Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian

The Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian is where indulgence meets sophistication. This luxurious cocktail is a sweet, creamy spin on the classic White Russian, elevated with the rich, buttery essence of butterscotch and the decadent flair of salted caramel. It’s the kind of drink that wraps you in comfort from the first sip—think of it as dessert in a glass with a boozy backbone.

Perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a little extra treat, this cocktail brings a nostalgic warmth that feels both classy and cozy. With a velvety texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser. And let’s be honest: when butterscotch, coffee liqueur, vodka, and salted caramel cream come together, you know you’re in for something spectacular.

---

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

The traditional White Russian—made famous by “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski—has been a cocktail staple for decades. But modern palates crave more complex and dessert-like flavors, and that’s exactly where this version shines. The Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian is riding the wave of the dessert-cocktail boom, blending creamy sweetness with boozy richness in a way that feels like a special occasion in every sip.

It’s gaining popularity not only for its flavor but also for its Instagram-worthy look, especially when drizzled with caramel sauce or topped with whipped cream. Bartenders love making it, hosts love serving it, and guests love sipping it. From holiday menus to after-dinner treats, this cocktail delivers indulgence with every pour.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 🧈 Rich and buttery—butterscotch adds nostalgic warmth

• 🧂 Sweet meets salty—the salted caramel balances the sugar perfectly

• 🍸 Creamy, decadent, and smooth—like an adult milkshake

• ☕ Coffee notes from Kahlúa bring complexity

• ❄️ Chilled but cozy—ideal for winter sipping

• 🎉 Perfect for parties or quiet nights in

• 🥄 Easily garnished for visual appeal

---

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

• 🥃 1 oz vodka – neutral base spirit

• ☕ 1 oz Kahlúa or coffee liqueur – deep coffee note

• 🍬 1 oz butterscotch schnapps – rich, buttery sweetness

• 🥛 1 oz heavy cream or half & half – for that silky texture

• 🍮 ½ oz salted caramel syrup – sweet & salty balance

• ❄️ Ice cubes – for chilling the drink

• 🍦 Whipped cream (optional) – for topping

• 🍯 Caramel sauce (optional drizzle) – for presentation

• 🧂 Flaky sea salt (optional pinch) – enhances flavor depth

---

Preparation:

Step 1:
Chill your serving glass (rocks or old-fashioned) by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water.

Step 2:
In a cocktail shaker, add 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Kahlúa, 1 oz butterscotch schnapps, and ½ oz salted caramel syrup.

Step 3:
Fill the shaker with ice and shake gently for 10–15 seconds to blend and chill.

Step 4:
Strain the mixture into your chilled rocks glass over fresh ice.

Step 5:
Gently pour 1 oz of heavy cream over the back of a spoon to float on top. For a swirled effect, stir lightly just before drinking.

Optional Step 6:
Top with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, and a small pinch of flaky sea salt for a dramatic and decadent finish.

---

Variation:

• 🥥 Toasted Coconut White Russian: Replace cream with coconut milk and add a touch of coconut liqueur.

• 🍫 Chocolate Caramel Version: Add ½ oz chocolate liqueur (like Godiva) for a mocha twist.

• 🌶 Spiced Russian: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream or garnish with a cinnamon stick.

• 🍨 Frozen Salted Caramel White Russian: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a dessert slushie.

• 🍓 Caramel Berry Russian: Add a splash of raspberry or strawberry liqueur for a fruity depth.

• 🌱 Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream (like oat or almond) and vegan whipped topping.

---

COOKING Note:

These bombs of flavor are very forgiving, but a few key tips ensure success:

• Use chilled ingredients to prevent curdling and create a smooth mouthfeel.

• Don’t over-shake—Kahlúa and butterscotch are delicate and can lose aroma if overly diluted.

• Always pour the cream last and slowly for a visual “float” effect.

• If making a large batch, stir the base (vodka, Kahlúa, schnapps, caramel) ahead, then pour over ice and cream individually when serving.

• Use a spoon or a milk frother to slightly whip the cream if you want a layered texture.

---

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve in old-fashioned glasses or even elegant coupe glasses.

• Drizzle caramel inside the glass before pouring for a showstopping look.

• Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a dessert-bar vibe.

• Add a butterscotch candy stirrer or a mini cookie on the rim.

• Great as an after-dinner cocktail or for cozy movie nights.

• Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and winter parties.

---

Tips:

• Use quality vodka—even though it’s mixed, the better the base spirit, the smoother the result.

• Adjust sweetness with more or less caramel syrup to match your taste.

• If you want more “coffee shop vibes,” use cold brew concentrate instead of Kahlúa.

• For extra decadence, chill your cream before pouring to keep it afloat longer.

• Garnish right before serving so whipped cream doesn’t melt into the drink too quickly.

• Keep ingredients balanced—butterscotch is sweet, so you may not need extra sugar.

---

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Time:

0 minutes

Total Time:

5 minutes

---

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving):

• Calories: 290 kcal

• Protein: 1.4 g

• Sodium: 85 mg

• Carbohydrates: 20 g

• Sugars: 16 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Alcohol Content: ~17% ABV

---

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cocktail in advance?
A: You can mix the vodka, schnapps, Kahlúa, and syrup ahead and refrigerate. Add cream and garnish fresh for best results.

Q: Is there a non-dairy version?
A: Absolutely. Use full-fat coconut milk, almond cream, or oat-based creamer. It will still be luscious.

Q: What’s the difference between this and a classic White Russian?
A: This version includes butterscotch schnapps and salted caramel syrup, which add depth, richness, and a dessert-like flair.

Q: Can I serve this warm?
A: It’s designed as a cold cocktail, but you can adapt it into a warm drink using hot cream and coffee liqueur for a boozy latte twist.

Q: Can I make a big batch for a party?
A: Yes! Just scale the ingredients (keep the cream separate) and serve in a punch bowl over ice. Guests can add cream as they pour.

Q: What can I use instead of Kahlúa?
A: Try Tia Maria, Mr. Black, or a homemade cold brew coffee liqueur.

---

Conclusion:

The Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian is a love letter to dessert cocktails. Creamy, rich, and full of character, it transforms the familiar White Russian into something luxurious and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or new to dessert cocktails, this sweet-and-salty concoction is sure to become a go-to favorite. From cozy winter nights to festive holiday tables, it fits every indulgent occasion with elegance. And with its easy preparation, you don’t need to be a bartender to make it shine.

Shake one up, sip slowly, and let its warmth and sweetness carry you away.

Print