How to Make a Turtle Cocktail

If you’re wondering how to make a turtle cocktail, I’ve got you covered. We’ve taken all the deliciousness that’s in a chocolate, caramel, and pecan turtle cluster and put it in a cocktail. Oh, yes, we did.

It took some testing, and tasting, and … you get the idea. We had a lot of fun creating this one! If you love boozy desserts, too, check out this recipe for Crown Royal Cupcakes and these boozy red velvet cake balls.

The Turtle Roots

Did you know that one candy company trademarked that turtle cluster? Honestly, I didn’t! George DeMet of DeMet’s Candy actually created the Turtle back in the early 1900s. According to the DeMet’s website, it was probably the shape of the candy that gave it the name. It does kind of look like a turtle, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, I did not know Piehole Pecan Whiskey was no longer in business. I met some of the team a while back and really liked the brand.

There are other pecan whiskeys available, like the one from Revel Stoke, or the Pecan Pie Liquor from Backwoods Craft Spirits. (There’s a recipe for pecan pie I will be trying soon on their site!) But back to how to make a turtle cocktail.

How to Make a Turtle Cocktail

Gather your ingredients and let’s get started!

This is so easy! Before adding ice, add the Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and pecan whiskey or liquor of your choice into a cocktail shaker. If you don’t have pecan flavored spirits, you could use a 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, but it’s not nearly as much fun! Add almond milk to the shaker along with both Hershey’s chocolate syrup and caramel syrup.

Pour about 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup on one plate, and 1 tablespoon of caramel syrup on another plate. On yet another plate, add shaved chocolate and crushed pecans for topping. You really have to be ready with all this to get the desired look as whipped cream melts quickly.

Dip your 8-ounce glass in the chocolate, lift, and dip another time or two until the rim has enough chocolate that it will drizzle down the side. Immediately to the same with the caramel. Set glass upright and let it drizzle.

Add ice to the shaker and shake well until chilled. Pour mixture into the glass. Top with whipped cream, pecans, and chocolate shavings.

How to Make a Turtle Cocktail Frozen

This would be amazing frozen! Simply add all ingredients to a blender, and add a 1/2 cup of ice. Top with whipped cream and toppings as above.

Can I Make The Cocktail in Advance?

You may want to make a bunch of these in advance as it does take some time to put everything together. If I were to make this for a party, I’d add all the ingredients except the ice (and the toppings, of course) and put it in a container in the fridge. As guests arrive, put out the plates with chocolate syrup, caramel syrup and the bowl of the toppings.

Let guests dip their own glasses. Pour about 3 1/2 ounces of the mixture into a shaker with ice, or double for two, triple for three, etc. Let guests add their own toppings, too.

And of course, tell them to take a photo and post it to Instagram! Tag me at @kastilwell and you might just get a prize in the mail! I’d love to see your cocktails!

Can I Make This Turtle Cocktail Virgin?

Of course, you can make this a virgin cocktail for younger guests or those who choose not to drink. Simply leave out the alcohol and use a the almond extract for the nut flavor.

More Cocktails

Looking for more fun cocktails? Check out this French Martini, Spiked Arnold Palmer, or this Cranberry Moscow Mule.