• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Biscuits & Burlap logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Cocktails

Published: Apr 12, 2022 · Modified: Jul 15, 2024 by Pam

Smith and Kearns Cocktail Recipe

Thanks for sharing!

464 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Email
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
  • Ingredient notes
  • Instructions for your cocktail
  • Smith and Kerns is similar to an egg cream drink, but with alcohol
  • Items you may need:
  • FAQ's
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Cocktails

A cocktail with a history

When it comes down to it though, don't all the best cocktails 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 water 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.

Ingredient notes

  • Liqueur - Coffee or Chocolate liqueur can be used. You could even use a combination of the two if you like. (More notes below)
  • Cream - you you can use half-and-half (light cream) or whole milk. (More notes below)
  • Club soda - We like to use club soda because it has a lot of fizz, but you could use any kind of unflavored carbonated water that you have on hand.

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 if you're a coffee lover, 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 recipe 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!

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.

Instructions 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.

The quick step-by-step instructions follow:

  1. Stir your cream and liqueur in a highball glass or a tall glass and stir thoroughly.
  2. Add ice and stir briefly to get all the ingredients good and cold.
  3. Top with a splash of club soda and stir lightly before serving.

Smith and Kerns is similar to an egg cream drink, but with alcohol

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!

Items you may need:

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.

  • Highball glasses - this is a pretty set of 4
  • Long handled cocktail spoons
  • Cocktail shaker - if you make a couple at the time you may want to use a cocktail shaker like this.

FAQ's

What is the difference between a Smith & Kearns, a Smith & Wesson drink and a White Russian

A Smith & Wesson and the White Russian also contains vodka, making them much stronger cocktails. The White Russian typically has nothing carbonated. The Smith & Wesson usually adds a cola, like Pepsi, for a fizzy finish.

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 Smith & Kearns drink true?

Who knows the answer to this one. As is true about many cocktails and their origins - the truth can get twisted and turned through the years. It's fun to ponder the stories though.

📖 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!
4.67 from 15 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!

Cocktails

  • Mint julep pudding shots on white background
    Mint Julep Pudding Shots
  • pineapple mojito with fresh pineapple on the rim
    Fresh Pineapple Mojitos
  • Mudslide Pudding Shot in square glass with a spoon.
    Mudslide Pudding Shots with Baileys and Kahlua
  • cocktail with blackberry syrup behind.
    Fruit Syrups for Cocktails Made with Jam
  • cocktail with strawberry basil and gin in glass.
    Strawberry Basil Gin Cocktail
  • cup of hot chocolate.
    How to Make a Homemade Hot Chocolate Bar
  • one spiced pear cocktail.
    Spiced Pear Bourbon Iced Tea: A Fall Cocktail
See more Cocktails →

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
      • Jodi says

        December 24, 2023 at 3:15 am

        What other substitutions for club soda or seltzer?

      • Pam says

        December 24, 2023 at 9:43 am

        Sorry, Jodi, but I don't know of a substitution.

  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
  9. SharonB says

    April 23, 2025 at 7:57 pm

    I prefer th is in layers with no stirring until it is served. This is how it was done in the 50s and 60s.

    Reply
4.67 from 15 votes (9 ratings without comment)

Tell us what you think! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hey, y'all!

Pam and Sara sitting on blanket with picnic.
Photo cred: Angie Webb Creative

We’re Pam and Sara, a Southern mother/daughter team on a mission. We’re here to help you keep those precious food memories alive and create new ones, too. 

Read more-

Recent Posts

  • close up of blackened grouper.
    Blackened Grouper on the Grill
  • collage with 3 spring vegetable recipes
    20 Spring Vegetable Recipes You Have to Try
  • smoked deviled eggs in restaurant.
    Smoked Deviled Eggs
  • 15 of the Best Recipes with Poblano Peppers

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Disclosures and Privacy Policy
  • Web Stories

Other Websites

Discovering Coastal Georgia

Contact

  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
  • Sign Up for emails and updates

Copyright © 2024 Biscuits & Burlap

464 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.