Tumbleweed Cocktail Recipe
Tumbleweed Nutrition Facts
Calories:300
Fat:10g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:20%
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 Tumbleweed cocktail is a classic American drink that was popularized in the 1960s. It's a smooth, creamy concoction that's perfect for those who enjoy a rich, dessert-like cocktail. It's often enjoyed after dinner, as a delightful end to a meal. The name 'Tumbleweed' is thought to come from its American origins, evoking images of the wild west and desert landscapes.
How Tumbleweed Tastes?
The Tumbleweed is a sweet, creamy, and rich cocktail. It has a strong coffee flavor, balanced with the sweetness of the Irish cream and the warmth of the coffee liqueur. The vodka adds a kick, making it a strong, full-bodied drink.
Interesting facts about Tumbleweed
- The Tumbleweed is often served in a martini glass, giving it an elegant and sophisticated appearance.
- Despite its strong flavors, it's a surprisingly smooth and easy-to-drink cocktail.
- The Tumbleweed is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round, but it's particularly popular during the colder months due to its warming properties.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Irish cream: 1 oz(30ml)
- Coffee liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cream: 1 oz(30ml)
A few good options for Tumbleweed are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
Vodka is the foundation, giving the drink a clean and neutral alcohol base. It's like the canvas for our Tumbleweed masterpiece—without it, the drink would be overly sweet and lacking in spirit (literally!). If you pour too much, you might overwhelm the other flavors, too little, and the drink becomes a coffee cream delight.
Mary Mitkina
Irish Cream
Irish cream adds a luscious sweetness and mild whiskey undertones. It's the smooth operator that makes the Tumbleweed so enjoyable. Leave it out and you lose the cocktail's heart. Substitute it with a nut liqueur and you'll get a nuttier, less creamy drink.
Mary Mitkina
Coffee Liqueur
This is where the Tumbleweed gets its wake-up call of coffee flavor. Without it, it's basically just a sweetened vodka cream. If you decide on a chicory-flavored liqueur instead, you'd trade the coffee hit for a more herbal, spicy kick.
Alex Green
Cream
Cream does the peacekeeping, smoothing out all the strong personalities in the mix, achieving a luxurious texture. Skimp on it and the cocktail feels thin, too much and you might as well call it a boozy milkshake. Swap it for half-and-half for a lighter touch.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Tumbleweed Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and cream.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Serve and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are fully combined.
- For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a coffee bean.
Perfect Pairings
Desserts
Pair the Tumbleweed cocktail with chocolate desserts such as a rich chocolate brownie or a chocolate mousse. The coffee liqueur in the cocktail will complement the cocoa flavors beautifully.
Coffee-Flavored Treats
Enjoy your Tumbleweed with tiramisu or coffee-flavored ice cream. The Irish cream and coffee liqueur amplify the coffee notes in these desserts.
Savory Bites
Bold, savory snacks like bacon-wrapped dates or spicy mixed nuts will contrast the sweetness of the cocktail, making for a delightful taste experience.
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What you could change in Tumbleweed
- You can substitute the vodka with rum for a slightly different flavor profile.
- If you don't have Irish cream, you can use a mix of heavy cream and a splash of whiskey.
Explore all drinks starting with T here
And of course - twists🍹
Espresso Tumbleweed
- Substitute coffee liqueur with espresso
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon
- Use 1/2 oz of vodka and 1 1/2 oz of Irish cream for a creamier texture
The result is a more pronounced coffee flavor with a hint of spice, perfect for coffee enthusiasts. The cinnamon adds a warm and aromatic twist to the drink.
White Chocolate Tumbleweed
- Use white chocolate liqueur instead of coffee liqueur
- Garnish with white chocolate shavings
- Employ vanilla vodka for an extra sweet note
This twist turns the cocktail into a dessert in a glass, mellowing the coffee notes into gentle whispers under a blanket of white chocolate decadence.
Nutty Tumbleweed
- Swap Irish cream for a hazelnut liqueur
- Drizzle a hazelnut syrup in the martini glass before pouring
Here, the nutty flavors take center stage, making it a delectable companion for a cozy evening. It’s the kind of twist that whispers 'autumn' with every sip.
In case you forgot basics how to make Tumbleweed
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Tumbleweed
What kind of vodka should I use?
Any kind of unflavored vodka should work for this cocktail. A good quality vodka will influence the overall taste of the cocktail.
What is coffee liqueur?
Coffee liqueur is a beverage made by extracting the flavors from coffee beans and mixing them with liquor. Popular coffee liqueurs include Kahlua and Tia Maria.
Can I make this cocktail in advance?
This cocktail should be shaken and served fresh. The combination of ingredients does not lend well to storing.
What's the best way to chill the martini glass?
The best way to chill your glass is by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes before making the cocktail. Alternatively, you can fill the glass with ice and let it sit while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice.
Can I make this cocktail stronger or weaker based on my preference?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of vodka to make the cocktail stronger or increase the amount of cream to make it weaker.
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