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Sweet and indulgent dessert-style cocktails occupy a special place in the cocktail canon: they’re playful, nostalgic, and undoubtedly delicious. The decadent drinks are often rooted in mid-century American bar culture, but some, like the vibrant green Grasshopper, have older origins that date back to the early 1900s.
Whether you’re hosting, toasting, or simply looking for a sweet nightcap, these timeless desserts in a glass deliver the perfect balance of retro elegance and delightful kitsch. From the Brandy Alexander to the Chocolate Martini, each of these boozy treats serves up a moment of nostalgia and maximalist, more-is-more style and flavor.
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Brandy Alexander
Food & Wine / Tim Nusog
The Brandy Alexander is the epitome of a grown-up dessert cocktail: Cognac lends depth to the chocolate and cream married by crème de cacao. Shaken until cold and silky, and often finished with grated nutmeg, this drink offers a comforting, rich experience that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Stinger
Tim Nusog / Food & Wine
Crisp and aromatic, the Stinger pairs brandy with white crème de menthe for a refreshing, herbaceous finish. This two-ingredient cocktail, dating back to early cocktail culture, is lightly sweet with a cool mint finish, making it an excellent palate cleanser. This enduring classic is a favorite around the winter holidays and makes for a delightful apéritif.
Pink Squirrel
Tim Nusog / Food & Wine
This rosy-hued drink offers a nutty, chocolate-creamy profile — like a sophisticated milkshake in a coupe glass. With its origins in the supper club era, the Pink Squirrel pairs crème de noyaux — an almond liqueur — with crème de cacao and cream for a silky, nutty sip. It’s a perfect bridge between playful retro and refined dessert cocktail.
Grasshopper
Food & Wine / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Lydia Pursell
A retro dessert cocktail that tastes like boozy mint ice cream, the Grasshopper blends crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream into a vibrant green sip. This classic variation slightly increases the cream for balance and finishes with freshly grated nutmeg for aromatic warmth. Perfect as an after-dinner drink or whimsical party pour, it evokes the relaxed glamour of mid-century bars. The visual appeal and creamy texture make it a standout for entertaining.
White Russian
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
This iconic sweet-treat cocktail combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream for a rich and buzzy nightcap. Easy to assemble yet deeply satisfying, it’s a favorite for cozy evenings and pairs beautifully with dessert or a quiet moment by the fire.
Chocolate Martini
Food & Wine / Photo by Jake Sternquist / Food Styling by Holly Dreesman / Prop Styling by Sue Mitchell
The Chocolate Martini, a favorite of the glamorous movie star Elizabeth Taylor, balances luscious chocolate liqueur with smooth vodka, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Pure indulgence in a glass, this unabashedly fun cocktail is perfect for a date night or special toast when you want an elegant sipper with a sweet edge.
Golden Cadillac
Tim Nusog / Food & Wine
A mid-century classic, the Golden Cadillac unites Galliano’s herbal-vanilla warmth with white crème de cacao and heavy cream for a rich, golden-toned drink. The cocktail’s equal parts structure makes it easy to memorize, while its velvety mouthfeel and hint of chocolate garnish elevate it as a celebratory dessert sip.
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