The Return of the Boozy Ice Cream Cocktail: A Nostalgic Indulgence or a Sign of Something Bigger?
There’s something undeniably captivating about the resurgence of boozy ice cream cocktails in Des Moines. It’s not just about the drinks themselves—though, let’s be honest, a Golden Cadillac or a Pink Squirrel is hard to resist—but about what this trend symbolizes. Personally, I think it’s a reflection of our collective yearning for simpler times, for an era when going out for a drink was an experience, not just a transaction. What makes this particularly fascinating is how these cocktails are being reimagined across the city, from the polished nostalgia of Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse to the playful twists at Zombie Burger. It’s as if Des Moines is asking: Can we still find joy in the decadence of the past, or are we just chasing ghosts?
Nostalgia in a Glass: Why the 1950s Are Back on the Menu
One thing that immediately stands out is the way these cocktails are being marketed as a ‘time machine.’ Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, with its Rat Pack-era menu, is essentially selling an experience—a chance to step into the glamorous, celebratory world of the 1950s and ’60s. But what many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about reclaiming a sense of ritual, of turning dessert into an event. In my opinion, this speaks to a broader cultural shift: in an age of fast-paced, disposable experiences, we’re craving something that feels deliberate, indulgent, and meaningful.
Take the Golden Cadillac, for example. Invented in 1952, it’s a drink that feels almost anachronistic today—rich, smooth, and unapologetically indulgent. But that’s precisely why it works. If you take a step back and think about it, this cocktail is a rebellion against the minimalist, health-conscious trends that dominate modern dining. It’s a middle finger to the idea that everything we consume needs to be ‘guilt-free.’ And honestly? I’m here for it.
The Midwestern Tradition: Why Des Moines?
What this really suggests is that Des Moines isn’t just following a trend—it’s reviving a tradition. The frozen supper club cocktail is deeply rooted in Midwestern culture, a relic of a time when steak dinners and Grasshoppers were the epitome of a night out. Jesse’s Embers, with its wood-paneled supper club vibe, is the purest expression of this. There’s no fancy dessert menu here—just Brandy Alexanders and Pink Squirrels, served as the final chapter to a meal.
From my perspective, this is where the trend gets interesting. It’s not just about the drinks; it’s about the context. These cocktails are a reminder of a time when dining out was a communal experience, something you did with friends or family to mark a special occasion. In a world where we’re increasingly isolated—scrolling through social media instead of talking to the person across the table—this feels like a small but significant act of resistance.
The Modern Twist: Playfulness Meets Decadence
Zombie Burger’s approach, on the other hand, is a wild departure from tradition. Their spiked milkshakes, like the Zombie Unicorn and Human Centipede, are dessert first, cocktail second. It’s a louder, more irreverent take on the trend, but one that still taps into the same desire for indulgence. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it appeals to a younger, more experimental crowd. It’s as if the city is saying: ‘We can honor the past, but we’re not afraid to have fun with it.’
This raises a deeper question: Are we simply romanticizing the past, or are we genuinely trying to reconnect with it? I think it’s a bit of both. These cocktails are a way to bridge generations, to create a shared experience that transcends age and taste. A detail that I find especially interesting is how these drinks are being presented—not just as beverages, but as stories. Each cocktail comes with a history, a backstory that adds to its allure.
What This Trend Really Means
If you take a step back and think about it, the resurgence of boozy ice cream cocktails isn’t just about food and drink. It’s about our relationship with time, memory, and community. In a world that often feels fragmented and fast-paced, these cocktails offer a moment of pause, a chance to savor something slow and deliberate.
Personally, I think this trend is a symptom of something bigger—a growing desire to reclaim the rituals that make life feel meaningful. Whether it’s the polished nostalgia of Johnny’s, the timeless tradition of Jesse’s Embers, or the playful twists at Zombie Burger, these cocktails are more than just drinks. They’re a reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back.
So, the next time you raise a glass of Golden Cadillac or Pink Squirrel, think about what it represents. It’s not just a drink—it’s a toast to the past, a celebration of the present, and a hopeful nod to the future. Cheers to that.
