The pink squirrel cocktail gets its name from almond cream, and was invented in Milwaukee in the 1950s. The original recipe includes vanilla ice cream, creme de cacao, and creme de noyaux, but other variations exist. It is important to monitor guests who consume the drink, as it is smooth and creamy and can lead to overconsumption.
The pink squirrel is a rich and sweet cocktail that derives its name from the use of almond cream, also called creme de noyaux. This is a red-tinged liqueur, which can be partly made from not only almonds but apricot pits, which when mixed with milky ingredients, imparts a pink flavor to a drink. Many recipes for pink squirrel do not include this liqueur and substitute grenadine instead. Lovers of this cocktail would definitely call it inauthentic, as the drink would lack the almond flavor that defines it.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin tavern Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge claims to have invented the pink squirrel. There is controversy regarding the actual invention, but it is known that the drink became popular in the 1950s, especially among women. Now it is not produced so often, its popularity has been eclipsed by drinks with a higher alcohol content.
The Bryant’s recipe calls for something milkshake lovers will love; a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To this are added a half ounce (.015 litres) of creme de cacao and a half ounce (.045 litres) of creme de noyaux. The drink can be shaken or in some cases blended.
Other recipes for pink squirrel forgo the ice cream and stick with a basic mix of cream or half-and-half, creme de cacao, and creme de noyaux. The basic cocktail ingredients can actually be used to make several different drinks, all of which became popular around the same time. For example, cream and creme de cacao can be combined with cognac or brandy to create brandy alexander. Cocoa cream and cream are added to the white cream in order to make the grasshopper. Essentially, then, if you can make a pink squirrel, you can make one of these other frothy, sweet drinks. Of them, Alexander brandy tends to be the highest in alcohol content.
Some pink squirrel recipes replace the amaretto with crème de noyaux. Which alcohol you choose to use and how much you want to brew the drink is just a matter of choice. You’ll only get the pink color, however, if you use creme de noyaux or grenadine. Many complain the addition of grenadine makes the drink too sweet, which may suggest sticking to the classic ingredients.
Because the drink is smooth and creamy, people may forget it contains alcohol and consume too many pink squirrels. Keep a close eye on guests if you’re serving them, to make sure everyone drinks responsibly. Befriend guests who love their squirrels too well but not wisely, and offer them a bed for the night or a ride home from a designated driver.
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