During our recent extended trip to Providence, Rhode Island, we didn’t really have time to explore too much of the local craft spirits scene. There are two iconic Rhode Island beverages that we tried, however, that we felt were perfect candidates to work well as a cocktail. We hope you enjoy the fruits of our “research!” Disclaimer: there are some affiliate links below, use them and we make a small amount of money from Amazon.
Lemon Ice Spike
Del’s Lemonade is a popular beverage that you can find all over town when the weather is nice. Shops, food carts, and even ice cream trucks serve this frosty delight. During our trip to the zoo, there were lemon ice carts all over the park even though the temperatures were still a little chilly. The original is a semi-solid slushy and our version plays on that fact, making it the perfect drink for summer. By the way, it didn’t get its name the way you might think. Our hotel was overrun by volleyball players in town for a tournament which inspired the “spike.” You could probably use your favorite lemonade mix if you can’t get your hands on Del’s mix, but they do sell it online.
- 2 ounces dells lemon ice mix
- 2 cups of ice
- 1/2 to 1 cup of water, depending on how thick you want the finished product
- 3 shots of Tito’s Vodka (our favorite)
Put all ingredients into a blender (we love the Ninja for this). Blend for 30 seconds. Divide between two sugar rimmed glasses and enjoy.
Irish coffee milk
Coffee milk is another Rhode Island staple but it might be a little harder to find now that coffee shops are everywhere. I looked at several places and it was never on the menu, but I bet they would make you one if you asked. This is exactly what it sounds like, the chocolate milk from your childhood, only made with coffee syrup. I found several different brands of coffee syrup available around town but none compared to Dave’s Coffee. Made in small batches, it only has three gradients: cane sugar, fresh ground coffee, and water. The way it should be done. You probably won’t be able to find coffee syrup and your local supermarket but you could make your own. Start with four shots of espresso and put that in a saucepan with half a cup of sugar. Heat until sugar is dissolved and pour into a bottle or jar to cool.
- 1 cup whole milk (you could use a milk substitute, but it will change the flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of coffee syrup
- 1 shot of Irish whiskey, such as Jameson’s
Pour all of the ingredients into a shaker over about a cup of ice. Shake vigorously. Uncapped the shaker and pour everything into a glass. Don’t use the shaker’s strainer or you will miss all of the delicious foam. Garnish with a drizzle of coffee syrup and relive a grown-up version of a favorite childhood treat!
We hope you enjoy our cocktail series. Leave us a comment below if you have a favorite from Rhode Island that we missed.
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