Frozen Cocktails: Des Moines' Coolest Summer Trend

Across the Des Moines metro, a beloved trend from the past is making a significant comeback: frozen supper club cocktails. These creamy, indulgent dessert drinks, reminiscent of mid-century nights out, are being revived by local establishments, offering a nostalgic escape. Johnny's Italian Steakhouse is at the forefront, featuring a menu of glamorous, Rat Pack-era throwbacks. Their offerings include the classic Golden Cadillac, invented in 1952, alongside other era favorites like the Grasshopper, Brandy Alexander, and Pink Squirrel. A modern addition, the Espresso Cream Dream, also features on their menu.

Jesse's Embers, a long-standing establishment, continues its tradition of serving these classic dessert cocktails, such as Brandy Alexanders and Grasshoppers, as the perfect end to their flame-cooked meals. This supper club embodies the purest expression of the Midwestern tradition. For a more playful and spirited interpretation, Zombie Burger's Drink Lab offers spiked versions of their milkshakes. Popular choices include the Zombie Unicorn, which adds tequila to a Frooty Pebbles concoction, and the Human Centipede, featuring a vanilla liqueur twist. These revivals celebrate a time when dessert drinks were a special experience.