Brian Nagele
Is there anything better than an ice-cold cocktail? How about a cocktail that combines the best of both worlds and brings dessert into the equation. To some, the idea of a dessert cocktail may sound like sacrilege.
But we promise you, dessert cocktails can be delicious, sweet and decadent – especially if made right.
Down below we have brought together a selection of creamy and indulgent cocktails that are sure to please even the sourest of appetites. While some combine the elements of a great dessert with the smooth taste of alcohol.
Others take a more delicate approach and bring tequila and whiskey together into a complementary mix. However, every cocktail on our list has two things in common – they’re easy to make and they’re fun!
So why not take a look and find the best dessert cocktail for you and your friends? You won’t be disappointed, we can promise you that.
1. The Grasshopper
If there were ever a cocktail that should be given pride of place among the dessert cocktails of the world – it’s the grasshopper.
This simplistic modern classic captures the essence of what a dessert cocktail ought to be. It’s creamy, flavorful and not too strong.
Consisting of white creme de cacao and green creme de menthe mixed with cream, this cocktail mixes mint and chocolate to create a dessert cocktail that can truly be defined as elegant.
2. Mudslide
A dessert cocktail that needs no introduction is the Mudslide. If you are searching for a cocktail that is sweet, creamy and simplistic – then this is the drink for you!
Made using Vodka, Kahlua and Bailey’s Irish cream, this particular cocktail packs a delicious and smooth flavor and is often served in a glass that has been lined with chocolate syrup and shavings. The perfect cocktail for the sweet-toothed drinker.
3. Key Lime Pie Martini
We understand that sweet desserts aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, with some preferring to dine on puddings that are more on the sour side.
So if you are the kind of person who enjoys a zesty key lime pie, we have the perfect drink to satisfy your dessert cocktail cravings.
The key lime pie martini uses a mixture of vanilla vodka, pineapple juice, triple sec and lime cordial to create a cocktail that perfectly captures that traditional key lime flavor.
So if baking a key lime pie sounds tiresome, just make this cocktail instead.
4. Bourbon Ball
If creamy and sweet cocktails don’t excite your appetite, then maybe you should consider trying a dessert cocktail that packs a more refined and poignant flavor.
The bourbon ball is a drink specifically created for all whiskey enthusiasts who feel like their dessert cocktail options are limited.
Made from a mixture of bourbon, creme de cacao and hazelnut liqueur, this cocktail is a crisp and refreshing alternative to those packed with cream, chocolate syrup and sprinkles.
However, if you wish to add some shaved chocolate to the finished product, we won’t complain.
5. Banana Cream Pie
If you are craving a banana cream pie, but are concerned about the calories and the mess, then why not consider making a cocktail that captures all the flavors of the classic dessert but without all the sugary ingredients?
This simplistic cocktail can be whipped up in minutes, as it requires only two main ingredients – RumChata and banana liqueur. The result is a cocktail that packs all the flavors of your favorite dessert into a single glass.
If you wish to add some elegance and texture to your cocktail, then we recommend serving it with a graham cracker crumb.
6. Sugar Cookie Martini
Rich and delicate, this easy-to-make cocktail packs all the flavor of a traditional sugar cookie but without the stressful baking experience.
If you are looking for a sweet and simple way to round up a large dinner with your friends, then this is the dessert cocktail you’ve been waiting for.
Made using vanilla vodka, Bailey’s Irish cream and amaretto liqueur – this effortless cocktail can be whipped up in minutes, providing you and your guests with a delicious after-dinner treat.
And like any good sugar cookie, this particular cocktail is even better when served with a rainbow sprinkle rim.
7. White Russian
When it comes to dessert cocktails, what is more traditional and classic than the humble White Russian? The subject of many films and television shows, this particular dessert cocktail may be the most infamous entry on our list.
The simple and delicious cocktail is made using a combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream.
Over the years many cocktail enthusiasts have tried to rejuvenate this particular drink by adding new ingredients such as vanilla vodka and spice-infused milk.
However, we still believe that the original recipe is vastly superior!
8. Dulce de Tequila
With a name that translates to “tequila candy” in English, this Spanish dessert cocktail is the perfect palette cleanser for tequila lovers who enjoy a little sweetness.
