If you are a fan of rich ice cream mixed with the flavors of sweet coffee and don't mind a little kick to your drinks, the Frozen Mudslide is a refreshing cocktail, especially on a hot summer day. Frequently called the "milkshake for adults," the drink is easy to make with readily available ingredients and a standard blender.

Origin of the Frozen Mudslide

Although the Frozen Mudslide gained popularity in the States in the 1980s, its origins can be traced back to the 1950s where it was allegedly invented at the Wreck Bar and Grill at Rum Point on the north coast of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. A bartender only known as Old Judd is rumored to have invented the cocktail to refresh locals who stopped by most Sundays on their private boats to eat some West Indian food and catch up on local gossip. Rum Point is also a popular tourist attraction for beach and water sports, and visitors were reportedly so smitten with the drink that they took the recipe with them and contributed to its worldwide recognition.

Making Frozen Mudslides

This recipe makes four Frozen Mudslides since it would be a shame not to share such an indulgent treat, but you can easily cut the recipe down to fewer servings if you wish.

Frozen Mudslide Recipe

Ingredients

32 ice cubes

6 ounces vodka

6 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur or a comparably-flavored substitute

6 ounces Kahlua coffee liqueur or a comparably-flavored substitute

6 ounces heavy cream

4 scoops Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream or comparable high-fat quality brand

8 scoops Haagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream or comparable high-fat quality brand

Chocolate syrup (optional)

Whipped cream (optional)

Chocolate sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Crush ice a few cubes at a time in the blender until you have a fine, consistent texture. Add the vodka, liqueurs, heavy cream and ice creams and blend on high for 45 seconds. Pour into a tall, chilled hurricane glass and serve with a straw. If desired, you can garnish the drink with a few dribbles of chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a smattering of chocolate sprinkles.

Mudslide Recipe Variations

Add a sliced ripe banana to the blender for an Ultimate Mudslide.

For a Mexican Mudslide, replace the Irish Cream with Amaretto or a comparable almond-flavored liqueur.

To make a Texas Mudslide, replace the vodka with bourbon.

Turn a traditional Mudslide into a Wild Slippery White Mudslide by adding one ounce of butterscotch schnapps to the recipe for four drinks.

Garnish Options and Tips

To add a festive touch to the drink presentation, coat the inside of the glass with swirls of chocolate syrup before adding the mixed Mudslide ingredients.

For extra richness, sprinkle crushed peppermint or coffee flavored hard candy on top.

After pouring the drink into the glass, put it in the freezer for ten minutes to thicken it before serving. This is an especially good idea on very hot days.

For an instant Mudslide fix, purchase a premade mix at a supermarket or liquor store.

Keep an eye out for curious children who may try to sneak a sip of the drink without realizing it contains alcohol.

Avoid Overindulging

Mudslides are members of the most dangerous of cocktail families. Despite their heavy concentration of alcohol, the taste of liquor is barely discernible at best. The drink is also delicious and refreshing, which encourages fast and repeated consumption. Take care not to overindulge, lest the drink's name become synonymous with your demeanor.