It’s hard to beat a classic slice of New York Cheesecake, however this Cheesecake Cocktail tastes just like the real thing. Simple but so tasty, this dessert cocktail is made up of vanilla vodka, cream, Amaretto Disaronno, and Kahlua.
Finish this cheesecake cocktail with a rim of graham cracker crust to complete this dessert in a glass! I know it sounds just as decadent as it is – trust us!
For a few more entertaining cocktails see out Cranberry Mimosa, James Bond Casino Royale Martini, and Jim Beam Old Fashioned.
Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21 and up; please enjoy responsibly.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of cheesecake and craving something new to try? You’re in luck! Cheesecake cocktails – yes, I said cheesecake cocktails – are delicious dessert cocktails that make any occasion extra special.
Imagine enjoying your favorite creamy dessert as an indulgent dessert in a glass… it doesn’t get much better than this!
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Ingredients
Get ready and grab your shaker, it's time to explore the amazing world of cheesecake cocktails!
- Vanilla Vodka - any brand. You can also use Strykk Not Non Alcoholic Vanilla vodka for a little less 'kick' or bite to your cocktail.
- Cream - or Half & Half.
- Amaretto Disaronno - any brand, but make sure it is still top shelf.
- Kahlua - or any really good quality coffee liqueur. I've used Tina Maria with great results.
- Graham cracker crumbs - buy these sold already crushed, or use two graham crackers and pulse into crumbs using a mini food processor.
- Honey - any kind of honey, as it is to rim the martini glass for the graham cracker to stick to. Actually, you can use any type syrup: Torani syrup, Karo, or even Caramel topping.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Cheesecake Cocktails
Whether you’re looking for the perfect celebratory drink or just want to mix things up with your friends, whipping up one (or two) of these delicious cheesecake cocktails is sure to take your home happy hour to the next level.
Step 1. Dip the Martini Glass Rim into Honey
Drizzle a little honey onto a saucer or small plate. Again, you can also use caramel topping, Karo syrup, or a Torani syrup. We just want something sticky for the graham cracker crumbs to adhere to.
Dip the rim of the martini glass just barely into the honey. You don't want it to drizzle down the glass.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 2. Dip into Graham Crackers
Spread the graham crackers onto a small saucer or plate next. This graham cracker rim is an essential element for this Cheesecake Cocktail. It gives that hint of cheesecake crust that you have in real cheesecake. Go ahead and dip away for an amazing finishing touch to your dessert cocktail!
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 3. Measure and Pour
Measure and pour the alcoholic components into the cocktail shaker. Don't forget that I have a NON ALCOHOLIC version in the substitutions section and recipe card below though.
You can also substitute the vodka with Strykk Not Non Alcoholic Vanilla Vodka, and use the Amaretto Disaronno and Kahlua liqueurs for a less strong cheesecake cocktail.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 4. Add the Cream
Use the shot measure to add the cream or half & half. Cream is going to give you a smoother and creamier cheesecake cocktail, but half and half is not a disappointment either! If you need a 'Skinny' cocktail, just use whole milk.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 5. Add Ice and Shake
Add about ½ cup of ice to the cocktail shaker full of your ingredients. Snap the lid on and give a quick shake. Pour through the ice catch into your martini glasses. This recipe makes two cocktails, but you can size the recipe up or down using my recipe card tool.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesecake cocktails are a great way to bring some fun and pizzazz to your next gathering.
Not only will this unique dessert cocktail tantalize your taste buds, it can also be paired with dessert treats like our Auntie Anne's Cinnamon Pretzel Bites, Pampered Chef Pecan Tassies, and Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies that will make your guests feel like royalty!
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Non Alcoholic Substitutions
I'm including some Non Alcoholic Cocktail Ingredient substitutes in case you want to make Cheesecake Mocktails, as not all enjoy the buzz from alcohol.
Vanilla Vodka - Strykk Not Vanilla Vodka is the perfect substitute! It is a non alcoholic vanilla vodka. Perfect for a non-alcoholic Cheesecake Cocktail, and many other dessert cocktails!
Amaretto Disaronno - Almond extract is of course the first natural go to for amaretto substitutes. No alcohol, but great almond - amaretto flavor. Ratio to use: Start with ⅔ teaspoon of almond extract for 1 oz of Amaretto Disaranno liqueur.
Almond syrup like Torani, or even a bartenders Orgeat syrup work also. (use ½ almond syrup or Orgeat to ½ milk, this will keep your Cheesecake Cocktail from being too sweet). For either the almond extract, almond syrup, or almond Orgeat you will need to add a liquid to make up the volume. Whole milk or a plant based milk being perfect.
Kahlua - Substitute the Kahlua with two teaspoons of Hershey chocolate sauce and 1 shot of espresso. You can also use 1 shot of water and ½ teaspoon of instant coffee.
