The Trolley Car is a dessert-style frozen cocktail that combines amaretto, strawberries, and vanilla ice cream into a smooth, drinkable treat. It leans into milkshake territory but keeps enough structure to feel like a proper cocktail, making it ideal for casual summer sipping or after-dinner indulgence.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Amaretto – provides sweet almond flavor and acts as the base spirit
- Strawberries – add fresh fruit brightness and natural acidity
- Vanilla ice cream – creates the creamy body and dessert-like texture
Substitutions
- No amaretto? Use hazelnut liqueur or almond syrup (non-alcoholic version)
- No strawberries? Try raspberries or mango for a different fruit profile
- Want it lighter? Use frozen yogurt instead of ice cream
Equipment
- Blender
- Hurricane glass
- Spoon or straw
- Ice (optional for thicker texture)
Why You’ll Love It
Dessert Meets Cocktail
This drink hits both sides. It’s creamy and indulgent like a milkshake, but the amaretto gives it a clear cocktail identity.
Easy Crowd-Pleaser
No precision technique required. Blend, pour, and it works every time.
Substitutions & Variations
- Stronger version: Add a splash of vodka for extra kick
- Thinner texture: Add a small amount of milk or cream while blending
- Chocolate twist: Blend in chocolate syrup or cacao liqueur
- Layered version: Add a scoop of ice cream on top after pouring
Helpful Tips
- Blend just until smooth to avoid over-melting
- Use ripe strawberries for better flavor
- Serve immediately—this doesn’t hold well
- Adjust thickness by adding a splash of milk if needed