The Pink Squirrel. Just the name conjures images of retro supper clubs, creamy indulgence, and a certain whimsical charm. This distinctive, pastel-hued cocktail, a blend of crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream, has a fascinating history shrouded in a bit of mystery. Pinpointing the exact moment of its creation requires delving into the mid-20th century cocktail scene and the story of a Wisconsin supper club with a flair for innovation.
Tracing the Roots: Wisconsin Supper Clubs and Cocktail Culture
The story of the Pink Squirrel is inextricably linked to the culture of Wisconsin supper clubs. These establishments, often family-owned and operated, flourished in the mid-20th century, offering a unique dining experience that combined hearty meals, friendly service, and a vibrant bar scene. They were more than just restaurants; they were social hubs, places where families celebrated special occasions and friends gathered for a relaxed evening.
Wisconsin supper clubs often prided themselves on their innovative cocktail menus. Bartenders experimented with new flavors and presentations, crafting drinks that became signature offerings. This environment of experimentation paved the way for the creation of unique and memorable cocktails, like the Pink Squirrel. The focus was on creating an experience that lingered in the memory, making each visit special. This included attentive service, high-quality ingredients, and, of course, distinctive drinks.
The cocktail culture of the time was also heavily influenced by the availability of new liqueurs and ingredients. The rise of commercial air travel made it easier to import exotic flavors and ingredients, which bartenders eagerly incorporated into their creations. This influx of new ingredients fueled innovation and helped to diversify the cocktail landscape.
The Significance of Crème de Noyaux and Crème de Cacao
Two key ingredients define the Pink Squirrel: crème de noyaux and white crème de cacao. Crème de noyaux is a liqueur with a distinctive almond-like flavor, derived not from almonds themselves, but from apricot or peach kernels. It’s responsible for the drink’s characteristic pink hue, achieved through the addition of a red dye. White crème de cacao, on the other hand, provides a chocolatey sweetness that complements the nutty flavor of the crème de noyaux.
These liqueurs were not uncommon in cocktail recipes of the era, but their combination in the Pink Squirrel created a unique flavor profile that set it apart. The balance between the almond-like and chocolate flavors, combined with the richness of the cream, resulted in a dessert-like cocktail that was both indulgent and refreshing. The precise proportions of each ingredient were crucial to achieving the perfect balance. A slight alteration could significantly affect the taste and texture of the drink.
The Walter’s on Blue Mound Supper Club
The most credible account attributes the Pink Squirrel’s invention to Walter’s on Blue Mound, a prominent supper club located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The establishment was known for its elegant atmosphere and its innovative cocktail menu. According to local lore, the Pink Squirrel was created sometime in the 1940s or 1950s, although pinning down the exact year has proven difficult.
Walter’s on Blue Mound was more than just a supper club; it was a destination. People traveled from all over the region to experience its exceptional food, impeccable service, and, of course, its signature cocktails. The atmosphere was one of understated elegance, making it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
Ross Cumming and the Pink Squirrel’s Creation
While the exact details remain somewhat hazy, the credit for the Pink Squirrel’s creation is often given to Ross Cumming, a bartender at Walter’s on Blue Mound. The story goes that Cumming, inspired by the existing cocktail trends and the availability of new liqueurs, experimented with different combinations until he arrived at the perfect formula for the Pink Squirrel.
Cumming’s skill as a bartender was well-known, and his ability to create unique and memorable cocktails contributed significantly to Walter’s on Blue Mound’s reputation. He was known for his attention to detail and his commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients. It is believed that he continued to refine the recipe for the Pink Squirrel over time, ensuring that it remained a consistent and popular choice among patrons.
The Spread of the Pink Squirrel: From Milwaukee to Beyond
Once created at Walter’s on Blue Mound, the Pink Squirrel quickly gained popularity, spreading throughout the Milwaukee area and beyond. Its unique flavor and eye-catching color made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
The Pink Squirrel benefited from word-of-mouth advertising, as satisfied customers shared their experiences with friends and family. Its distinctive appearance also made it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations, further contributing to its spread.
