Golden Dream Cocktail Recipe

The Golden Dream is a classic cocktail recipe that tastes like orange and cream with hints of vanilla spice. It’s perfect as an after dinner drink – even a dessert.

Golden Dream cocktail in coupe glass on table

And the best part is that it’s so easy to make something this decadent.

History of the Golden Dream

This drink was created by Raimundo Alvarez at the Old King Bar in Miami, possibly in the 1950s. It became popular in the 60s and 70s.

What is the Golden Dream Cocktail?

The Golden Dream cocktail is a sweet and creamy drink, like the Grasshopper. It’s dessert in a glass.

The flavors of orange and cream blend beautifully, and the vanilla spice from the Galliano adds a wonderful note.

The Ingredients

To create the Golden Dream cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Galliano
  • Cointreau
  • Orange juice
  • Heavy cream
  • Orange peel for garnish (optional)

This version of the recipe, like the original, calls for equal parts of all ingredients. But over the years, bartenders have changed the ratios to see what else works.

So feel free to change the ratios. You could add more orange liqueur or juice to bring out that flavor, or more cream if you want it even dreamier. You might even enjoy bumping up the Galliano.

The Influence of Galliano

One of the key ingredients in the Golden Dream cocktail is Galliano, a sweet herbal liqueur with a distinct vanilla flavor. Galliano was first created in Italy in 1896 by Arturo Vaccari.

The liqueur is made from a blend of over 30 herbs and spices, including anise, juniper, and vanilla. Its unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity to the Golden Dream cocktail.

Tips and Variations

  • If you don’t have Galliano, you can substitute it with vanilla liqueur or vanilla syrup for a similar flavor profile.
  • For a non-alcoholic version of the Golden Dream cocktail, leave out the Galliano and triple sec, and replace them with orange juice and a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by adding more or less triple sec, depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

To impress guests enjoying the Golden Dream cocktail:

  • Serve the cocktail in a chilled martini glass or a rocks glass for an elegant presentation.
  • Pair the Golden Dream cocktail with desserts such as chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, or tiramisu for a truly decadent experience.
  • Serve the cocktail as a delightful after-dinner treat or as a signature drink at a cocktail party to impress your guests.
Golden Dream cocktail in coupe glass on table

Golden Dream Cocktail Recipe

Yield: 1 drink
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes

The Golden Dream is a classic cocktail recipe that tastes like orange and cream with hints of vanilla spice. It's perfect as an after dinner drink - even a dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • 1 ounce Galliano L'Autentico
  • 1 ounce heavy cream
  • 1 ounce orange juice

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add all the ingredients to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a martini or coupe glass.

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Last Updated:

October 25, 2023