Fans of the classic White Russian cocktail will love the Mudslide. The two drinks are very similar – both use vodka and coffee liqueur, but the Mudslide takes things to the next level with a splash of Irish cream liqueur. It's a creamy, sweet drink that's perfect to sip on after a meal. You don't need any special equipment or great bartending skills to make a Mudslide. Just shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and strain them into a glass. It's that simple! There are a couple of ways to enjoy a Mudslide. The simplest is lightly chilled on the rocks, but if you want to treat yourself, you can blend your Mudslide with ice and heavy creamy to make a boozy milkshake – served with plenty of chocolate syrup, of course. And there are a few variations you can test out, too. Make it with or without milk, swap out the vodka for a different spirit, or use different liqueurs to change the flavor of the drink. Whatever you choose, don't be surprised if the Mudslide becomes your new favorite cocktail!
– If you're dairy-free or vegan, use your favorite non-dairy milk alternative and pick up some vegan Irish cream liqueur.
– Make sure to shake the cocktail shaker well to thoroughly mix and chill down the alcohol.
– To keep your Mudslide from getting watered down as you're drinking, use large ice cubes or whiskey stones instead. Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail into it to help keep your drink cool longer.
– The classic Mudslide calls for vodka, but you can swap it out from flavored vodka, rum, brandy, or bourbon.
– Swap out Bailey's for other cream liqueurs. Rumchata, a rum cream liqueur with notes of cinnamon and vanilla, Amarula, made from cream and marula fruit, or others for tasty takes on the old school Mudslide.
– For a creamier Mudslide, use some cream or whole milk. About a ½ ounce should do.
While they're incredibly easy to drink, Mudslides are comparable in strength to other popular cocktails like the Dark and Stormy and Margarita. Keep that in mind as you're sipping so you don't overdo it.
To make a frozen Mudslide, pour the vodka, Bailey's, and Kahlua into a blender.
Add one ounce of heavy cream and 1 cup of crushed ice.
Blend until the mixture turns smooth. Serve in a chilled glass. Garnish with chocolate syrup and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Don't use expensive vodka (or other spirits) to make your Mudslide. You won't be able to taste it, so it's best to keep your top-shelf bottles for stripped-back cocktails like a Martini.