MUDSLIDE
The Mudslide: A Decadent Dessert Cocktail
The Mudslide was created in the 1970s on Grand Cayman Island at the Wreck Bar, though some sources also credit Phyllis Goulbourne at the Rum Point Club on the same island. The drink emerged during the era when creamy, dessert-style cocktails gained popularity in beach resort destinations, according to Liquor.com.
The cocktail combines vodka with Kahlúa coffee liqueur, Bailey's Irish Cream, and heavy cream (or ice cream for frozen versions). This rich formula creates a chocolate-coffee flavored drink with a milkshake-like consistency, particularly when blended, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The name "Mudslide" references the drink's brown, muddy appearance and thick, flowing consistency. The Mudslide can be served either shaken over ice or blended with ice cream for a frozen dessert version, according to Punch.
The drink became particularly popular during the 1980s and 1990s as chain restaurants like TGI Friday's featured it prominently on their menus. The Mudslide remains a staple dessert cocktail, often garnished with chocolate syrup drizzled inside the glass or whipped cream on top. The cocktail's richness makes it function more as a liquid dessert than a traditional cocktail.
RECIPE:
1 oz vodka
1 oz Kahlúa
1 oz Bailey's Irish Cream
1 oz heavy cream
Chocolate syrup for garnish (optional)
Method:
Add vodka, Kahlúa, Bailey's, and cream to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled and frothy.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, or blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen version.
Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring if desired.