What is a Frozen Mudslide?

frozen mudslide cocktail in hurricane glass with chocolate drizzle

The frozen mudslide is a decadent blended cocktail that mixes the creamy, dessert-like flavors of Irish cream, coffee liqueur, vodka, and ice. Served as a boozy milkshake, it takes the original "on the rocks" mudslide and transforms it into a frosty, indulgent treat that's firmly rooted in the world of frozen cocktails. With its smooth, slushy texture and rich profile, the frozen mudslide appeals to anyone who loves a dessert drink or an adult twist on the classic milkshake.

Origins and Rise of the Frozen Mudslide

The mudslide cocktail is believed to have emerged in the 1970s in the Caribbean, with the original being a riff on the White Russian. Bartenders began blending the standard mudslide with ice to create a more decadent, milkshake-like experience. As frozen cocktails gained popularity—especially in beach bars, cruise ships, and casinos—so did the frozen mudslide, now a staple on many dessert drink menus. Its playful style and accessible flavors made it a crowd-pleaser from frozen drink machines to blenders at home.

Classic Frozen Mudslide Recipe

A perfectly blended mudslide should be thick, chilly, and just pourable, blending spirits with ice and sometimes a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added smoothness. Here's the standard way to make a frozen mudslide at home.

45 ml vodka
30 ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
30 ml Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
60 ml cream or milk (full-fat gives best texture)
1 scoop vanilla ice cream (optional for extra richness)
120 ml ice (about 1 heaping cup, use slightly less if using ice cream)
Chocolate syrup (optional garnish)
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Chill a large cocktail or hurricane glass.
Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass for a marbled effect.
Blend vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, cream or milk, ice (and ice cream if using) until very smooth and slushy.
Pour into the prepared glass.
Top with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.

Essential Tips for Mudslide Frozen Cocktail Perfection

Choose high-quality liqueurs—coffee and Irish cream are the backbone of the drink’s flavor.
Use full-fat ice cream or cream for maximum creaminess in your frozen mudslide recipe.
Blend thoroughly, but don’t overwork the ice or the drink may become too watery.
If preferred, swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate for a richer twist.
Garnish creatively—with chocolate shavings, espresso dust, or even a cookie for a playful finish.

Variations and Personalization

Frozen mudslide drink recipes are endlessly customizable. Substitute flavored vodka (caramel or vanilla lend depth), or add a splash of hazelnut liqueur for a sweet, nutty spin. For a lighter version, skip the ice cream and use just cream and ice—this delivers a more classic mudslide frozen cocktail texture, reminiscent of blended iced coffee but still indulgent.

frozen mudslide with chocolate garnish and whipped cream

Serving and Enjoyment

Serve your mudslide frozen cocktail in a hurricane or large coupe glass. This style of glass showcases the drink’s creamy color and lets you swirl in those decorative chocolate ribbons. Frozen mudslides work beautifully as a boozy dessert at celebrations, summer barbecues, or as a playful crowd-pleaser at parties.

Pair with rich desserts like brownies or tiramisu for a flavor match.
Serve with a straw and a long spoon—guests can sip or scoop.
Chill glasses ahead of time to prevent the drink from melting too rapidly.