Pink Squirrel Cocktail Drink

Pink Squirrel

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you want a sweet and creamy drink, try the Pink Squirrel recipe! You can easily make this cocktail with simple ingredients.

Pink Squirrel Recipe

Warm up with the Pink Squirrel recipe! Mix Crème de Noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream for a perfect winter cocktail.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

282 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz crème de Noyaux
  • 1 oz white crème de cacao liqueur
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • Ice cubes
  • Grated nutmeg or cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Martini Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Chill your martini glass with some ice.
  • Add Cream: Add 1 oz heavy cream to the shaker.
  • Add Crème de Cacao: Measure and pour 1 oz white crème de cacao liqueur.
  • Add Crème de Noyaux: Pour 1 oz crème de Noyaux into the shaker.
  • Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well chilled.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into a martini glass.
  • Garnish: Top with grated nutmeg or a cherry for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Crème de Noyaux: If you can't find Crème de Noyaux, I've used amaretto as a substitute. It offers a similar almond flavor, though slightly less sweet.
  • White Crème de Cacao: In place of white crème de cacao, regular crème de cacao works too. 
  • Heavy Cream: I sometimes use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, though it changes the richness.

Making a Pitcher of Pink Squirrel:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. Use 8 oz each of Crème de Noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and whisk well, then add ice and stir.
  • Serve: Strain into individual chilled martini glasses and garnish as desired.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Crème de Noyaux Substitute: Use almond syrup or orgeat syrup to mimic the nutty flavor without alcohol.
  • Crème de Cacao Substitute: Opt for chocolate syrup to replace the crème de cacao's sweetness and flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these non-alcoholic substitutes.

Making it Vegan:

  • Heavy Cream Substitute: I use coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan version; they both provide a creamy texture without dairy.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace heavy Cream with your chosen vegan alternative and follow the original steps.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
282
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Sodium
 
10
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
25
g
8
%
Sugar
 
18
g
20
%
Potassium
 
35
mg
1
%
Cholesterol
 
32
mg
11
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Vitamin A
 
417
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
0.2
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
19
mg
2
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Pink Squirrel Cocktail Drink

Pink Squirrel Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Warm up with the Pink Squirrel recipe! Mix Crème de Noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream for a perfect winter cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 282

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz crème de Noyaux
  • 1 oz white crème de cacao liqueur
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • Ice cubes
  • Grated nutmeg or cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Martini Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Chill your martini glass with some ice.
  • Add Cream: Add 1 oz heavy cream to the shaker.
  • Add Crème de Cacao: Measure and pour 1 oz white crème de cacao liqueur.
  • Add Crème de Noyaux: Pour 1 oz crème de Noyaux into the shaker.
  • Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well chilled.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into a martini glass.
  • Garnish: Top with grated nutmeg or a cherry for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Crème de Noyaux: If you can't find Crème de Noyaux, I've used amaretto as a substitute. It offers a similar almond flavor, though slightly less sweet.
  • White Crème de Cacao: In place of white crème de cacao, regular crème de cacao works too. 
  • Heavy Cream: I sometimes use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, though it changes the richness.

Making a Pitcher of Pink Squirrel:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. Use 8 oz each of Crème de Noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and whisk well, then add ice and stir.
  • Serve: Strain into individual chilled martini glasses and garnish as desired.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Crème de Noyaux Substitute: Use almond syrup or orgeat syrup to mimic the nutty flavor without alcohol.
  • Crème de Cacao Substitute: Opt for chocolate syrup to replace the crème de cacao's sweetness and flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these non-alcoholic substitutes.

Making it Vegan:

  • Heavy Cream Substitute: I use coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan version; they both provide a creamy texture without dairy.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace heavy Cream with your chosen vegan alternative and follow the original steps.

What is a Pink Squirrel?

A Pink Squirrel is a liqueur-based dessert cocktail made of Crème de Noyaux, white crème de cacao liqueur, and heavy cream. It’s easy to make because it requires only simple mixing in a shaker with ice. The drink’s charming pink color and sweet flavor profile have made it an enduring favorite for those who enjoy creamy cocktails reminiscent of classic desserts.

A side shot of a Pink Squirrel cocktail in a martini glass on a wooden coaster placed on a dark tablecloth surrounded by a frangelico bottle and four nutmegs

What is a Pink Squirrel made of – The ingredients

Start with these ingredients to mix a Pink Squirrel:

  • Crème de Noyaux: Delivers the cocktail’s pink hue and imparts a sweet, almond-like flavor.
  • White Crème de Cacao Liqueur: Brings a smooth chocolate taste that enhances the drink’s sweetness.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the cocktail.
  • Ice Cubes: Cools the mixture, ensuring a refreshing serving temperature.
  • Grated Nutmeg or Cherry (optional): Provides an aromatic garnish or visual appeal.

White creme de cacao liqueur, creme de Noyaux, heavy cream and nutmegs laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Pink Squirrel?

Follow our detailed instructions to craft a Pink Squirrel:

1
<p>Make sure to chill a martini glass.</p>

Make sure to chill a martini glass.

2
<p>Pour heavy Cream into the shaker to create a rich, creamy texture.</p>

Pour heavy Cream into the shaker to create a rich, creamy texture.

3
<p>Add white crème de cacao liqueur to introduce a smooth chocolate taste.</p>

Add white crème de cacao liqueur to introduce a smooth chocolate taste.

4
<p>Pour Crème de Noyaux into the shaker, adding its sweet, nutty flavor.</p>

Pour Crème de Noyaux into the shaker, adding its sweet, nutty flavor.

5
<p>Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture.</p>

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture.

6
<p>Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.</p>

Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.

7
<p>Empty your martini glass.</p>

Empty your martini glass.

8
<p>Fine strain the cocktail into the martini glass, ensuring a smooth pour.</p>

Fine strain the cocktail into the martini glass, ensuring a smooth pour.

9
<p>Garnish with grated nutmeg or a cherry for an optional aromatic or visual touch.</p>

Garnish with grated nutmeg or a cherry for an optional aromatic or visual touch.

History and Origin of the Pink Squirrel

The Pink Squirrel cocktail began in the 1940s at Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The bar owner, John Bryant, created this drink to offer customers a sweet and creamy option. He used Crème de Noyaux to give it its unique pink color and almond flavor. The Pink Squirrel became famous as a dessert cocktail as time passed, especially during the mid-20th century when people enjoyed rich and indulgent drinks.

A Pink Squirrel cocktail, shot from above, in a martini glass on a beige surface surrounded by White creme de cacao liqueur, creme de Noyaux, heavy cream and nutmegs

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Pink Squirrel?
A typical Pink Squirrel contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How potent is the Pink Squirrel cocktail?
The Pink Squirrel has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 10-15%, which translates to about 20-30 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Pink Squirrel?
The cocktail uses Crème de Noyaux and white crème de cacao liqueur as its primary alcoholic ingredients.
In which glass is a Pink Squirrel served?
Bartenders typically serve a Pink Squirrel in a martini glass or coupe glass.
What does a Pink Squirrel taste like?
The drink offers a sweet, creamy flavor with notes of almond and chocolate, making it similar to a dessert.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Pink Squirrel?
The standard ratio for this cocktail is equal parts Crème de Noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
How is the Pink Squirrel served?
Serve it "up," meaning without ice, after shaking it with ice to chill.

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