Salted Caramel Mudslide

The craze known as Salted Caramel is everywhere. When I first heard of this marriage a few years ago I was, admittedly, hesitant to try it. Then my friend Alexis made a cupcake and I didn't want to be rude...plus it was divine looking, so why not? I still remember my first bite. it was that good and  I have eaten lots of cupcakes...Well, I suppose if you count a couple thousand as lots. I joke. Not really, haha. Every city I visit I like to check out the "cupcakeries" It's kinda my little adventure for myself. I have been to numerous and this cupcake was on level with some of the best and I was sold on this combo... swiftly. And now two years later...it's all the rage.

This came about like most of my concoctions: meandering my way though the ice cream aisle. haha true story, I'm telling you people, look at the possibilities when you go next time. Just about any ice cream will make a tasty drink of some sort. Mudslide just happens to be my go to. I had just been in the tea and coffee aisle, grabbing my daily crack- Zen green tea- when I saw it: Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate...yes, please! Then when I was in the ice cream aisle I noticed the Starbucks Caramel Frappachino ice cream, the wheels started working and just like that dessert in a glass was born. Glorious...simply glorious. 


You could make so many variations of this one drink, play with the kahlua and baileys. try the new caramel flavored vodka. perhaps switch the ice cream up and get Karamel Sutra or Creme Brûlée by Ben and Jerry's. You can make it non alcoholic if you wanted. Just do something.  All I know is I pretty much achieved nirvana when this first hit my tongue. The only thing that makes me sad is I made this the nite of the Superbowl and as a Pats fan...I haven't had one since...too soon. haha 

Ingredients
for drink
2 cups caramel flavored ice cream
1/4 cup of salted caramel hot choc mix
1/4 cup whipped cream vodka
2 tbsp Kahlua
2 tbsp bailey's
2tbsp caramel coffee creamer
2 tbsp caramel syrup
1 cup ice
for caramel whip cream
1 cup cold whipping cream
3 tbsp caramel syrup
1 tbsp cocoa mix
heath-bar pieces* optional


directions
place all ingredients in blender and blend to your desired consistency, if you have some chocolate or caramel syrup pour some in the glass and twist for decorative purposes only. 
To make whip cream, pour whipping cream & cocoa mix in bowl and whip on low speed for 1 minute and gradually increase speed and as stiff peaks begin to form(after 2-3 minutes) slowly beat in the caramel until it is fully incorporated.  Pipe whip cream over the mudslide and top with heath-bar bits(if desired)

And I wish I had done a caramel rim w/sea salt. Apparently my genius was on break. Fail on my part. Now my drink looks second tier. but it tastes first, lest you doubt.

On a side note...I have been using lots of Starbucks lately. The funny thing here is the only purchase I ever make from an actual Starbucks is Zen green tea. I hate coffee. Actually I think abhor may be more apt, but I adore coffee ice cream.  Weird I know...I never claimed to make sense. 


*Origin* just another twist of the ever popular mudslide.