Cocktails featuring cream and other dairy products have been popular for over a century. The richness and texture that cream provides complements the flavors of liquors and balances out the booziness. There are many types of cream and cream liqueurs that can be used in cocktails, ranging from heavy whipping cream to Irish cream. In this article, we’ll explore the most common types of cream used in cocktails and provide recipes for classic and creative cream cocktails.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is one of the most versatile ingredients for adding richness and texture to cocktails. Heavy cream contains 36-40% milk fat, giving it a thick, indulgent consistency. It is used in small amounts to provide body and a velvety mouthfeel in cocktails without overpowering other ingredients. Some popular cocktails featuring heavy cream include:
White Russian
The White Russian is one of the most famous cream cocktails. It’s made by shaking heavy cream with coffee liqueur and vodka, then pouring over ice. The cream mingles with the coffee flavors for a refreshing after-dinner drink.
Brandy Alexander
A holiday favorite, the Brandy Alexander mixes cognac with heavy cream and crème de cacao for a rich, chocolate-y cocktail. Grated nutmeg on top adds a warming spice element.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee combines heavy cream with Irish whiskey, coffee, and sugar for a comforting blended drink. The cream is gently floated over the top and not blended in so it maintains its thickness.
Mudslide
For an indulgent blend, a Mudslide mixes vodka, Kahlua, and Bailey’s Irish cream with heavy cream. The full dairy flavors pair perfectly with the blend of coffee and chocolate liqueurs.
Light Cream
Light cream, also called coffee cream or table cream, has a milk fat content of 18-30%. It is thinner than heavy cream but still adds rich dairy flavors. The lower fat content means it won’t overwhelm drinks or make them too heavy. Popular uses for light cream in cocktails include:
Pink Squirrel
This pink cocktail is made by shaking light cream with crème de noyaux, a sweet almond liqueur, and crème de cacao. The light cream allows the nutty aromatics and chocolate to still shine through.
Golden Cadillac
Buttery Galliano liqueur blends beautifully with light cream and white crème de cacao in this golden cocktail. A sprinkle of grated chocolate on top provides another layer of flavor.
Creamsicle
For an orange Creamsicle flavor, light cream can be shaken with vanilla vodka and orange liqueur. It has all the nostalgia of the original frozen treat in cocktail form.
Whipped Cream Vodka
Infusing vodka with light cream and vanilla makes a quick whipped cream flavored liquor for rich drinks. It blends more smoothly than heavy cream in cocktails.
Half and Half
Half and half is a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream, with a milk fat percentage of 10-18%. The lower fat content gives it a thinner consistency for cocktails where you don’t want the heavy richness of pure cream. Cocktails featuring half and half include:
Spiked Hot Chocolate
For an alcoholic twist on the classic winter drink, half and half can be simmered with cocoa powder, sugar and whiskey or rum for a comforting sip. Top with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Almond Joy
This tropical cocktail mixes half and half with coconut rum, amaretto, and crème de cacao for a sweet nutty blend. Garnish with toasted coconut for even more flavor.
Irish Half and Half
Half and half adds richness to this simple combination of Irish whiskey and coffee liqueur, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a creamy cousin to an Irish coffee.
White Chocolate Martini
Shaking half and half with vanilla vodka and white crème de cacao makes for a sweet indulgence in cocktail form. It tastes just like its namesake candy bar.
Cream Liqueurs
Cream liqueurs are distilled spirits that have been flavored and sweetened with dairy cream or milk products. They provide rich creamy flavors without needing to add pure dairy. Popular cream liqueurs for cocktails include:
Baileys Irish Cream
The most well-known cream liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream contains Irish whiskey flavored with cocoa, vanilla, and other sweet elements. It’s delicious mixed into cocktails or poured over ice for dessert.
Amarula
Amarula is a cream liqueur from South Africa flavored with the fruit of the African marula tree. Its fruitiness pairs nicely with tropical rum cocktails.
Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
For chocolate lovers, Godiva’s chocolate liqueur delivers rich Belgian chocolate flavor. Mix it with vodka or rum for decadent drinks.
Crème Yvette
This raspberry-flavored cream liqueur has a vivid violet color. A splash adds berry flavors and sweetness to gin cocktails like the Blue Moon.
Creme de Menthe
Creme de menthe is a mint-flavored cream liqueur that can be white or green. It adds cooling minty notes to chocolate cocktails like the Grasshopper.
Non-Dairy Creamers
For those avoiding dairy, there are a number of non-dairy products that can mimic the texture and richness of cream in cocktails. These include:
Coconut Cream
Made from the thick milk of mature coconuts, coconut cream is naturally non-dairy. It has a rich texture perfect for blending into piña coladas or coconut-rum drinks.
