The classic Toasted Almond Cocktail is a drink you can make quickly and easily, and it’s such a sweet little treat. It blends amaretto, Kahlua and cream for a rich drink that really hits the spot.
You can make it the way bartenders do, which is to shake it and strain it into a glass. But at home, most people opt to just pour the ingredients in a glass and stir.
Assuming the cream comes straight from the refrigerator, you don’t even need ice. But you can add ice if you like.
The flavors here are almond and coffee with a hint of chocolate somewhere deep in the mix. It’s a soothing, delicious drink that’s best enjoyed along with a moment to yourself.
Sometimes people say you can add vodka or Grand Marnier to this drink, or use Baileys instead of cream. People have any number of variations on this drink.
But technically, most of those are other cocktail recipes entirely. The only true “variations” on the Toasted Almond involve different amounts of the ingredients, or which type of cream you use.
For example, I’ve seen versions of this that call for two ounces of each liqueur and four ounces of low fat milk. Other versions insist on just one ounce of half and half, and keep all ingredients at two ounces.
It really doesn’t matter, and you should tweak the ingredient ratios to your taste and use whatever type of cream or milk you like. I adore half and half in coffee, but for this drink I’d choose whole milk. Your mileage may vary.
This makes a fantastic party drink because who doesn’t love amaretto and Kahlua? And because it’s light on the alcohol. That makes it a nice option for light and social drinkers.
And with those rich, sweet flavors, it also makes a great dessert drink or nightcap. It’s sweet and just filling enough to take the edge off when you’re a little hungry.
If you enjoy this drink, be sure to check out the B52, a little shot which blends Kahlua, Baileys and Grand Marnier. You may also want to check out my collection of Kahlua drink recipes.
To pair this drink with food, just think of it as an almond-flavored milkshake. Enjoy it with diner foods like burgers and fries, or anything else you would pair with a milkshake.
Toasted Almond Drink Recipe

Toasted Almond Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces amaretto
- 2 ounces Kahlua
- 2 ounces cream
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in all the ingredients, and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass.
- Method 2: Put ice cubes in a highball, pour in the ingredients and stir.
kris says
What about putting the cream in last after everytthing, that way its white floating/mixes lovely into the dark drink….
Todd Smith says
I make it this way, however I add 2 ounces if Frangellico to the mix.
Veronica Diane Bird says
I use to drink these only they were blended with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. So good
Mazda Isfahan says
You sure it’s Kahkua? I thought it was creme de cocoa.
Mixy says
Nope, all the books and websites I checked showed Kahlua. It’s possible some bartender somewhere makes it with creme de cacao, but I don’t think it would be as good.
Marty B says
I like one of these as a nightcap about an hour before going to sleep. I use whole milk or whatever I have on hand. You can’t go wrong.
Denzel says
Instead of milk or creamer I use rumchata. No need to add more cinnamon in it afterwards, I still do though. 😛
Mixy says
Nice!
Barbara says
What is Rumchata ?
Mixy says
It’s a cream-liqueur that’s rum + horchata, so it’s a got some cinnamon flavor. I think of it as an alternative to Bailey’s – it’s rum instead of whiskey, plus that cinnamon taste. It’s very nice.
LMC says
This drink is AMAZING particularly if you love almonds/ameretto and something really creamy. I actually have made a variation of this same drink by adding 2oz of Irish Cream and upping the the cream by an additional 1-2 oz Yum!
Mixy says
That sounds great!