Have Your Cake and Drink it Too

Move over, plated desserts—there's a new trend flowing straight into guests' glasses, and it's reshaping how caterers and event professionals think about the sweet finale. Drinkable desserts are making waves across the industry, offering a playful yet sophisticated twist that combines indulgence with Instagram-worthy presentation.

From boozy milkshakes crowned with towering garnishes to zero-proof dessert beverages that rival their alcoholic counterparts, these liquid confections are redefining the dessert experience. They're creating memorable moments while solving practical challenges that event professionals face every day.

A trend with deep roots

While drinkable desserts might feel like a fresh innovation, they're actually part of a rich culinary tradition that's been evolving for over a century. New York City's famous Egg Cream debuted in the 1880s, bringing sweetness to soda fountains across the city. The Brandy Alexander appeared in cocktail books across the pond in 1937, while the Grasshopper took over the American South throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Fast forward to the 2010s, and "Freakshakes" became a global phenomenon, piling toppings sky-high on already decadent milkshakes.

Today, in the 2020s, the possibilities for creating and innovating sweet treats in liquid form are virtually limitless. Ryan Manka of Butler's Pantry has witnessed this evolution firsthand. "When the craft cocktail scene started leaning into nostalgia, suddenly, boozy milkshakes, brûléed toppings, and over-the-top garnishes were everywhere, and clients began asking for 'something fun and dessert-like' without wanting a plated dessert," he explains.

Why guests are choosing sips over slices

The surge in popularity of drinkable desserts isn't happening by chance. These beverages tap into something fundamental about how modern event guests want to experience their celebrations. They're seeking indulgence, nostalgia, and convenience all wrapped into one memorable package, and drinkable desserts deliver on every front.

According to research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tiger Sugar, the numbers tell a compelling story. Nearly seven in 10 Americans prefer straws over forks when it comes to dessert, with 69 percent of adults saying they're more likely to order drinkable desserts rather than traditional plated options. This preference reflects a broader shift in how people want to consume their sweets at events.

The underlying motivation runs deeper than simple preference. In today's fast-paced and often stressful world, consumers are actively seeking accessible and comforting treats that provide moments of joy and escape. Drinkable desserts answer this call by offering familiar and comforting dessert flavors in a convenient and portable format that doesn't interrupt the flow of conversation or networking.

Manka identifies three key drivers behind this trend. "Nostalgia, experience-driven events, and social media have all played a role," he notes. "A drinkable dessert feels indulgent without slowing down the flow of an event. What is old is new again."

Unlike traditional plated desserts, drinkable options offer a unique blend of convenience and creativity that serves both guests and event logistics. They allow attendees to mingle freely while enjoying their sweet treat, eliminating the need for flatware, reducing cleanup time, and keeping the energy of the event moving forward. For event planners working with tight timelines or venues with limited seating, this flexibility can be transformative.

Clients today are constantly looking for fresh ways to wow their guests and serve them something they've never experienced before. Drinkable desserts provide the perfect solution because they're fun, unexpected, and highly customizable to match any event theme or brand identity.

From classic to contemporary: reinventing favorites

The beauty of drinkable desserts lies in their ability to take beloved classics and reimagine them for a new generation. Blue Plate Catering's Neapolitan Milkshakes exemplify this approach perfectly. They've transformed an old-fashioned dessert into a contemporary drinkable experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Their "Extreme Milkshake" option takes customization to the next level, allowing guests to choose their favorite ice cream flavors while topping them with other beloved desserts like brownie bites and mini chocolate chip cookies for garnish. The result is essentially a new version of the dessert parfait, but one that's designed for sipping and sharing rather than spooning in silence.

This approach to innovation—honoring tradition while embracing creativity—is what makes drinkable desserts so appealing across different age groups and event types. Whether a corporate gala, a wedding reception, or a milestone birthday celebration, there's a drinkable dessert that can elevate the experience.

Boozy or booze-free: versatility for every guest

One of the most exciting aspects of drinkable desserts is their remarkable versatility. The category encompasses everything from sophisticated alcoholic creations to family-friendly mocktails, ensuring that every guest can participate in the experience regardless of their preferences or dietary restrictions.