The Rise of Grasshopper Variations
Interestingly, the Pink Squirrel is often associated with the Grasshopper cocktail, another creamy, dessert-like drink made with crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and cream. Both drinks share a similar texture and sweetness, and it’s possible that the Pink Squirrel was inspired, in part, by the popularity of the Grasshopper. The flavors are distinct but complementary, representing a broader trend of creamy, dessert-style cocktails popular in the mid-20th century.
The Grasshopper’s enduring appeal likely contributed to the Pink Squirrel’s acceptance and eventual success. Both drinks offered a similar indulgence, making them attractive to patrons seeking a sweet and satisfying cocktail experience.
Adaptations and Modern Interpretations
Over the years, the Pink Squirrel has seen various adaptations and modern interpretations. Some recipes substitute ice cream for heavy cream, creating a thicker, milkshake-like consistency. Others incorporate different types of liqueurs or flavorings, adding a contemporary twist to the classic recipe.
While these variations may deviate from the original formula, they demonstrate the Pink Squirrel’s enduring appeal and its ability to adapt to changing tastes. The core elements of crème de noyaux, crème de cacao, and cream remain essential, but the proportions and additional ingredients can be adjusted to create a unique and personalized cocktail experience. The use of alternative ingredients, such as almond milk or coconut cream, has also made the Pink Squirrel accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
The Pink Squirrel’s Enduring Legacy
Despite its somewhat obscure origins, the Pink Squirrel remains a beloved cocktail, particularly in the Midwest. It’s a testament to the creativity of bartenders like Ross Cumming and the unique culture of Wisconsin supper clubs. The drink represents a specific era in cocktail history, a time when creamy, dessert-like concoctions were in vogue.
The Pink Squirrel’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its unique flavor profile, its eye-catching color, and its association with a bygone era of elegance and indulgence. It is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of a particular time and place.
Preserving the History of Classic Cocktails
The story of the Pink Squirrel highlights the importance of preserving the history of classic cocktails. These drinks represent a rich cultural heritage, reflecting the tastes, trends, and innovations of different eras. By understanding the origins and evolution of classic cocktails, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of mixology and the role that cocktails play in our social and cultural lives.
Documenting the stories behind these drinks, including the bartenders who created them and the establishments where they originated, is crucial to ensuring that their legacy is preserved for future generations. These stories offer valuable insights into the history of cocktail culture and the evolution of the modern bar scene.
Rediscovering the Pink Squirrel Today
Today, the Pink Squirrel is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, as bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts rediscover its unique appeal. It’s being featured on cocktail menus at both classic supper clubs and modern bars, offering a taste of nostalgia and a touch of whimsy. The rediscovery of the Pink Squirrel also reflects a broader trend of embracing classic cocktails and celebrating the history of mixology.
Bartenders are experimenting with new variations of the Pink Squirrel, incorporating modern techniques and ingredients while staying true to the drink’s original spirit. This renewed interest in the Pink Squirrel suggests that its legacy will continue to endure for many years to come. The drink’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and its unique flavor profile make it a compelling choice for cocktail enthusiasts seeking something both familiar and distinctive.
Key Takeaways: When Was the Pink Squirrel Invented?
While a precise date remains elusive, the Pink Squirrel was likely invented in the 1940s or 1950s at Walter’s on Blue Mound supper club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by bartender Ross Cumming. Its combination of crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and cream created a unique and memorable cocktail that quickly gained popularity. The Pink Squirrel’s enduring appeal lies in its unique flavor profile, eye-catching color, and association with a bygone era of elegance and indulgence. Its story is a testament to the creativity of bartenders and the unique culture of Wisconsin supper clubs. The drink continues to evolve with time, being rediscovered by mixologists who want to offer a creamy-textured cocktail.
What are the key ingredients in a Pink Squirrel cocktail?
The classic Pink Squirrel cocktail is typically made with crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Crème de noyaux, an almond-flavored liqueur, provides the distinctive pink hue and nutty sweetness. White crème de cacao adds a chocolatey flavor profile, while the heavy cream contributes to the cocktail’s rich and smooth texture.
