Black Cow Cocktail Recipe

Black Cow Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:8g

Protein:2g

Carbohydrates:60g

Alcohol %:5%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Black Cow is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 1950s. It's often associated with the American diner culture and is a popular choice for those who enjoy a sweet, creamy cocktail. The name 'Black Cow' is said to come from the combination of dark cola and the creamy vanilla ice cream, resembling a black and white cow.

How Black Cow Tastes?

The Black Cow is a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and slightly fizzy. The vanilla ice cream gives it a smooth, rich texture, while the cola adds a refreshing fizz and sweetness. The Kahlua adds a hint of coffee flavor, making it a perfect after-dinner drink.

Interesting facts about Black Cow

  • The Black Cow is also known as a 'Root Beer Float' in some parts of the world.
  • The cocktail is often served in a tall glass to accommodate the large scoop of ice cream.
  • Despite its sweet taste, the Black Cow does contain alcohol, so it's not suitable for children.

Ingredients

Cola

The fizz and sweetness of cola make it a perfect base for a Black Cow, providing a classic soda fountain feel to the drink. Typically, 6oz is the right amount to balance the richness of the ice cream and Kahlua; too much cola could overpower the other flavors, too little and it loses its punch. If you opt for a diet version, expect a slight change in sweetness and mouthfeel.

Alex Green

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of ice cream is what turns this from a mere drink into a decadent dessert. It brings creamy texture and sweet vanilla notes that harmonize with the cola's caramel flavor. Miss the scoop, and you'll just have a Kahlua-flavored cola. Fancy a twist? Swap vanilla for chocolate ice cream to get a mocha vibe.

Emma Rose

Kahlua

Ah, Kahlua - this coffee liqueur adds depth with its rich coffee and slightly bitter notes, playing off the sweetness around it. One ounce is perfect to infuse the drink without taking over. If you skip it, well, you've just got a float, not a Black Cow. Want something lighter? Opt for Baileys for a creamier, less coffee-intensive experience.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Black Cow Drink

  1. Pour the cola into a tall glass.
  2. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  3. Top with Kahlua.
  4. Stir gently until combined.
  5. Serve with a straw and enjoy.

Pro Tips

  • For a creamier cocktail, use premium vanilla ice cream.
  • Chill the glass beforehand to keep the cocktail cold for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Salty nuts or pretzels: their salty crunch contrasts nicely with the creamy sweetness of the Black Cow.
  • Buffalo wings: the spice from the wings will cut through the richness of the cocktail, providing a nice balance.

Desserts

  • Chocolate brownies: This helps to enhance the chocolate notes within the Kahlua.
  • Cherry pie: The fruity tartness of the pie complements the vanilla and coffee flavors.

After-Dinner

  • Coffee: to extend the coffee flavor from the Kahlua while enjoying the cocktail.
  • Cigarettes or a cigar: for those who enjoy smoking with their drinks, though it's not a healthy option.

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What you could change in Black Cow

  • If you don't have Kahlua, you can substitute it with any other coffee-flavored liqueur.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the Kahlua.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Espresso Black Cow

  • Replace Kahlua with espresso: for a stronger coffee hit.
  • Dark chocolate syrup: drizzle for an extra bitter-sweet kick.
  • Chilli powder: a pinch for a daring sip. The espresso will bring a bolder coffee flavor, accented with a sweet chocolatey melody and an unexpected spicy hum.

Nutty Cow

  • Hazelnut liqueur instead of Kahlua: Introduces a nutty profile to the drink.
  • Crushed nuts: a sprinkle over the top as garnish.
  • Caramel sauce: for an even dreamier concoction This variation will have a comforting nut-coffee balance with velvety caramel tones lacing through each sip.

Blackberry Cow

  • Blackberry liqueur: alongside the Kahlua for a fruity twist.
  • Fresh blackberries: used as garnish and for extra tang.
  • Mint leaf: for a refreshing note. It combines the richness of the original with a zesty berry zing and a minty fresh finish.

In case you forgot basics how to make Black Cow

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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Frequently Asked Questions on Black Cow

Can I replace Cola with another soda?

Yes, while Cola is the traditional choice, you could replace it with any dark soda like root beer or Dr. Pepper. However, the flavor profile may be slightly different.

Is there a better choice of alcohol instead of Kahlua?

Kahlua is a coffee-flavored rum-based liqueur from Mexico. You can replace it with other coffee-flavored liqueurs for a similar effect. However, if you desire a different taste, Baileys Irish Cream could be a creative substitution.

Can I prepare the Black Cow cocktail in advance?

It's best to prepare a Black Cow on demand rather than in advance due to the Coke causing the ice cream to fizz and eventually melt.

Should I expect the cocktail to be heavy given the Ice Cream content?

Despite containing ice cream, the Black Cow isn't overly heavy but rather a perfect balance of rich and refreshing.

Can I substitute regular ice cream with a dairy free option?

Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free ice cream to substitute the traditional vanilla ice cream. This won't significantly change the cocktail's flavor, keeping it still delicious.

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