Let’s talk about the cocktail that puts the pink in vintage drink! Born in Milwaukee when swing was king, the Pink Squirrel 🐿️ is basically what happens when a sophisticated cocktail lounge decides to spike your favorite milkshake.
😅 This nutty little number has been charming the pants off Midwesterners since 1941, and honestly? The rest of us were sleeping on something special!


Why I Like It
As Wayne Campbell from Wayne’s World would say, this drink is “Excellent!” 🎸 It’s like the cocktail equivalent of hanging out at the mall food court in the 90s, except now you’re all grown up and your milkshake has a sophisticated buzz. Party on! The combination of nutty almond and chocolate is totally radical, and that pink color? Well, that’s just the cherry on top!
The Best Ingredients For a Pink Squirrel
For the Crème de Noyaux: Tempus Fugit is the absolute gold standard here – it perfectly captures that authentic almond-cherry flavor with a gorgeous natural pink hue. Bols offers a reliable alternative with good color and flavor, while Marie Brizard brings a slightly sweeter profile that some prefer.
For the White Crème de Cacao: Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao Blanc is non-negotiable if you aim for perfection. It’s less sweet than most alternatives and has an authentic cacao flavor that’s hard to beat.
Giffard makes a lovely, slightly more accessible version, while Marie Brizard offers a solid, budget-friendly option that won’t let you down.
For the Cream Component:
- Fresh local dairy is absolutely essential – this isn’t the time for shelf-stable alternatives
- Organic half-and-half or heavy cream (depending on how decadent you’re feeling)
- Pro tip: Look for cream that’s just pasteurized, not ultra-pasteurized, for the best texture and taste

A Brief History of the Pink Squirrel
Birth at Bryant’s
The Pink Squirrel was created in 1941 by Bryant Sharp at Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This iconic cocktail lounge, which still operates today, is known as the birthplace of this beloved dessert drink.
Evolution of the Recipe
Fascinating fact: The original recipe may have started as a boozy milkshake before Prohibition! The earliest versions actually used ice cream instead of cream. In the 1960s, Pat Malmberg, Bryant’s second owner, modified the recipe by removing the crème de cacao – a version they still serve today.
Midwest Pride
The Pink Squirrel remains particularly beloved in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest, where it’s considered a point of regional pride.
Modern Revival
While it fell out of fashion during the craft cocktail revolution, the Pink Squirrel has found new life thanks to vintage cocktail enthusiasts and Instagram-worthy presentation.
Final Thoughts
The Pink Squirrel isn’t just another pretty pink drink – it’s a delicious piece of American cocktail history that deserves its current renaissance. 🍸
While some might dismiss it as too sweet or old-fashioned, I think its retro charm is exactly what makes it special. This Classic/Vintage cocktail proves that sometimes the best things in life are pink, sweet, and a little bit nutty!