Inspired by tres leches cake, this creamy dreamy mixture of three milks plus a delicious spirit is one of the best dessert cocktails you will ever try! Also includes a non-alcoholic version!
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through this link (at no extra cost to you).
Why This Recipe Works
- This drink will change your life. Period. Full stop. It is SO good!
- Super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients all of which you can keep on hand (except the heavy cream).
- You can make a non-alcoholic version and can make exciting variations using different milks, adding espresso or switching it up with your favorite alcohol.
What is tres leches?
The translation of tres leches means three milks. This Mexican inspired blend typically consists of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream or half and half. You have most likely heard of tres leches cake which is a delicious and light airy sponge cake soaked in this creamy dreamy mixture.
I was inspired to create this cocktail after trying a taste of the milk mixture when making a tres leches cake. It was hard to keep making the cake because I wanted to drink it all! Espresso martini – step aside! There is a new kid on the block and it is the newest dessert cocktail to rock your world.
Can I make non-alcoholic cocktail version?
Absolutely! Just omit the alcohol. You may wish to substitute 1-2 oz additional of heavy cream in place of the alcohol. You can also use any substitute milk or lower fat milk variety (skim, 2%, whole or half and half).
Other delicious modifications for this cocktail
- Omit the ice and make it as a martini!
- Substitute you favorite spirit instead of vodka or rum. Whiskey and bourbon are also delicious.
- Add a shot of espresso to the mix!
- In place of heavy cream, you can lighten it up by using half and half, 2% milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk or your favorite alternative milk.
How to make this recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1-2 oz vodka or rum (can also substitute bourbon or whiskey)
- 1 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 oz evaporated milk
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Optional topping: whipped cream, caramel or cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. Shake vigorously in cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add alcohol to cocktail shaker and mix vigorously.
- Pour over fresh ice for cocktail version or in martini glass for martini version.
- Optional: Top with whipped cream and drizzled caramel or sprinkle of cinnamon.
Looking for other delicious Mexican inspired options for your Cinco de Mayo party?
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my EMAIL NEWSLETTER and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all of the latest delicious food!
You can also comment below. I LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, a 5 STAR RATING is the ultimate compliment as food is my love language!
Tres Leches Cocktail (with Non-Alcoholic Version!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1-2 oz rum or vodka (can also substitute bourbon or whiskey)
- 1 oz evaporated milk
- 1 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Optional topping: whipped cream, caramel or cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. Shake vigorously in cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add alcohol to cocktail shaker and mix vigorously.
- Pour over fresh ice for cocktail version or in martini glass for martini version.
- Optional: Top with whipped cream and drizzled caramel or sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- Non-alcoholic version: Omit alcohol. You may wish to substitute 1-2 oz additional of heavy cream in place of the alcohol. You can also use any substitute milk or lower fat milk variety (skim, 2%, whole or half and half).
- Substitute you favorite spirit instead of vodka or rum. Whiskey and bourbon are also delicious.
- Add a shot of espresso to the mix!
- In place of heavy cream, you can lighten it up by using half and half, 2% milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk or your favorite alternative milk.
Karina
This drink is crazy good!!! I have always loved tres leches cake but never tried a as drink.
Aubrey
Thank you! Any cake that you can drink is ok by me! ๐
Kate
So I made this at home tonight, I used Kraken rum. In the first one. Which was sooooooo good it lead to a second one (lockdown calories donโt count, right??) Oh my goodness it was AMAZING. Aubrey definitely knows her cocktails!!!! The second batch was made with Kraken and a shot of espresso. I personally preferred the first batch, but my husband preferred the second. But to be honest Iโd be more than happy with either. Or both ๐
Aubrey
Thank you so much Kate!!! I am so happy you enjoyed!!! Great tips on the Rum and espresso! ๐