I have an easy Non Alcoholic 'Kahlua' recipe you can make up and store in advance also:
- ½ cup strong coffee or espresso,
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Combine the first three ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool. Stir in the vanilla extract. Bottle up and store in your refrigerator. Use in a 1:1 ratio to replace Kahlua.
Variations
- Bailey's Tiramisu Cocktail - Combining espresso, brown sugar, marscapone, and a lady finger cookie crust. The Bailey's website has the full recipe.
- Snickers Martini - Vanilla Vodka, Amaretto, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, caramel sauce, and cream.
- Lemon Cheesecake Cocktail - ⅔ oz Lemon Juice, 2 oz Limoncello, 1 oz Frangelico, 1 oz vodka, ½ oz, Half And Half, ½ oz Torani Cinnamon syrup, and ½ oz Torani Gingerbread syrup. Rim the martini glass with graham cracker just like the Cheesecake Cocktail recipe here.
Equipment
You will want a basic cocktail shaker, a shot measure, and stirring spoon.
- Basic Cocktail making tool set - Three basic pieces, cocktail shaker, stirring spoon, and a shot measure.
- Advanced Cocktail making tool set & holder - Perfect for a WIDE variety of cocktail recipes, to include citrus seed strainer, zester, etc.
Storage
Dessert cocktails and mocktail mixtures can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 days, should you actually have leftover, lol! As long as none of the ingredients are sparkling or bubbly, and are not mixed with ice, you should be able to keep it chilled in the refrigerator for later.
Tips for Success
- Costco has great store brand alcohol copycats at great savings, but I have found them to be a little thinner consistency than the originals. For best results, try to use for the branded versions of the alcohol.
- Rimming cocktail glasses are optional only, but they add to the dimension of your dessert cocktail experience.
- Don't forget the Non Alcoholic version in the Substitutions section, this way you can have more dessert in a glass!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, see our Substitutions section for details on Non Alcoholic substitutions to make this Cheesecake Cocktail as a Cheesecake Mocktail.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Cheesecake Cocktails
Ingredients
Alcoholic Cheesecake Cocktail
- 4 oz Vanilla Vodka
- 2 oz Amaretto Disaronno or any quality amaretto
- 2 oz Kahlua or any quality coffee liqueur
- 4 oz cream or Half & Half
- 2 oz graham cracker crumbs
- 1 oz honey any kind
- ½ cup ice
Non Alcoholic Cheesecake Mocktail
- 4 oz Stykrr Not Non Alcoholic Vanilla 'Vodka'
- 1⅓ teaspoon Almond extract
- 2 oz Espresso coffee
- 2 teaspoon Hershey's chocolate syrup
- 6 oz Cream or Half & Half
- 2 oz graham cracker crumbs
- 1 oz honey any kind
- ½ cup ice
Instructions
Cheesecake Cocktail
- Drizzle a little honey onto a saucer or small plate. Dip the martini glass rim into the honey, just slightly.1 oz honey
- Spread the graham cracker crumbs into a saucer or small plate next. Dip the honey coated martini glass rim into the graham crackers.2 oz graham cracker crumbs
- Measure and pour the alcoholic components into a cocktail shaker. Add the cream or Half & Half next. If you need a 'Skinny' cocktail, just use whole milk.4 oz Vanilla Vodka, 2 oz Amaretto Disaronno, 2 oz Kahlua, 4 oz cream
- Add about ⅓ cup of ice to the cocktail shaker full of your ingredients. Snap the lid on and give a quick shake. Pour through the ice catch into your martini glasses.½ cup ice
Cheesecake Mocktail
- Drizzle a little honey onto a saucer or small plate. Dip the martini glass rim into the honey, just slightly.1 oz honey
- Spread the graham cracker crumbs into a saucer or small plate next. Dip the honey coated martini glass rim into the graham crackers.2 oz graham cracker crumbs
- Measure and pour the non alcoholic components into a cocktail shaker. Add the cream or Half & Half next. If you need a 'Skinny' cocktail, just use whole milk.4 oz Stykrr Not Non Alcoholic Vanilla 'Vodka', 1⅓ teaspoon Almond extract, 2 oz Espresso coffee, 2 teaspoon Hershey's chocolate syrup, 6 oz Cream
- Add about ⅓ cup of ice to the cocktail shaker full of your ingredients. Snap the lid on and give a quick shake. Pour through the ice catch into your martini glasses.½ cup ice
Notes
- Costco has great store brand alcohol copycats at great savings, but I have found them to be a little thinner consistency than the originals. For best results, try to use for the branded versions of the alcohol.
- Rimming cocktail glasses are optional only, but they add to the dimension of your dessert cocktail experience.
- Don't forget the Non Alcoholic version in the Substitutions section, this way you can have more dessert in a glass!
Nutrition
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