The Mudslide is the quintessential boozy milkshake: sweet, creamy and rich. Its popularity harkens back to a time when we took our cocktail cues from the laminated menus of chain restaurants. Which is to say, it's not generally an exercise in balance and craftsmanship. The Mudslide was born in the 1970s at Wreck Bar in Rum Point Club on Grand Cayman Island. Yes, it seems more like an après-ski cocktail than something you'd sip on a sandy beach. But it was invented when a customer wanted a White Russian and the bar tweaked the recipe to feature Irish cream. The effortless drink was a hit, finding its way to American shores and quickly becoming a favorite at TGI Friday's and at-home cocktail parties. Most versions of the Mudslide are drowned in ice cream and served in circus-size glassware, resulting in a brain freeze and your daily dose of calories in one cocktail. This Mudslide sways leaner and showcases the spirits rather than just the sugar and dairy. The vodka, coffee liqueur and Baileys provide a boozy kick that cuts through the rich cream, while the chocolate garnish adds a visual hint of “mud” to the drink and lends additional aroma and flavor. Make a Mudslide after dinner or whenever you have a sweet tooth. Using heavy cream is the best bet here, as 2% milk or skim won't produce the same results. If you really want to fancify your drink, swap the vodka for your favorite French brandy, and you'll enjoy an extra dose of flavor. This video file cannot be played. (Error Code: 102630) CLICK PLAY TO SEE THIS MUDSLIDE COCKTAIL COME TOGETHER 6 Things You Should Know About the Mudslide