The Chilly Gobbler is a cozy dessert cocktail that leans into rich, nutty flavors with a cold and creamy twist. It blends amaretto and bourbon with butter pecan ice cream and a splash of milk for a smooth, milkshake-like base. Topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a few pecans, it’s sweet, boozy, and full of fall flavor. Whether you’re ending a big holiday meal or just want something comforting and cool, this one hits the spot. Serve it in a chilled glass with a spoon or straw it’s basically dessert you can sip. Inspired by www.finewineandgoodspirits.com.
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Tasting Notes
The Chilly Gobbler is creamy, smooth, and just a little boozy. Bourbon gives it warmth and a hint of spice, while amaretto adds a soft nutty flavor that blends perfectly with the butter pecan ice cream. Milk rounds it out and keeps the drink from getting too thick. The whipped cream, caramel, and pecan garnish add texture and richness without making the drink too heavy. It’s like a dessert and cocktail in one cool, cozy, and perfect for sipping after a meal or during a chilly night in.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a blender, jigger, and a spoon or squeeze bottle for garnish. A rocks glass is the best choice for serving it keeps the drink easy to manage without being oversized. If you want to show off the garnish, use a wide glass with a low rim. Chill your glass ahead of time to help the blended drink stay cold and firm. You won’t need a shaker or strainer—just blend, pour, and dress it up. A small rubber spatula helps with scooping the mix out of the blender if you want to keep things clean.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop butter pecan ice cream
- 1 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz amaretto
- 1 oz milk
- Garnish: whipped cream, caramel sauce, pecan
Instructions
- Add the ice cream, bourbon, amaretto, and milk to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a rocks glass.
- Top with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and add a pecan for garnish.
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality butter pecan ice cream for the best flavor cheaper brands can be too icy or lack strong pecan flavor.
- Full-fat milk blends more smoothly, but you can use any type depending on what you have.
- Blend just long enough to combine everything without letting it melt too much.
- For a cleaner pour, let the blender sit for 10 seconds before pouring to let bubbles settle.
- Add the whipped cream just before serving to keep it light.
- Toasted pecans add extra flavor if you want to take it up a notch.
When to Serve
The Chilly Gobbler is perfect for fall and winter nights, holiday parties, or as a fun after-dinner treat. It’s rich, cool, and easy to serve when you want something different from the usual warm drinks. It works well after big meals or as a dessert-style cocktail for guests who don’t want a full dessert. You can also serve it at Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or cozy nights in. Because it’s sweet and cold, it fits in anywhere a milkshake or creamy drink would—but with a little more punch.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- For bourbon, go with something smooth and not too bold. Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, or Elijah Craig Small Batch are all solid picks.
- For amaretto, Disaronno is the most common choice, but Lazzaroni and Luxardo also work well.
- The ice cream should be butter pecan with visible pieces for best texture.
- Use a good caramel sauce store-bought is fine, but homemade gives you more control.
- You don’t need fancy milk anything from whole to 2% works.
- Chill all ingredients ahead of time to keep the drink cold and smooth from first sip to last.
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 scoop butter pecan ice cream
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1 oz milk
- 0.5 oz amaretto
- Garnish: whipped cream caramel sauce, pecan
Instructions
- Add the ice cream, bourbon, amaretto, and milk to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a rocks glass.
- Top with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and add a pecan for garnish.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass beforehand to help the drink stay cold longer.
- Swap the milk for half & half if you want it richer.
- You can toast the pecan for a little extra flavor.