Half and half is a dairy product that is commonly used in cocktails and mixed drinks. It is a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream, resulting in a liquid that is approximately 10-12% fat. Half and half adds richness and body to cocktails, helps balance sweet and sour flavors, and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
What is the difference between half and half and other dairy products?
Half and half differs from other dairy products like milk, cream, and evaporated milk in its specific blend and fat content:
- Whole milk is approximately 3.5% fat
- Light cream is approximately 20% fat
- Heavy cream is approximately 36-40% fat
- Evaporated milk is milk with about 60% of the water removed, resulting in a fat content of approximately 7.5%
The lower fat content of half and half compared to heavy cream makes it a lighter option for adding creaminess and texture to cocktails and drinks. The higher fat content compared to milk gives it more body and richness of flavor.
Why is half and half used in cocktails?
There are a few key reasons half and half is a popular ingredient in cocktails and mixed drinks:
- It adds creamy texture and mouthfeel without being too heavy.
- It helps mellow strong alcohol flavors.
- It balances sweet and sour flavors.
- It creates a smooth, velvety foam when shaken or stirred.
- It adds subtle richness and dairy flavor.
The versatility of half and half makes it useful in a wide variety of cocktails from shaken drinks like White Russians to stirred cocktails like whiskey sours. It integrates well into both alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixtures.
What cocktails and drinks use half and half?
Here are some popular cocktails and mixed drinks that traditionally include half and half:
White Russian
One of the most famous uses of half and half is in a White Russian. This cocktail mixes vodka, coffee liqueur, and half and half over ice for a creamy, sweet indulgence.
Brandy Alexander
A rich, dessert-like cocktail blending brandy, dark creme de cacao, and half and half. Often finished with grated nutmeg on top.
Pink Squirrel
A frozen blended drink with creme de noyaux, creme de cacao, and half and half for a pink, creamy concoction.
Tom and Jerry
A Christmas time classic that mixes brandy, rum, and half and half with eggs and sugar, topped with nutmeg.
Whiskey Sour
Half and half is sometimes used instead of simple syrup to add creamy body to the classic blend of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar.
Irish Coffee
Half and half floated gently on top of coffee, whiskey, and sugar is an iconic presentation of Irish coffee drinks.
White Chocolate Mocha
For a creamy, comforting non-alcoholic drink, half and half is blended with coffee, white chocolate sauce, and milk.
London Fog
Earl grey tea lattes are made creamy with the addition of vanilla syrup and half and half.
Spiked Milkshakes
Half and half adds rich dairy flavor in adult milkshake cocktails along with liquor and ice cream.
What are substitutes for half and half in cocktails?
If you don’t have half and half on hand or want to reduce the calories and fat content, there are a few possible substitutes to consider:
| Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1:1 ratio | Won’t provide as much richness or texture |
| Light cream | 1:1 to 1:2 ratio | Adds more fat/richness than half and half |
| Non-dairy creamer | 1:1 ratio | Contains emulsifiers to mimic half and half |
| Condensed milk | Equal parts | Much sweeter than half and half |
| Coconut milk | 1:1 ratio | Provides creamy texture with coconut flavor |
When substituting, add the alternative dairy or non-dairy product in equal portions to the amount of half and half called for in the recipe. Taste and adjust sweetener or flavorings as needed.
Key tips for using half and half in cocktails
To get perfectly creamy drinks with half and half every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure to shake or stir vigorously to fully emulsify the half and half.
- Use half and half straight from the fridge for optimal thickness.
- Don’t use ultra-pasteurized half and half, as the high heat processing prevents it from blending as smoothly.
- When floating half and half as a layer, pour gently over the back of a spoon to prevent it from sinking.
- Store any unused portions of half and half in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days.
Creative ways to use half and half in cocktails
Half and half isn’t limited just to traditional mixed drinks! Here are some creative ways to use it in cocktails:
In infused syrups
Steep spices, coffee, tea, or fruit in heated half and half to extract flavors before cooling and using in drinks.
In creamy liqueurs
Mix half and half with distilled spirits and ingredients like chocolate, caramel, or vanilla to make your own liqueurs.
In foams and airs
Using a whipping siphon, half and half can become a light foamy topping for shots or cocktails.
In floats and shakes
Layer chilled half and half delicately over a cocktail or milkshake for visual appeal.
In emulsified vinaigrettes
Half and half adds richness when shaken vigorously with vinegar and oils for creamy cocktail vinaigrettes.
Key cocktail recipes with half and half
Classic White Russian
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 2 oz half and half
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Add vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Top with half and half.
- Garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings if desired.
Browned Butter Washed Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2-3 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 oz browned butter-washed bourbon*
- Orange twist garnish
Instructions:
- Make browned butter washed bourbon ahead of time by browning butter and mixing with an equal part bourbon. Chill in freezer.
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, brown sugar, and bitters with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass with ice cube.
- Float browned butter bourbon on top.
- Garnish with orange twist.
Mexican Hot Chocolate White Russian
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz half and half
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1⁄4 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄8 tsp cayenne pepper
- Dash vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions:
- Rim glass with cinnamon-sugar rimmer.
- Fill glass with ice.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, half and half, condensed milk, cinnamon, cayenne, and vanilla.
- Stir until thoroughly blended and chilled.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is half and half dairy free?
No, half and half is not dairy free. It contains a blend of whole milk and light cream, so it contains lactose and milk proteins. For a non-dairy option, try using coconut creamer or oat milk instead.
Is half and half healthier than heavy cream?
Half and half is lower in fat and calories compared to heavy cream. Half and half contains about 20-30 calories per tablespoon compared to over 50 calories per tablespoon of heavy cream. So while half and half is still high in fat and calories compared to skim milk or non-dairy alternatives, it can be a slightly healthier option when just a small amount is used.
Does half and half curdle in cocktails?
Half and half can curdle in some cocktails, particularly when shaken vigorously or mixed with acidic juices or ingredients. To prevent curdling, add half and half after shaking other ingredients or use a gentle stirring motion. Acidic juices like lemon, lime, and pineapple tend to cause the most curdling issues.
Can half and half be substituted with milk?
Milk can be used as a substitute for half and half in cocktails in a 1:1 ratio, but it will create a thinner, less rich texture. Whole milk or 2% work best to try to maintain some fat content. For the creamiest results, light cream is the closest substitute in terms of texture and fat content to half and half.
Does half and half need to be refrigerated?
Yes, half and half is perishable and must be kept refrigerated at all times until use. The ideal temperature to store half and half is around 35 to 40°F. Keep it towards the front of the fridge where temperatures are colder. Discard half and half if left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.
Conclusion
With its versatility, creaminess, and balance of fat content, half and half is used in many cocktails to add texture and mellow flavors. It integrates especially well into shaken and stirred drinks. Experiment with different ratios of half and half or try some substitutes like milk or coconut cream to find the perfect blend for your flavors. Proper storage and careful mixing techniques will keep half and half smooth. Just a small amount can transform both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks into indulgent creamy treats.