Alcoholic options have become particularly popular for evening events and celebrations where guests are seeking a playful luxury. Espresso martini variations continue to dominate, while bourbon apple crumble cocktails and other spirit-forward dessert drinks cater to those who appreciate complex flavors with a kick.

Manka has observed the espresso martini's resurgence with particular interest. "The espresso martini has found itself on a pedestal again," he says. "But this time, the adaptations are truly inspiring, utilizing fresh, homemade, and unique ingredients."

On the flip side, non-alcoholic options are gaining significant traction, especially among health-conscious guests and at events where inclusivity is a priority. These zero-proof creations offer all the fun and flavor without the alcohol, making them perfect for family-friendly events, daytime gatherings, or guests who prefer not to drink. Think açai smoothie bowls served in elegant glasses or cereal-infused milk paired with a warm cookie—these options prove that you don't need alcohol to create a memorable dessert experience.

The rise of sophisticated mocktails has given caterers and mixologists new tools to work with, from premium non-alcoholic spirits to creative flavor combinations that stand on their own merit rather than simply mimicking their boozy counterparts.

Mastering the logistics

While drinkable desserts are undeniably exciting from a creative standpoint, they come with their own set of operational challenges that event professionals need to understand and plan for. Temperature control, service speed, and maintaining visual appeal are top concerns, especially when you're serving large events or working in venues with limited facilities.

The solution lies in smart preparation and systems thinking. "We batch everything that can be batched and finish drinks to order with garnishes or a quick torch for presentation," Manka explains. This approach allows his team to maintain quality and consistency while still delivering drinks at the pace that events demand.

For smaller, more intimate events, there's room to incorporate techniques that require more time and skill on site. Consider using an on-fire marshmallow as a garnish for dramatic tableside presentation, or crafting a red velvet espresso martini whose signature foam requires a precise ten-second whip shake. These moments of theater can become highlights of the event experience.

Interactive elements can also elevate the drinkable dessert experience while managing service flow. A Build-Your-Own Mudslide station offers a sweet counter to the popular Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary bars that have become brunch staples. An affogato bar with different flavored ice creams and espresso options gives guests agency in creating their perfect dessert while adding an element of entertainment to the event.

Outdoor venues or locations with limited facilities require extra planning and specialized equipment. Portable chillers become essential for maintaining proper temperatures, while insulated batching containers ensure that your base ingredients stay fresh throughout service. Modular garnish kits allow you to transport and organize all your finishing touches efficiently, ensuring that every drink looks as good as the first one served.

The key is to always think about the location and logistics before designing a drink. It's all about creating a rock-solid system that can handle any environment, from a fully equipped hotel ballroom to a tented outdoor celebration.

Garnishes that steal the show

What truly sets drinkable desserts apart from their traditional counterparts is their ability to surprise and delight through visual presentation. From torched marshmallow garnishes that add drama and aroma to French 75 Jello shots served on lavender foam, these creations are as much about the experience as they are about the flavor profile.

Manka has witnessed this reaction countless times. "Guests light up when they see a drinkable dessert," he observes. "It's almost always a mix of surprise and delight, which is exactly what you want in a premium event moment."

The possibilities for creative garnishing are virtually endless. Consider a Birthday Cake Martini that arrives garnished with an actual cube of birthday cake and a lit candle for extra pizzazz. Other unorthodox cocktail toppers like Rice Krispies Treats, Pixy Stix, and even Klondike Bars lean into the dessert cocktail trend while capitalizing on consumers' nostalgia for the foods of their childhood.

For caterers looking to showcase innovative techniques, drinkable desserts provide the perfect canvas. Molecular gastronomy techniques can create fruit caviar that bursts with flavor. Homemade flavored ice creams or sorbets add artisanal touches. Classic cocktails can be transformed into Jello bites that offer familiar flavors in unexpected textures.

However, it's important to remember that complexity isn't always necessary to create impact. One surprisingly simple yet effective technique is using popsicles as ice in drinks. Picture a margarita with a mango or blackberry popsicle slowly melting and infusing the drink with additional flavor. Champagne becomes even more celebratory with an orange or strawberry popsicle. A rum and pineapple cocktail paired with a coconut popsicle transports guests to a tropical paradise. These approaches are easy to execute but deliver impressive results that brighten up any summer celebration.

