Fluffy Duck cocktail recipe

If you’re here, you’ve been around the cocktail shaker long enough to know that the names for some of these drinks can be outlandish, ambiguous and even straight-up amusing. Quite like nail polish, or even pasta shapes, due to sheer quantity and range, the creators have felt no need to name within the lines. But as well as the cocktails you’re inclined to accompany with a wink (we’re looking at you Sex on the Beach), there’s also the Fluffy Duck. Now, what are you picturing?

For a cocktail that sounds all kinds of soft and yellow, the Fluffy Duck actually is – much like how the Grasshopper pours up a green like its insect namesake, without actually planting the creature on top. The Fluffy Duck’s velvety character comes from the advocaat. This Dutch liqueur, made from eggs, sugar and a neutral spirit (traditionally brandy), gives the drink a smooth Eggnog-like quality. Triple sec and fresh orange juice brings in a sweet citrus tone, alongside a splash of gin for an edge. It is an adult duck, after all.

Without fully knowing where this drink has paddled in from (in the wacky world of cocktails, what’s new?), this elusive highball has just a few references, including an out-of-print newspaper and a scattering of call-outs in cocktail books. Rest assured, though, this drink is no quack – it’s just as velvety and endearing as it sounds.

If you can use advocaat, do. The unique thick and custardy character is what makes this duck so fluffy. But if you are hunting for a substitute, an Irish cream liqueur, while runnier, will bring a similar creamy quality. In the same way the Dutch liqueur is used, Dutch gin, also known as jenever, is a suitable spirit for the Fluffy Duck. Although, if you find advocaat turns the drink slightly too sweet for your liking, a London dry gin should balance things out.

As orange juice carries the lead in this cocktail, as with most cases, freshly squeezed is best. Regarding the pulp (love or hate) the cocktail is strained to create its ultra-smooth finish – not straining would leave you with some coarser feathers (we’re sticking with bird world here). If you want to peacock-up this highball, trade the orange wheel for a little twirl of orange rind and plonk a cherry on top, too.