Variations exist, but these three ingredients form the foundation of the drink. Some recipes might include a splash of grenadine for extra color or a small amount of vodka or gin to increase the alcoholic content, though purists argue that these additions stray from the original recipe’s intended flavor profile and creamy consistency.
Where is the Pink Squirrel cocktail believed to have originated?
The Pink Squirrel cocktail is widely believed to have originated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at a bar called Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge. Bryant Sharp, the bar’s founder, is often credited with either creating or popularizing the drink, although the exact circumstances surrounding its invention remain somewhat shrouded in mystery and local lore.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge has a long and storied history, known for its extensive cocktail menu and dedication to classic recipes. The Pink Squirrel fits perfectly within this tradition, contributing to the bar’s reputation as a destination for those seeking well-crafted and unique drinks. The association with Bryant’s is so strong that the cocktail is often considered a Milwaukee staple.
What does “crème de noyaux” taste like and why is it important to the Pink Squirrel?
Crème de noyaux is a liqueur that tastes primarily of almonds, although it’s technically flavored using the kernels found inside apricot, peach, or plum pits, which contain benzaldehyde, the same flavor compound found in almonds. It imparts a sweet, marzipan-like flavor and a subtle bitterness that balances the other ingredients in cocktails.
Crème de noyaux is crucial to the Pink Squirrel because it provides both the drink’s signature pink color and its distinct flavor. Without it, the cocktail would lack its unique almond essence and wouldn’t possess its recognizable rosy hue, effectively rendering it something entirely different.
What are some possible theories behind the name “Pink Squirrel”?
Several theories exist regarding the origin of the name “Pink Squirrel,” none of which are definitively proven. One popular explanation suggests that the name was inspired by a customer who remarked that the drink made them feel like they were “chasing pink squirrels,” implying a sense of lightheartedness or mild intoxication.
Another theory posits that the name simply reflects the cocktail’s color and a whimsical, playful image. The pink color, combined with the slightly nutty flavor, may have evoked the image of a quirky, rosy-hued squirrel to the drink’s creator or early patrons. Regardless of the true source, the name certainly contributes to the cocktail’s memorable appeal.
How has the Pink Squirrel’s popularity changed over time?
The Pink Squirrel enjoyed significant popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the Midwest, often associated with supper clubs and special occasions. It was considered a fashionable and indulgent drink, fitting into the broader trend of creamy, dessert-like cocktails. However, its popularity waned somewhat in later decades as tastes shifted towards drier and less sweet drinks.
In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in classic cocktails, leading to a renewed appreciation for drinks like the Pink Squirrel. Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts are rediscovering and reinterpreting vintage recipes, helping to bring the Pink Squirrel back into the spotlight. This revival is fueled by a desire for unique and historically significant drinks that offer a departure from modern trends.
Are there any modern variations of the Pink Squirrel cocktail?
Yes, while the classic recipe remains popular, modern bartenders have created various twists on the Pink Squirrel cocktail. Some variations involve using different types of cream or milk alternatives to cater to dietary restrictions. Others experiment with adding different liqueurs or bitters to enhance the flavor profile or create a more complex drink.
Another common adaptation involves incorporating fresh ingredients, such as berries or citrus, to brighten the cocktail and add a contemporary touch. Some mixologists even create clarified versions for a more refined appearance and texture. These modern iterations demonstrate the enduring appeal and adaptability of the Pink Squirrel.
What food pairings work well with a Pink Squirrel cocktail?
The Pink Squirrel’s sweet and creamy nature makes it a suitable pairing for desserts, especially those with chocolate or nutty flavors. It complements chocolate cake, almond biscotti, or even a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cocktail’s sweetness can also cut through the richness of certain cheeses, such as brie or mascarpone.
Beyond desserts, the Pink Squirrel can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or after-dinner drink on its own. Its light and refreshing qualities make it a pleasant palate cleanser. For a more unconventional pairing, consider serving it with light appetizers, such as fruit skewers or small pastries, to balance its sweetness.