Grand Island Golden Hummer

The Golden Hummer is a retro blended cocktail that tastes like a vanilla milkshake with a warm, herbal kick. Two scoops of vanilla ice cream get blended with Galliano (that tall yellow bottle of anise-vanilla liqueur) and white creme de cacao (chocolate liqueur without the color). The result is smooth, creamy, and deceptively strong.

Galliano is what gives this drink its golden color and distinctive flavor. It’s a complex Italian liqueur with notes of vanilla, anise, and herbs. Paired with the chocolate sweetness of white creme de cacao and rich vanilla ice cream, it creates something that tastes like dessert but hits like a cocktail.

Soften the ice cream slightly before blending. Rock-hard ice cream will jam the blender and leave chunks. You want it pliable enough to blend smoothly but not melted, or the drink will be thin and watery instead of thick and frosty.

Blend until creamy and pour into a cocktail glass or a short tumbler. This is an afternoon drink, a dessert course, and a conversation starter all in one. Two of these is plenty.

Pro Tips

• Use a good quality vanilla ice cream with real vanilla. Cheap ice cream with artificial flavor can taste off alongside the liqueurs.
• Chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring. It keeps the drink frosty longer.
• One ounce of each liqueur per two scoops of ice cream is the right ratio. More booze thins the drink too much.

Variations

• Chocolate Hummer: Swap the vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream and use dark creme de cacao instead of white.
• Coffee twist: Add a shot of cold espresso or a splash of Kahlua for a coffee-flavored version.