Pink Squirrel

Pink Squirrel Frozen Cocktail, an easy ice cream drink recipe with only a few ingredients. You can also serve in a martini or shot glass! Plus, tips for a nonalcoholic Pink Squirrel option.

This Pink Squirrel cocktail is a simple and fun retro dessert cocktail with only 3 ingredients! You’ll need a blender, but you won’t believe how quick it is to make a Pink Squirrel. Be careful though, once you try them, you may want this dessert cocktail all the time!

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to share this Pink Squirrel recipe considering all my other cocktail recipes. This one is a favorite for sure and so simple to make with only 3 ingredients.

In case you didn’t know, I also have a thing for ice cream, like this Fried Ice Cream and Cannoli Milkshake! So seems only natural to have some ice cream cocktails.

I first heard about the Pink Squirrel like 20+ years ago when I was dating my (now) husband. We were out to dinner with his grandparents and his grandma ordered a Pink Squirrel drink at a restaurant while we were living in Michigan. I was instantly intrigued by the pretty pink color. it was amazing and I was instantly in love!

Now every time I see or hear anything about a Pink Squirrel I think about his sweet grandma, who unfortunately has since passed.

What is a Pink Squirrel?

A Pink Squirrel is a frozen ice cream drink typically made with vanilla ice cream, clear Crème de Cacao, and Crème de Noyaux. Creme de Noyaux is a reddish colored liqueur that gives the drink it’s distinctive pink color.

The drink can sometimes be made with other liquors or liqueurs such as amaretto, or even milk/cream instead of ice cream. And some versions may even contain grenadine to get that pink color.

Garnish the drink with some whipped cream and maraschino cherries for a dessert treat. Strawberries would also be a great garnish.

The Pink Squirrel tastes like a milkshake with a little vanilla, a little chocolate, and also a little taste of almond extract and maraschino cherry juice thanks to the Crème de Noyaux.

As far as the history of the Pink Squirrel it’s said to have been invented at Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge in Wisconsin. It apparently became popular in the midwest in the 1950’s, especially among women.

What is in a Pink Squirrel? As I mentioned above only three ingredients in this version.

Pink Squirrel Ingredients

• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Crème de Cacao
• Crème de Noyaux
• Garnish (optional): whipped cream and maraschino cherries

How to Make a Pink Squirrel

1. 
   
   Place the Crème de Cacao, Crème de Noyaux, and ice cream in a blender. Process just until smooth and fully mixed.
   
   
2. 
   
   Pour into glasses. Top with whipped cream/topping, maraschino cherries, and paper straws as desired.
   
   

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

Serving Suggestions

• Pour the drink into small hurricane type glasses or martini or even shot glasses.
• Top with whipped cream or whipped topping. A homemade flavored whipped cream would also be great.
• Maraschino or fresh cherries are also a great addition on top. Fresh strawberries would be a good alternative.
• Cute and color paper straws are fun with this colorful drink.

Quick Tips for Best Results

• I like the drink on the thicker side like a milkshake, but for a thinner consistency, you can add more alcohol or even a little milk or cream.
• Use a good quality vanilla ice cream that you like.
• Use a blender for the quickest and easiest option, although you can mix the drink by hand if you have to.

How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Pink Squirrel

If you want to make a version for the kids or someone who doesn’t drink I have a few suggestions.

• I would still start with vanilla ice cream. Or you could use milk, cream, or melted vanilla ice cream.
• Then you could also add a little clear chocolate flavoring or extract.
• For the pink color and similar flavor, I would use a little of the “juice” from the maraschino cherry jar. A little almond extract would also be good.
• You could also use a little strawberry milk or grenadine to get the pink color, although it will change the taste of the drink quite a bit.

Pink Squirrel FAQ

How long will the cocktail last?
If you’re using ice cream, I would serve the drinks right away. If you are using milk or cream instead of the ice cream, you could store the drinks in the refrigerator for a little while before garnishing and serving.

Substitutions?
I don’t recommend making any substitutions, however, instead of the ice cream, you could try using milk or cream or even melted ice cream for a non-frozen version.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat ice cream.

What else can I add to this recipe?
You can add your favorite liqueurs such as Amaretto.

Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.

Vegan – You could try a vegan vanilla ice cream substitute and just double-check the liqueurs that they’re vegan. And garnish with a vegan-friendly whipped cream such as a coconut cream whipped cream.

Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian. Be sure to check individual brands/products just to be sure though.

Low-Carb – You can try a low carb ice cream and homemade whipped cream with a sugar substitute.

Gluten-Free – You might need to double-check particular brands of liqueurs in this drink, otherwise, it’s gluten-free.

Other Dessert Cocktail Recipes You May Enjoy

• Mississippi Mudini – a decadent chocolate dessert cocktail.
• Cannoli Martini – fun twist on the Italian dessert in drink form.
• Cookies ‘n Creamtini – a drink based on Oreos!
• Frozen Grasshopper – frozen green mint drink, delish!
• Creamsicle Martini – perfect for creamsicle lovers.

Hope you enjoy this delicious Pink Squirrel drink. Tell me in the comments if you make it!

You might also like this Strawberry Prosecco Slushie recipe and for a nonalcoholic drink check out this delicious Strawberry Mint Lemonade.