka, ice, and ice cream in the blender.
- Pulse until it’s smooth.
- To drizzle the inside of the class, hold it in one hand and hold a bottle of chocolate syrup in the other. Tilt the glass at about 45° angle and start pouring chocolate on the inside side of the glass. Turn the glass as you pour the syrup in a swirl all around the glass.
- Pour the mudslide mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with whipped cream and some more chocolate syrup on top.
Mudslide on the Rocks:
- To make this mudslide on the rocks, all you need is a cocktail shaker and highball glasses.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup inside of the glass and add a few ice cubes to the glass.
- Combine Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, vodka, milk, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously a few times.
- Pour the mudslide mixture into the glass, through the strainer on the shaker.
Notes
Nutrition: note that nutrition is calculated to the frozen mudslide.
Vodka: For this cocktail, I like to use espresso vodka to enhance the coffee flavor of Kahlua. You can also use classic vodka without flavors if espresso vodka is not available.
Milk: you can use full fat, low fat, or fat free milk, per personal preference.
Blender: make sure to use a strong blender that can easily blend ice. There’s nothing worse than ice chunks in a milkshake!
Gluten Free Notes: Bailey’s now makes a gluten-free and lactose-free Irish cream. Kahlua is another factor that could effect a person with gluten allergy or Celiac disease. Officially, Kahlua has not released exact ingredients in their coffee liqueur, but they do state that it should be safe to drink for people who stay gluten-free. If you would like to avoid Kahlua, there are other coffee liqueurs that are specifically labeled gluten-free. Substitute one of those liqueurs instead of Kahlua. For vodka, Three Olives states that their vodka is gluten-free, including their flavored vodkas like the espresso vodka. If you wish, you can substitute Tito’s or another gluten-free vodka.
- Prep Time: 5minutes minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: cocktail, Dessert, Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: servings 2
- Calories: 852kcal
- Sugar: 87g
- Sodium: 213mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 100g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Ingredient Notes
Irish Cream
A silky liqueur blending Irish whiskey, fresh cream, cocoa, and sweeteners. Storage: Refrigerate after opening (lasts up to 1 year). Baileys is classic, but homemade Irish cream offers an artisanal upgrade.
Kahlúa
A rich coffee liqueur perfect for cocktails or enjoyed neat over ice. Store opened bottles in a cool, dark place (refrigeration unnecessary).
Vodka
Espresso vodka intensifies Kahlúa’s coffee notes. If unavailable, plain vodka works seamlessly. Storage: Freezer or cool/dark cabinet.
Milk
Full-fat, low-fat, or skim—choose based on preference. Note: Higher fat content yields a creamier texture.
PRO TIP
Your Mudslide’s excellence hinges on ingredient quality. Prioritize fresh, premium components!
(Exact measurements in the recipe card below.)
Classic Cocktail
- Prepare the glass – Add a few ice cubes to a highball glass.
- Shake it up – Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for a few seconds.
- Serve – Pour the cocktail into your prepared glass through a strainer.
Frozen Mudslide
- Blend it – Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Drizzle the glass – To drizzle the inside of the glass with chocolate, hold it in your non-dominant hand and hold a bottle of chocolate syrup in the other. Tilt the glass at about 45° angle and start pouring chocolate on the side of the glass. Turn the glass as you pour the syrup in a swirl all around the glass.
- Serve – Pour the frozen cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish with whipped cream and some more chocolate syrup on top.
- PRO TIP: You will need a strong blender that can easily blend ice. There’s nothing worse than ice chunks in a milkshake!
How to Serve
Serve your frozen mudslide drink in a chilled wine glass. We like to drizzle the wine glass with chocolate syrup prior to adding the blended mixture to add a little extra sweetness and eye appeal. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and chocolate sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately while frozen.
Why We Love This Recipe
DECADENT INDULGENCE: This mudslide is the ultimate treat for those moments when you want to pamper yourself. With its creamy texture and rich chocolate and coffee flavors, it feels like a dessert in a glass.
EASY TO MAKE: With just a handful of readily available ingredients and a blender, you can whip up this delicious drink in no time.
A dessert cocktail is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat that has a little grown-up twist. All you need is a blender, a few simple ingredients, and a fancy cocktail glass, and you’ll have a rich and decadent mudslide to indulge in.
Equipment and Glassware for a Mudslide
To make the perfect Mudslide cocktail, you’ll need just a few essential tools and the right glass to bring out its creamy texture and indulgent flavor:
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker – for blending the ingredients smoothly with ice
- Jigger – to measure your liquor accurately
- Bar spoon – optional, for layering or stirring if served on the rocks
- Blender – if you’re making a frozen Mudslide version
- Strainer – to pour the drink without ice chunks (for shaken version)
Glassware:
- Rocks glass – for a classic Mudslide served on the rocks
- Hurricane glass – for the frozen version, giving it a fancy dessert-style presentation
- Martini glass – for an elegant twist
Conclusion
The Mudslide is more than just a cocktail—it’s a deliciously boozy dessert in a glass. Creamy, rich, and easy to make, this drink is perfect for girls’ night in, a festive celebration, or an after-dinner treat. Whether you serve it over ice or blended and frozen, it’s sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for cocktails. Don’t forget the chocolate drizzle if you want to go all out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make a Mudslide without Kahlúa?
Yes! Substitute with another coffee liqueur or use espresso and simple syrup for a DIY version.
2. What’s the best vodka for a Mudslide?
Any smooth, unflavored vodka works, but premium brands give a cleaner finish.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter and less rich. Use whole milk for better results.
4. Is there a non-dairy version?
Absolutely! Use almond, oat, or coconut cream and dairy-free Irish cream alternatives.
5. Can I make a large batch of Mudslides for a party?
Yes—just multiply the ingredients and use a blender or pitcher to mix.
6. Can I garnish the Mudslide?
Of course! Try whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or shaved chocolate for an extra treat.
7. Is a Mudslide strong?
It’s moderately strong—sweet and smooth, but the alcohol is definitely there!
8. Can I freeze a Mudslide mix?
Yes, make it in advance and freeze it for up to a month. Blend before serving.
9. What food pairs well with a Mudslide?
Desserts like brownies, tiramisu, or chocolate cake pair perfectly.
10. Can I make it keto-friendly?
Yes—use unsweetened almond milk, sugar-free coffee liqueur, and keto-friendly Irish cream.