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Don Pedro Recipe: South Africa’s Alcoholic Milkshake For Adults

No matter where you go in South Africa, you will undoubtedly see Don Pedro or Dom Pedro on the drinks menu.

It’s been around since the early 1970s and is a South African classic. It is somewhat difficult to classify as it is a mix between a milkshake, a creamy cocktail and a decadent dessert containing ice cream, cream, alcohol and chocolate.

On my trip to South Africa, we had a Don Pedro in a few places we visited, and they were all yummy.

In my opinion, the Don Pedro is more a grown-up milkshake than anything else, and take it from me; it is rich, creamy and very easy to drink!

A mix of vanilla ice cream, cream, and alcohol, garnished with melted chocolate drizzled inside the glass and a crumbled chocolate flake on the top, goes down a treat.

If you are not keen on whisky, you can replace it with Amarula, a creamy liqueur made from South African marula fruit, or even Baileys or Kahlua.

We enjoyed a shot of creamy Amarula each evening while on safari at Quatermain’s Camp and learnt that the South African elephants enjoy overripe Marula fruit. I can only imagine what it does to them!

three knysna elephants huddles together in the sunshine along the garden route in South Africa

Depending on which alcohol is used will determine the final taste of the Dom Pedro, so it can be different each time you try it. That won’t cause a problem, though, as they are all equally delicious.

Ingredients (per serving)

  • Two large scoops of vanilla ice cream
  •  50ml single cream
  •  Two shots of whisky (Amarula, Kahlua, and Baileys work as well)
  •  Melted dark chocolate and a chocolate flake to garnish

Recipe Instructions

  • Mix the ice cream, cream and whisky (or alcohol of your choice) in a blender until it’s smooth.
  • Melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it inside the glass.
  • Serve in a large wine glass with a straw.
  • Finish off by crumbling a chocolate flake or cocoa powder on top, and enjoy!
Please check out my South Africa posts if you want to learn more about travelling to this fascinating country.