Why you’ll love this boozy black cow drink
A thought popped into my head the other day, one of me at the age of 15, working at a local frozen custard shop. They had a milkshake on the menu called a black cow. It was a smooth, blended version of a rootbeer float with chocolate ice cream, I loved root beer floats but I had never tried one like this before. And I loved it.
So naturally, as an adult I knew I just had to make one with booze, of course! We just happened to have a 2-liter of root beer in the pantry, leftover from the holidays, so I grabbed the blender and boy was the result good!
If you like this recipe, you have to try this pink squirrel, and this frozen watermelon moscow mule and this pina colada smoothie. We recently tried a boozy shamrock shake, and it was spot on!
Ingredient notes:
- Kahlua – Any type of coffee liqueur would do for this recipe, we usually opt for Kahlua.
- Vegan chocolate ice cream – You should use your favorite dairy free or plant based chocolate ice cream.
- Dairy free whipped topping – Use your favorite whipped cream alternative to top this blended drink.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
The following is a detailed overview of the recipe steps with added tips and tricks for recipe success. For a simplified and printable version, including ingredient amounts and more formal instructions, see the recipe card below.
How to make a boozy black cow drink
Scoop. Fill a blender with a large scoop of chocolate ice cream, then pour in the rootbeer and Kahlua.
Blend. Blend on high speed until the contents are smooth and everything is well blended. Transfer to chilled glasses and top with dairy free whipped cream. And serve it with a cherry on top!
More frozen drink recipes: frozen sangria wine slushies / Miami Vice cocktail / beer float / Jack Frost cocktail / cantaloupe margarita
Frequently asked questions
It was basically a blended root beer float. And, after doing a significant amount of online reading for no reason really, I found out that black cow and brown cow are used in a number of ways and can refer to root beer floats, chocolate root beer floats, blended drinks, etc, etc. You get the idea. It depends on where you live.
Legend has it that the idea was created near Colorado’s Cow mountain. Supposedly the creator thought the clouds and the mountains looked like ice cream floating in soda and it inspired him!
Chocolate ice cream, rootbeer, and Kaluha.
Boozy Black Cow Drink
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Kaluha
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup root beer
- 1 large scoop vegan chocolate ice cream
- Dairy free whipped cream
- Maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Add Kaluha, root beer and ice cream to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour milkshake into a chilled glass and top with dairy free whipped cream and a cherry.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
I would love a stand mixer.
I would prefer a stand mixer. I’ve never had one. I would probably make cookies, but the possibilities are endless 🙂
I would die for a Hamilton Beach stand mixer!! I’d love to make cookies, frostings, and cakes – but I’d start with my favorite – homemade pizza dough!
A chocolate milkshake sounds like heaven right now!
Hey Melissa, such a great recipe you had shared. Sometimes i thought why i couldn’t be so creative while cooking. 🙁 Thanks for sharing this article. I didn’t make it before. This milkshake is looking perfect. Your tips will help me to make that correctly. Keep sharing this type of recipes. 🙂