This pink squirrel drink is a classic Wisconsin supper club cocktail that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious! Made with just three ingredients shaken with ice, and topped with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, this cocktail is creamy, sweet, and has the most stunning pink hue. What makes this drink so special is its place in Wisconsin supper club culture, where it’s been served for decades as the ultimate dessert cocktail. It’s rich, indulgent, and tastes like liquid dessert in the best way possible!
If you’ve never been to a Wisconsin supper club, you’re missing out on a truly unique dining experience. These classic restaurants are all about old-school charm, relish trays, brandy old fashioneds, and dessert cocktails like a classic brandy alexander and pink squirrel cocktails! This drink has been a staple on supper club menus across Wisconsin and the upper Midwest for decades. My husband and I have been home bartending for over 15 years, and I’ve developed and shared more than 40 cocktail recipes for this website, but the pink squirrel holds a special place in my heart because of its deep roots in Wisconsin culture. The gorgeous pink color and creamy, dessert-like flavor make it a special treat any time you have one.
This is the shaken version of the pink squirrel, which is more like a sophisticated cocktail compared to the ice cream version (which we’ll be sharing separately!). The ice cream version is blended and tastes like a boozy milkshake, while the shaken version is lighter and more cocktail-forward, making it a great after-dinner drink.
You’ll Love This Pink Squirrel Drink
Wisconsin supper club classic. This drink is a beloved part of Wisconsin’s supper club culture and has been served for decades across the state. Once you sip on this, you’ll understand why it’s a long-time classic.
Beautiful presentation. The gorgeous pink hue and dusting of nutmeg make this cocktail as pretty as it is delicious.
Dessert in a glass. The creamy, sweet flavor makes this the ideal after-dinner drink or dessert replacement.
What is a Pink Squirrel?
A pink squirrel is a creamy, dessert-style cocktail that originated in the Midwest and became a staple at Wisconsin supper clubs. The drink gets its signature pink color from creme de noyaux, a red almond-flavored liqueur (which oddly enough doesn’t actually contain any almonds). Combined with white creme de cacao (chocolate liqueur) and heavy cream, it creates a sweet, indulgent cocktail that tastes like a liquid dessert.
There are two main versions of the pink squirrel: the shaken version (this recipe!) and an ice cream version that’s blended like a milkshake. Both are delicious, but the shaken version is lighter and more cocktail-forward, while the ice cream version is thicker and more dessert-like.
Helpful Equipment
You’ll need a jigger for measuring your ingredients accurately and a cocktail shaker for mixing. A coupe glass or martini glass is traditional for serving, and a fine microplane grater (the same size you’d use for zesting citrus) for the fresh nutmeg garnish.
Ingredients for Pink Squirrel Cocktail Recipe
- Creme de noyaux. A liqueur made from the kernels of stone fruits (like apricot, cherry, and peach pits) that has an almond-like flavor and gives the drink its signature pink color. This ingredient can be a bit tricky to find depending on where you live. Look for this near the amaretto in your liquor store, otherwise you may need to purchase it online.
- White creme de cacao. A clear chocolate liqueur that adds sweet, subtle chocolate notes without darkening the gorgeous pink color. “White” doesn’t reference the flavor (like white chocolate) but instead refers to the color of the liqueur. Using the clear version allows the pink hue of this drink to really pop!
- Heavy cream. Creates the rich, creamy texture that makes this cocktail feel so indulgent.
- Ice. Needed for shaking and chilling the cocktail.
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish. Adds a warm, aromatic finish and makes the drink look elegant.
All ingredient measurements and complete recipe details can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
How to Make a Pink Squirrel Drink
Add ingredients to shaker. Pour the creme de noyaux, white creme de cacao, and heavy cream into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Cap and shake vigorously. Cap tightly and shake hard for about 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker is cold and the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
Strain into glass. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass.
Garnish and serve. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Making a Shaken Pink Squirrel
Shake it well and don’t skip the ice. You want to shake this cocktail vigorously to get it nice and frothy. The ice not only chills the drink quickly, it provides the right amount of dilution to balance the alcohol (without watering down your drink), and helps create that signature frothy texture as the cream emulsifies.
Chill your glass. Pop your serving glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before making the drink. A cold glass keeps the cocktail chilled longer and looks more professional.
Use freshly grated nutmeg. Pre-ground nutmeg doesn’t have the same aromatic quality as freshly grated. It only takes a few seconds to grate fresh nutmeg over the top and makes a big difference!
Pink Squirrel Drink Recipe FAQs
Creme de noyaux can be tricky to find depending on where you live. Check well-stocked liquor stores or specialty shops near the amaretto. If you can’t find it locally, you can often order it online. Some people substitute amaretto in a pinch, but it won’t give you that signature pink color.
The shaken version (this recipe) is lighter and more cocktail-forward, made with heavy cream and shaken with ice. The ice cream version is blended with vanilla ice cream, making it thicker and more like a boozy milkshake. Both are delicious Wisconsin classics!
You could try using a full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream, but it will change the flavor slightly. The richness of heavy cream is really part of what makes this drink so special.
Traditionally, pink squirrels are served in a coupe glass or martini glass. The elegant presentation really suits this classic cocktail!
Love This Drink? Try One of These Cocktail Recipes Next!
Shaken Pink Squirrel Drink
Equipment
Ingredients
- ice for shaking
- 1 ounce creme de noyaux
- 1 ounce white cream de cacao
- 2 ounces heavy cream
- freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then pour the creme de noyaux, white creme de cacao, and heavy cream into the cocktail shaker.
- Cap the shaker tightly and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is very cold (about 15 seconds), until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass.
- Grate fresh nutmeg over the top and serve immediately.
David says
People from the coasts think that the ‘drink of Wisconsin’ is beer. People from the Midwest think the ‘drink of Wisconsin’ is a brandy old fashioned. But people from Wisconsin know that drinks like this (Pink Squirrel, Grasshopper, Brandy Alexander, etc) are the ‘true’ drinks of Wisconsin 🙂
Meredith says
🙌 yaaaaaaaas
Meredith says
great pink squirrel recipe! nicely balanced, easy to sip on.