drunk pudding

Dec 20

Dec 20 drunk pudding

Happy Booze-Day!

(I mean, Tuesday!)

I am 100% completely and totally over holiday parties. The Man Friend and I have attended four in the last 8 days. As much fun as we've had at each of them, too much socialization is pretty taxing on our little introverted souls. Regardless, it's been a joyful and eventful party season.

Many moons ago, my dear friend Ashley introduced me to the delightfully tasty dessert known as Drunk Pudding. No, it's not some weird British sitcom. It's a favorite childhood dessert, all grown up and of drinking age.

My mama-in-law is one of the best hostesses ever. She throws a mean party with plenty of delicious food and refreshing libations. Several years ago, we met in Port Aransas for a beachy Thanksgiving. I made a batch of Drunk Pudding, though I didn't know it at the time, a true love affair was born. I shared this recipe with her as soon as we got home and it is now a special request at each and every one of her parties (Toni and Margaret...I'm lookin' at you, ladies!).

The great part about Drunk Pudding is that you can make it however you want. Since pudding (and, not to mention, vodka) flavors are so varied, you can make whatever you're in the mood for. It's also AMAZING served frozen...because who doesn't love alcoholic ice cream?

prep time: 20 minutes | chill time: at least 3 hours

experience level: easy-peasy

This dessert is a "choose your own adventure"...you get to choose the pudding and vodka flavors. And if you want a more dessert-like flavor or a bolder booze flavor. Or which topping you want to try. Or maybe frozen or just like pudding. Proceed with caution, because it's addictive...and be sure to read the suggested flavor combinations at the bottom.

option #1: the creamier version

1 large box or 2 small boxes instant pudding
3/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur
1/4 cup flavored vodka
16 ounces Cool Whip whipped topping, Regular or Light
1/4 - 1/3 cup low fat milk (for consistency)

version #2: the lush's version

1 large box or 2 small boxes instant pudding
1/2 cup Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur
1 cup flavored vodka
20 ounces Cool Whip whipped topping, Regular or Light

In a large mixing bowl, beat the dry pudding and the booze together until smooth. Add 1/3 of the Cool Whip to the pudding mix and beat on low until creamy. Add the remainder of the Cool Whip, a bit at a time, making sure that all of the pudding mix is being incorporated into the whipped topping (no chunks of dry mix). If the mixture seems thick or clumpy, add in some milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches the consistency you want.

Immediately spoon the pudding into individual "shot" glasses or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate or freeze until set (at least 3 hours), though preferably overnight. Keep refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to serve.

flavor combinations + topping options

Seriously. The possibilities are endless. Here's hoping you don't get too drunk taste-testing between batches.

Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate pudding + whipped cream vodka + chocolate shavings
Straight Vanilla: French vanilla pudding + vanilla vodka + crushed Nilla wafers
Mint Chocolate: Chocolate pudding + peppermint vodka + chopped Andes mints
Cookies & Cream: Cookies & cream pudding + peppermint vodka + crushed Oreos
Mexican Hot Chocolate: Chocolate pudding (plus a pinch of ground cayenne) + cinnamon vodka + whipped cream
Eggnog: Vanilla pudding + whipped cream vodka + eggnog (sub for the Bailey's) + whipped cream
Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin pudding (plus 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice) + whipped cream vodka + whipped cream
Chocolate or Vanilla Raspberry: Chocolate OR vanilla pudding + raspberry vodka + fresh raspberries
Cheesecake: Cheesecake pudding + vanilla vodka + graham cracker crumbs
S'mores: Chocolate pudding + marshmallow vodka + mini-marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs
Lemon Delight: Lemon pudding + citrus vodka + crushed lemon sandwich cookies
If You Like Piña Coladas: Coconut pudding + pineapple vodka + 2 tbsp creme de coco + flaked coconut and pineapple tidbits