The refreshing and fruity cocktail combines the flavors of reposado tequila with cognac, Cointreau and lime juice.
The heady concoction is then sweetened with the addition of agave nectar, which helps to give the drink a delicious floral note. If you wish to serve the cocktail with a touch of refinement, then you can add brown sugar to the drink’s rim.
9. Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a dessert cocktail that has withstood the test of time, remaining a popular after-dinner drink throughout the 20th century.
Although the drink itself is not overly powerful in its sweetness, the Alexander is still considered an indulgent and rich cocktail that is perfect for dessert lovers.
Made from a mixture of brandy, dark creme de cacao and cream, the cocktail can also be served with a sprinkling of nutmeg for some added spice. Creamy and decadent, the Alexander delivers a taste experience like no other.
10. Banana Split Martini
What is a more classic and recognizable dessert than the banana split? This decadent ice cream sundae has become a staple at many restaurants around the world, and the reason why is obvious.
After all, who could resist soft ice cream and bananas served with whipped cream and hot fudge? Well, how about trying a drink that combines all those flavors into a single glass!
The banana split martini is a simple dessert cocktail that uses a mix of vodka, banana liqueur and creme de cacao to create a delicious and memorable after-dinner experience.
The cocktail is even better when garnished with fresh fruit, such as bananas, strawberries and pineapple.
11. Peach Cobbler
Is there anything better than a freshly-baked peach cobbler? Well, how about a drink that tastes like a peach cobbler while removing all the stress of baking one yourself!
This easy-to-make dessert cocktail combines peach vodka with hazelnut liqueur to create a drink that truly captures the essence of this traditional dessert.
If you wish to spruce up your peach cobbler cocktail, then we recommend adding some cream for smoothness. The cocktail is also best served with ice and a sugared or spice rim.
12. Chocolate Martini
Arguably the most iconic dessert martini in the world, this particular cocktail is the perfect match for any hardcore chocolate lover who also enjoys a little alcohol at the end of their meal.
This decadent cocktail combines vodka and chocolate liqueur with rich dark cocoa to create a drink that truly captures the essence of just how naughty chocolate can be.
If you are searching for a dessert cocktail that promises to appease your chocolate cravings, then this is the drink for you.
13. Talking Monkey
Next on our list, we have a cocktail that was specifically designed for the Van Gogh vodka company.
The talking monkey is a smooth and creamy cocktail that combines Van Gogh’s chocolate vodka and espresso vodka with a mixture of banana liqueur, coffee liqueur and cream.
This highly indulgent cocktail is the perfect way to end a large meal, as it is sweet, creamy and aromatic. If you are looking for a drink that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth, then look no further than the talking monkey.
14. Tiramisu Cocktail
The Italian tiramisu might just be one of the most delicious and decadent desserts to ever be created. Combining thick layers of sponge, whipped cream and coffee liqueur, the traditional dessert is both light and indulgent.
And considering that alcohol is one of its key ingredients, it makes sense that the tiramisu has also inspired the creation of an equally delicious cocktail.
Made by combining espresso coffee with chocolate liqueur and amaretto, this simplistic cocktail captures all the delicious flavors of the classic Italian pudding.
It can even be served with a sprinkling of cocoa powder and a sponge finger on the side.
15. Lemon Drop Martini
This next dessert cocktail is the ideal choice for any alcohol enthusiast who enjoys something a little sour.
Beyond simple to make, the lemon drop martini utilizes vodka, lemon juice and syrup to create a cocktail that looks and tastes just like lemon candy.
Hip and modern, this zesty cocktail is especially delicious when served with all the trimmings, such as a garnish of lemon peel and a granulated sugar rim.
16. Baileys Cocktail
As an alcoholic beverage, Irish cream simply lends itself to the creation of delicious and indulgent dessert cocktails.
And considering that Bailey’s is arguably the best Irish cream available on the market, why not make a cocktail that utilizes this delicious and creamy drink?
Baileys cocktail combines the traditional whiskey cream with vodka, coffee liqueur and double cream to create a cocktail that is the definition of a sweet indulgence.
If you want to finish the drink on a high note, you can also add some chocolate shavings for some extra sweetness.