Silk Soy Creamer
Silk makes dairy-free creamers like coconut milk and soy milk in liquid and powdered form. They provide creamy flavor without the dairy.
Oat Milk
Oat milk has a mild oat-y flavor and creamy texture that blends smoothly into cocktails. Look for barista style oat milk with higher fat content.
Canned Full Fat Coconut Milk
The thick coconut cream at the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk can mimic dairy cream. Shake the can well before opening so the cream emulsifies into the watery milk.
Tofutti Sour Supreme
This non-dairy sour mix mimics the tangy flavor and creamy texture of traditional sour mix made with dairy cream or milk. Use it in place of sour mix in cocktails.
Homemade Whipped Cream
While store-bought whipped cream works, homemade whipped cream always tastes best! All it takes is some heavy whipping cream, sugar, and a bit of vanilla to whip up a light, fluffy topping for cocktails. The key is to whip the cream to soft peaks – overwhipping will cause it to turn to butter. Lightly sweetened homemade whipped cream pairs deliciously with cream cocktails like Irish coffees, mudslides, and more.
Storing Cream for Cocktails
To have cream ready when you need it for cocktails, store it properly to prevent curdling or spoilage. Here are some tips:
- For pure dairy cream, store in the refrigerator and use within 5-7 days of opening.
- Keep cream liqueurs like Baileys tightly sealed and store in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator after opening.
- Non-dairy creamers like coconut milk generally have longer shelf lives of a few weeks to months when unopened.
- Whipped cream should be freshly whipped right before using.
- For longer storage, heavy cream can be frozen for a few months. Thaw in the refrigerator before whipping.
Tips for Using Cream in Cocktails
Here are some helpful tips for working with cream and cream liqueurs in cocktails:
- Add cream liqueurs slowly and taste as you go to prevent drinks from becoming too sweet.
- Chill glasses before pouring to prevent cream cocktails from warming and curdling.
- Dry shake or whip ingredients vigorously to emulsify cream into cocktails.
- Use a cocktail shaker with a tight seal to prevent leaks.
- Layer cream carefully into cocktails using the back of a spoon by pouring gently over an upside-down spoon.
- Homemade whipped cream can be stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar or cream stabilizers.
- Consider fat content – heavier cream provides richer texture but light cream blends more easily.
5 Delicious Cream Cocktail Recipes
Here are 5 of my favorite cream cocktail recipes to mix up at home:
1. Irish Coffee
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Irish whiskey
- 4 oz hot coffee
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1.5 oz heavy cream
Instructions:
- Fill a mug with hot coffee and stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
- Pour in Irish whiskey.
- Pour heavy cream into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until frothy.
- Spoon whipped cream gently on top of coffee.
- Drink immediately before cream melts.
2. Brandy Alexander
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz brandy
- 1 oz crème de cacao
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add brandy, crème de cacao and heavy cream.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg.
3. Pina Colada
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 2 oz coconut cream
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Blend rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice and 1 cup ice in a blender until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled hurricane glass.
- Garnish with pineapple wedge.
4. Mudslide
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 oz heavy cream
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, Kahlua, Bailey’s and heavy cream.
- Shake vigorously until smooth and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. White Russian
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1.5 oz heavy cream
- Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Pour in vodka and Kahlua.
- Top with heavy cream poured gently over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using cream in cocktails:
Why does cream curdle in cocktails?
Cream can curdle if it gets too warm or is shaken too vigorously. The proteins in cream unravel when overmixed or heated, causing the creamy emulsion to separate. Store and chill cream properly, shake gently, and serve cocktails chilled to prevent curdling.
Do cocktails with cream need to be refrigerated?
Yes, any cocktails containing dairy cream or cream liqueurs should be stored in the refrigerator and served chilled. The dairy cream can spoil if left at room temperature for too long.
Can you substitute milk for cream in cocktails?
Milk can work but it has a thinner consistency and won’t provide the same rich texture. For best results, use whole milk and shake it well or whip it first to emulsify.
Is powdered creamer okay to use in cocktails?
Powdered creamers work in a pinch but the flavor is not as fresh and creamy. They also have added stabilizers and emulsifiers compared to fresh dairy cream.
What’s the difference between cream and half-and-half?
Cream has higher milk fat, typically 36-40%, giving it a thicker, richer consistency. Half-and-half is a blend of milk and light cream with 12-18% milk fat, so it’s thinner in texture.
Conclusion
From heavy cream to Irish cream liqueurs, dairy products are a versatile ingredient that can elevate cocktails into creamy delights. When used properly by shaking, chilling, and storing correctly, cream adds indulgent texture and flavor to craft delicious after-dinner drinks. It balances sweet and boozy flavors and rounds out refreshing tropical blends. So don’t be afraid to add a splash of cream and bring a velvety richness to your next cocktail hour. Cheers!