Mudslide

A Mudslide cocktail is a creamy, dessert-style drink with notes of coffee and chocolate. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur and heavy cream, it is a rich choice for an after-dinner treat. The drink is said to have originated in the 1970s at Wreck Bar in Rum Point Club on Grand Cayman Island. This recipe makes one cocktail and takes about five minutes to prepare.

Mudslide Cocktail Ingredients

• Vodka: Use an unflavored vodka so the coffee and cream flavors stand out.
• Coffee liqueur: Choose a coffee-flavored liqueur you enjoy.
• Irish cream liqueur: Adds a smooth, creamy sweetness.
• Heavy cream: Gives the drink its velvety texture.
• Garnish: Chocolate shavings, chocolate sprinkles or chocolate syrup are optional.

A coupe glass or a short glass, such as an old-fashioned glass, works well. Chilling the glass briefly can help keep the drink cold while you serve it.

How to Make a Mudslide Cocktail

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce coffee liqueur, 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur and 1½ ounces heavy cream.
2. Shake for 10–15 seconds, until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
3. Strain into a coupe glass or short glass.
4. Finish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if desired, and serve promptly.

Shaking with ice chills and combines the ingredients. For a smooth pour, use a strainer and avoid letting the drink sit too long before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Make it frozen: Blend the ingredients with a handful of ice for a thicker, milkshake-like version. For an even creamier texture, replace the heavy cream with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Add a chocolate rim: Spread chocolate syrup around the glass rim, then dip it in chocolate sprinkles. Melted chocolate can also be used as a garnish.
• Serve it extra cold: Vodka can be stored in the freezer to chill it before mixing. It will become very cold without freezing under typical home-freezer conditions.
• Adjust the garnish: Chocolate is optional, so serve the drink plain or add a small amount to suit your preferred sweetness.

If blending the frozen variation, start with a modest amount of ice and add more as needed to reach your preferred consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a Mudslide?

A classic Mudslide combines vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur and heavy cream. Chocolate garnish is optional. The drink is shaken with ice and served chilled.

What is the difference between a Mudslide and a Bushwacker?

These drinks are similar, but a Bushwacker is made with rum, while a Mudslide uses vodka. A Bushwacker is generally blended, whereas this Mudslide recipe is shaken. If you want a frozen texture, blend the Mudslide ingredients with ice.

Mudslide Cocktail Recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur
• 1½ ounces heavy cream

Equipment

• 1 cocktail shaker
• 1 coupe glass or short glass

Instructions

1. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake for 10–15 seconds, until cold.
3. Strain into a glass and garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if desired.

Nutrition Information

The estimated nutrition per serving is 400 calories, 19 g fat (12 g saturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat and 4 g monounsaturated fat), 48 mg cholesterol, 14 mg sodium, 41 mg potassium, 22 g carbohydrates, 20 g sugar and 2 g protein. The source calculation also lists 625 IU vitamin A, 0.3 mg vitamin C, 28 mg calcium and 0.04 mg iron. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Nutrition values are automatically calculated estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

This Mudslide cocktail is easy to prepare, simple to customize and best served freshly shaken and cold. Use the classic proportions for a creamy after-dinner drink, or blend it with ice when you want a frozen version.