Dreamsicle Cocktail Recipe
Dreamsicle Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:10g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:20g
Alcohol:15%
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
Contents
History
The Dreamsicle cocktail is a delightful and nostalgic drink that brings back memories of childhood summers and the classic orange creamsicle ice cream treat. This creamy, orange-flavored cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and refreshing beverage. It is believed to have been created in the 1950s, during the rise of Tiki culture and the popularity of tropical cocktails.
How Dreamsicle Tastes?
The Dreamsicle cocktail is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing drink with a hint of tanginess from the orange. It is well-balanced, with a smooth and velvety texture that leaves a pleasant aftertaste.
Interesting facts about Dreamsicle
- The Dreamsicle cocktail is inspired by the popular orange creamsicle ice cream treat, which consists of a vanilla ice cream center covered in a layer of orange-flavored ice.
- The Dreamsicle is often considered a dessert cocktail due to its sweet and creamy nature.
- This cocktail is perfect for summer parties and gatherings, as it is both refreshing and visually appealing.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Heavy cream: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Garnish: Orange Wheel:1
- Garnish: Whipped Cream:optional
A few good options for Dreamsicle are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The Vodka provides the kick, being the primary alcohol base at 1.5 oz. It's the canvas for the other flavors; not too much so it doesn't overpower, and not too little or you'd miss the party in the glass. Omit the vodka and you have a child's dessert, not a cocktail.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Liqueur
At 0.5 oz, the Orange Liqueur adds a sophisticated citrus zest that enhances the orange character of the cocktail. Too little, and you'd lose the depth. Too much might feel like you're biting into an orange peel.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Juice
The 2 oz of Orange Juice provide both bulk and freshness. It's the heart of the Dreamsicle flavor. Without it, you'd have a very boozy cream and no dreams of citrus fields.
Alex Green
Heavy Cream
The Heavy Cream brings in that 1 oz of creaminess, giving the drink its decadent smooth texture. Skip it, and you'd sip on a tart cosmo. Change it to milk, and the drink loses its silk robe for a cotton shirt—functional but not as luxurious.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
Ice. What can you say about ice? If cocktails had a cooldown, ice is it. It chills, dilutes slightly to meld flavors, and keeps everything nice. Without it, you're handing out warm handshakes when you promised a cool hi-five.
Mary Mitkina
Garnishes
A single Orange Wheel says 'hey, I taste like this,' and it makes your drink look like an actual summer day instead of an indoor Mimosa. Whipped Cream is optional, but it's like the cherry on top; some people's dreams have cherries.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Dreamsicle Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, orange liqueur, orange juice, and heavy cream to the shaker.
- Shake well until all ingredients are combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Pro Tips
- Shake well: The key to a perfect Dreamsicle cocktail is to shake the ingredients well to ensure a creamy and smooth texture.
- Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer and enhance the refreshing taste.
- Fresh orange juice: Using fresh orange juice can make a significant difference in the taste of your Dreamsicle cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Grilled Seafood: The citrusy notes of a Dreamsicle cocktail complement the charred, slightly smoky flavor of grilled shrimp or scallops.
- Vanilla or Lemon Desserts: The creamy orange aspect pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a zesty lemon tart.
- Salty Snacks: Enjoy this cocktail with salty nuts or pretzels to accentuate the sweet and creamy components.
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of sparkling water on the side will cleanse the palate between sips.
- Coffee: A strong, black coffee can be a great follow-up, especially if the cocktail concludes a meal.
- Light Lager: For those who enjoy beer alongside their cocktail, a light lager can offer a crisp juxtaposition.
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What you could change in Dreamsicle
- Vodka: You can substitute vodka with white rum for a different flavor profile.
- Orange Liqueur: If you don't have orange liqueur, you can use triple sec or Cointreau.
- Heavy Cream: If you're lactose intolerant, you can use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative.
Explore all drinks starting with D here
And of course - twists🍹
Chocolate Dreamsicle
- Add 0.5 oz of chocolate syrup into the shaker. This twist brings a chocolatey touch to the Dreamsicle. The combination of orange and chocolate is classic, evoking memories of chocolate orange slices during the holidays.
Tropical Dreamsicle
- Replace Heavy Cream with 1 oz coconut cream.
- Add 0.25 oz of pineapple juice. This twist transports you to a beach with a tropical spin, where coconut and pineapple dance with orange in a creamy escapade.
Boozy Dreamsicle Float
- Pour the cocktail over 1 scoop of orange sorbet instead of ice. This grown-up version of a float makes it even more of a dessert, as the sorbet adds an extra kick while slowly melting into the concoction for an evolving taste adventure.
In case you forgot basics how to make Dreamsicle
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Dreamsicle
What is the best vodka to use in a Dreamsicle cocktail?
A smooth, neutral vodka is the best choice for a Dreamsicle cocktail to allow the flavors of the orange and cream to shine through. Brands like Absolut or Grey Goose are good choices.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Dreamsicle cocktail?
Definitely. You can substitute the vodka and orange liqueur with orange soda or non-alcoholic vanilla extract. Remember, the key is to maintain the creamy and orange flavor of the cocktail.
What dishes pair well with the Dreamsicle cocktail?
The Dreamsicle, being a sweet and creamy cocktail, pairs well with light, tangy, or spicy appetizers like jalapeno poppers, buffalo wings, or a citrusy seafood ceviche.
What other garnishes can I use for the Dreamsicle cocktail?
Aside from the traditional orange wheel, you can use orange zest for a more pronounced orange flavor and aroma, or even a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing contrast.
Is the Dreamsicle cocktail suitable for a cocktail party?
Yes, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser and its creamy, sweet, and refreshing characteristics make it especially popular at summer gatherings.
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