Single Cream

Single Cream in Your Cocktail

Single cream is a British term that is basically equivalent to what Americans refer to as half and half. It is usually between 10 and 12% of fat. Double cream is something a little different that offers more fat and is much richer. Single cream can be used in a wide variety of cocktails that make them a little richer. Whether you use them in a frozen drink or as a dessert drink to finish the evening, you can buy the cream and make some amazing cocktails from your home.

What to Do with Single Cream

When you buy the single cream, this often takes the place of heavy cream or as a way of toning down a cocktail that calls for Irish cream by taking out one of the alcoholic components from it. The recipes that you make can be out of any liquor cocktail book or some that you create your own using a bottle of single cream, a blender, a pitcher filled with ice and any number of other ingredients that you have behind your bar.

 

One of the best drinks that you can make is a White Russian. Here, you will need an old fashioned glass filled with ice. Add a shot of vodka and a shot of coffee liqueur (typically Tia Maria or Kahlua). From there, fill the rest up with single cream. There are many variations to the recipe, however the one with cream is the most standard.

You can also make egg nog with single cream. You will need brandy, egg yolk and several other ingredients, including nutmeg and sugar, though it will be worth it. This is traditionally made around the holidays and there are various recipes across the internet that can help you out with it. Make up a large batch and then serve it up at a holiday party and everyone will love your contribution.

Where to Look for Single Cream

You can find single cream at any grocery store in the dairy section. It is usually in a pint or quart sized container, so you want to make sure that you buy enough for you and all of your friends, if you plan on making drinks for everyone. Don't try to look for the ingredient at any liquor store, unless it's a very fancy one because the only thing in their refrigerated section is beer and wine coolers – not really in the same league as what you are trying to create with the cream.

 

If you cannot find single cream, you can substitute a few other dairy products (or non dairy, depending on allergies). These include:

• Heavy cream
• Skim milk
• Whole milk
• Soy milk

Any of these ingredients can easily be substituted into most cocktails. Some will be richer and the consistency may change a little bit, however the outcome is roughly the same. This way, you can make the changes that you need based upon who you are making cocktails for and what you have available in your refrigerator.