Of course, not all drinks need to come with actual pieces of cake or pastries to be considered dessert cocktails. Leveraging flavors that call to mind classic desserts can work just as effectively, and today's market offers numerous syrups, spirits, and bitters designed specifically for this purpose. RumChata, with its cinnamon and vanilla flavoring, can form the base for cocktails designed to taste like cakes or cookies. Chocolate bitters add notes of cacao without overwhelming other flavors. Fruit liqueurs or shrubs provide aromatic, slightly sweet punches that round out dessert-inspired profiles.

The social media effect

Social media has amplified the playfulness of drinkable desserts, turning them into natural showpieces that generate organic marketing for both caterers and event hosts. In an era where guests are constantly looking for photo-worthy moments to share with their networks, garnishes have become more than just decoration—they're conversation starters and memory makers.

Manka has seen this phenomenon play out repeatedly. "Garnishes are Instagrammable—it's just a fact," he states. "As clients look for more ways to create photo-worthy moments, going big with garnishes is an easy win."

The impact extends beyond individual posts. "A single photo of a torched marshmallow or a glittered espresso martini can inspire an entire menu request," Manka notes. "These drinks are natural showpieces. I feel they are the second coming of the dessert tray that used to be carried around a diner to show what was available. Each time a drinkable dessert is delivered to a table, a person in the vicinity is always asking, 'What did they get?'"

This organic curiosity creates a ripple effect throughout an event. One stunning drinkable dessert can spark interest from other guests, leading to additional orders and creating buzz that extends the impact of the event’s catering far beyond the event itself. When those photos get shared on social media, they become powerful testimonials and marketing tools that showcase your creativity and execution.

For event planners, this social media potential adds another layer of value to choosing drinkable desserts. They're not just feeding guests—they're creating shareable moments that extend the reach and impact of the event itself.

Building your reputation one sip at a time

When you're ready to incorporate drinkable desserts into your event, the key to success lies in finding a catering partner who understands how to balance creativity with flawless execution. While it might be tempting to request the most elaborate and visually stunning creations you've seen on social media, the most successful events feature drinkable desserts that are both impressive and consistently deliverable.

Manka offers valuable insight for event planners beginning this conversation with their caterers. "Choose one or two signature drinkable desserts that you can execute flawlessly every single time," he recommends. "The biggest mistake new operators make is chasing visual impact before they understand the mechanics behind it."

When meeting with your catering partner, start by discussing options that align with their existing capabilities and equipment. This ensures that your guests will receive perfectly crafted drinks throughout your entire event, not just during the first round of service. As you build a relationship with your caterer and see their execution firsthand, you can gradually explore more complex offerings for future events. This collaborative approach allows both you and your catering team to develop confidence in delivering extraordinary experiences.

Work closely with your caterer to leverage seasonality in your drinkable dessert selections, just as you would with traditional menu planning. Spring and summer events provide the perfect backdrop for fresh berries, herbs, and lighter profiles that complement warm weather celebrations and outdoor venues. Fall gatherings offer opportunities to showcase apples, pumpkin, and warm spices that create cozy, memorable moments. Winter events call for rich flavors like chocolate, espresso, and caramel that feel indulgent and warming, perfect for holiday parties and year-end celebrations.

By embracing seasonal offerings in partnership with your caterer, you ensure that your guests experience ingredients at their peak quality and flavor while often benefiting from better value. This approach also positions you to offer fresh, exciting options to clients who work with you throughout the year, keeping your events feeling current and thoughtfully curated. Your catering partner can help you stay ahead of trends while ensuring that every drinkable dessert served at your event is both stunning and delicious.

Ready to pour into this sweet opportunity?

The future of desserts is drinkable, and it's never looked—or tasted—better.

They solve practical challenges while creating memorable experiences. They honor tradition while embracing innovation. They work for intimate gatherings and large-scale events alike. Most importantly, they bring joy to guests in a format that's perfectly suited to how people want to celebrate today.

So, are you ready to shake things up? The glasses are waiting, the garnishes are prepped, and your guests are thirsty for something extraordinary. It's time to pour yourself into this sweet opportunity and discover what drinkable desserts can do for your events.

After all, in a world where experiences matter more than ever, sometimes the best way to end an event isn't with a fork—it's with a straw, a smile, and a sip of something unforgettable.