Girl Scout Cookie Inspired Cocktails From Clifton Inn

Now that Girl Scout Cookie season is just about over, it's time to find a way to get that cookie fix once the freezer-stash runs out. Chef Tucker Yoder at the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, Va. has created a flight of three cocktails inspired by several Girl Scout cookie varieties. Each cocktail comes with a matching house-made cookie, a fresh and decadent interpretation of the original.

Although these are made with ice cream (right at the Inn!), they're surprisingly not very sweet. Unlike the "adult milkshakes" so many restaurants offer, they're more akin to a flavored cocktail, well-balanced and easy to drink. They stand just as well with an after-work cheese plate as they do as a full dessert and the flight of three is just the right size to be shared by two.

Although you can try them in any order, we recommend the following:

The Thin Mint

Beefeater, Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao, Bourbon Ice Cream

An interesting twist on the familiar Grasshopper, the addition of gin lends slight botanical notes of juniper and licorice which match nicely with the mint. The chocolate from the crème de cacao is very subtle here, making the accompanying cookie a perfect match. Fresh, crisp, and refreshing.

The Tagalong

Bacardi Superior, Peanut Rum Crème, Crème de Cacao, Bitters

Of the three, definitely the closest in flavor to the original cookie, The Tagalong features a bold peanut flavor balanced well by the bitters. This one starts a bit sweeter but finishes very clean, reminiscent of café au lait with a hint of hazelnut.

The Samoa

Jim Beam, Crème de Cacao, Egg Whites, Caramel Ice Cream

The bourbon features strongly here, and fits perfectly with the caramel ice cream. Rich and creamy but still not too sweet, the smokiness lingers nicely. A perfect close to the flight.

The Clifton Inn is located several minutes outside of Charlottesville, renown in the area as a scenic bed & breakfast for weekend getaways, romantic dinners, and classic weddings. The flight of cocktails runs $22 for the three.