Cocktails with Single cream/half-and-half
Half-and-half (US, 10.5–18% fat) and single cream (UK, at least 18%) are thin pouring creams, used to enrich a drink rather than to whip.
How it's used
It softens a drink and turns it pale without the weight of heavy cream. Coffee, chocolate and aged spirits all take it well, as in a Brandy Alexander or a Grasshopper. Its low fat gives little protection from acid, so it curdles more easily than heavy cream. If the drink has citrus or wine, add the cream last.
Substitutes for Single cream/half-and-half
Pouring cream of 10–18% fat
Can go in at the same amount, and US light cream works too, a little richer.
Equal parts come out close to 20% fat, near enough.
Gives a denser drink and can start to whip if shaken, so use a little less.
Not a substitute: it is too thin.
