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    Home » Cocktails

    Published: Apr 12, 2022 · Modified: Sep 19, 2023 by Pam

    Smith and Kearns Cocktail Recipe

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    Jump to Recipe
    Pin image of Smith & Kearns in glass.

    The Smith and Kearns is a creamy but light cocktail perfect for after dinner or as a nightcap. A splash of soda gives it a fun fizzy finish!

    Smith & Kearns cocktail in glass.
    Jump to:
    • A cocktail with a history
    • You may have to tell your bartender how to make a Smith & Kearns
    • Make it with coffee liqueur or chocolate
    • Make it with milk, cream, or half and half
    • The best way to mix the Kahlua and Cream for your cocktail
    • Similar to an egg cream, but with booze
    • FAQ’s
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Cocktails

    A cocktail with a history

    When it comes down to it though, don’t they all have a history?

    The story goes that this one was created in a bar frequented by two men – one named Smith and the other one Curran. The bar was loud and the name Curran was misunderstood as “Kearns”. Who knows about the spelling because you sometime see it called Smith & Kerns.

    The location of this bar is the subject of more great debate. Some say Edinburgh, Scotland and some say as far from there as North Dakota. Either way, it was a happy creation.

    I have my own memories of this tasty drink. After a long night of food and drinks at a conference, a very special friend suggested that we order one. I was immediately sold!

    It was just the right way to end the evening. Creamy, slightly sweet and with a fun tang from the bubbles of soda this drink was a new favorite.

    That special friend is gone now, but I will always think of her when I have a Smith & Kearns. Here’s to you, Roz!

    You may have to tell your bartender how to make a Smith & Kearns

    Not incredibly well known, you may have to guide the bartender, but they’ll thank you afterwards. The next thing you know they’ll be making it for their regulars and they’ll be the hero.

    With just three ingredients, it’s simple enough and crazy how refreshing a drink it makes.

    cocktail with ingredients behind.

    Make it with coffee liqueur or chocolate

    Now, when Roz educated the bartender that first time she told him to use Kahlua, which is a coffee liqueur, so that’s how I make it, too.

    However, it appears that the mixology historians all agree that it was originally made with cream de cacao. We’ve written the recipe in such a way that you can use either and they will both be amazing!

    When you’re in the mood for chocolate use the cream de cacao and for coffee flavor, use the Kahlua.

    Love chocolate and coffee together? You’ll want to be sure and save White Chocolate Mocha to make sometime soon!

    Make it with milk, cream, or half and half

    The original Smith & Kearns was made with cream, so naturally it was rich and extra indulgent. If that’s your favorite way to describe a cocktail then you should feel free to use cream.

    Half and half is a good happy medium and makes an excellent drink. It has some of the indulgence of the cream, but not too much.

    We’re always looking for somewhere to cut back, though, and this is the place to do that if you’re like us. We use whole milk in lots of recipes where a richer cream is usually used and it works out fine. Check out this old fashioned Sausage Gravy.

    You’ll never miss the cream in it or this S&K. They’re both perfectly divine!

    For a fun look at this recipe, check out the web story!

    2 Smith & Kearns cocktails in glasses.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on an affiliate link and buy something, we may receive a very small commission.  It does NOT result in additional charges to you or cost you anything extra. Click here for our full privacy and disclosure policy. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    The best way to mix the Kahlua and Cream for your cocktail

    You can certainly put both ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a bit of ice and shake vigorously. If you mix it like this, do it fast. You don’t want to dilute your mixture.

    We like to stir it with a cocktail spoon in another glass or even your cocktail shaker without the lid on it. The idea is to make sure it’s well blended.

    The main thing to keep in mind is that you don’t add the club soda until the end. Those fizzy bubbles are what makes this drink special and we want to preserve them.

    Similar to an egg cream, but with booze

    Being from the south, egg creams are not a thing in our area. But, we’ve heard all about them, and they do sound tasty.

    For our southern friends, an egg cream actually has neither egg nor cream in it, but soda and milk are combined and most frequently chocolate of some sort is added for flavoring. The milk and the soda are the combination that works with our cocktail and with an egg cream.

    If you love an egg cream you will most definitely want to give this recipe a try!

    FAQ’s

    What is the difference between a Smith & Kearns and a Smith & Wesson drink?

    A Smith & Wesson also contains vodka, making it a much stronger cocktail.

    Can I make them ahead of time?

    You could mix the cream and the liqueur ahead and have it chilling. You would only add the club soda at the last time to preserve the bubbles.

    Is the history of the drink true?

    Who knows the answer to this one. As is true about many cocktails and their origin – the truth can get twisted and turned through the years.

    📖 Recipe

    square image of cocktail called Smith & Kearns

    Smith and Kearns Cocktail

    Pam
    The Smith and Kearns is a creamy but light cocktail perfect for after dinner or as a nightcap. A splash of soda gives it a fun fizzy finish!
    4.62 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Servings 1 drink
    Calories 246 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ounces coffee liqueur or chocolate liqueur
    • 3 ounces whole milk or cream or half-and-half
    • 1-2 ounces club soda or seltzer

    Instructions
     

    • Thoroughly mix liqueur and milk.
    • Pour mixture over a glass of ice.
    • Top with club soda

    Notes

    • Cream, half-and-half or whole milk may be used
    • Coffee liqueur or chocolate liqueur may be used
    • Always add soda last after mixing milk and liqueur

    Nutrition

    Calories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 37mgPotassium: 128mgSugar: 31gVitamin A: 138IUCalcium: 105mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Categories: Cocktails Tags: beverages

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. KAM says

      April 12, 2022 at 9:28 am

      5 stars
      Definitely trying this one!!

      Reply
    2. MIrlene says

      April 21, 2022 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      I am a coffee lover so this cocktail will surely do the trick. I like the fizz of the club soda!

      Reply
    3. Anita says

      April 21, 2022 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love how simple it is to make this drink. And it’s perfect for coffee lovers like me.

      Reply
    4. Andrea says

      April 21, 2022 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve always been a big fan of a coffee liquor and cream. I’ve never had it fizzy before. I’m intrigued and ready to give it a try. Guessing it’s going to be my new favorite cocktail.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        April 21, 2022 at 4:29 pm

        You’re going to love it!

        Reply
    5. Tara says

      April 21, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yum! This cocktail definitely is the perfect after dinner treat. I love that fun fizzy finish!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        April 21, 2022 at 4:29 pm

        It’s an interesting combination and so yummy!

        Reply
    6. Mariana says

      April 21, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      Coffee cocktails are one of my favorites this recipe is amazing.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        April 21, 2022 at 4:28 pm

        Thanks so much, Mariana!

        Reply
    7. Pamela Cooper says

      November 27, 2022 at 9:16 pm

      Customer asked for one and described it with Vodka, like a White Russian, adding the soda at the end. She loved it!

      Reply
    8. Craig says

      August 07, 2023 at 1:18 pm

      I was introduced to this drink several years ago only they used Coke instead of Club soda, and it was fantastic

      Reply
      • Pam says

        August 08, 2023 at 9:52 am

        I’ve never heard of using Coke. It sounds good, but sweet.

        Reply

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    236 shares