Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian

Introduction

The Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian is not just a cocktail—it’s a full-on dessert experience in a glass. Rich, creamy, and decadent, this upgraded twist on the classic White Russian blends vodka, coffee liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, and salted caramel for a luxurious sip that feels indulgent but approachable. Whether you’re preparing drinks for a cozy evening, entertaining guests, or celebrating the holidays, this cocktail is sure to impress.

My recipe story

The inspiration for this Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian came to me during a holiday gathering. I had already been experimenting with flavored schnapps, and butterscotch quickly became a favorite. I wanted something rich but not overly complicated—something that tasted like a grown-up dessert without needing hours in the kitchen. By adding salted caramel into the mix, the cocktail suddenly became balanced, offering just the right contrast of sweetness and saltiness. Since then, it’s been a staple at dinner parties and even cozy nights in when I want to elevate the ordinary into something special.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this cocktail lies in its balance of spirits, liqueurs, and dairy. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a luxurious flavor profile that feels layered yet harmonious.

Vodka (2 oz): The neutral base spirit that provides structure without overpowering the other ingredients. Use a high-quality vodka for a smoother finish.

Coffee liqueur (1 oz): Adds deep, roasted notes that balance the sweetness of the schnapps and caramel. Kahlúa is the most common choice, but any coffee liqueur will work.

Butterscotch schnapps (1 oz): The key to the cocktail’s unique flavor. It provides a buttery, sweet richness that pairs beautifully with the salted caramel drizzle.

Heavy cream or half-and-half (1–2 oz): The creamy element that transforms this into a dessert-like drink. Heavy cream is indulgent, while half-and-half creates a lighter sip.

Salted caramel sauce (1 tbsp, plus extra for garnish): This elevates the cocktail from tasty to unforgettable. A drizzle around the inside of the glass and a touch on top tie the whole drink together.

Equipment you’ll need

• Rocks glass or old-fashioned glass
• Small cocktail shaker (optional)
• Measuring jigger
• Spoon for layering cream
• Whipped cream dispenser or can (optional garnish)

Step-by-step directions

1. Prepare the glass: Drizzle salted caramel sauce along the inside of a rocks glass, letting it slowly drip down for a beautiful presentation. This not only looks elegant but also adds extra sweetness to every sip.
2. Fill with ice: Add a generous amount of ice cubes to the glass. Using large cubes keeps the drink colder longer without diluting it too quickly, ensuring that every sip stays creamy and bold.
3. Combine spirits: Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, and butterscotch schnapps over the ice. These form the flavorful backbone of the cocktail, marrying the boldness of coffee with the sweetness of butterscotch.
4. Add the cream: Gently pour the heavy cream or half-and-half over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. This creates a striking layered effect before you stir, and once mixed, it gives the cocktail its signature creamy texture.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with whipped cream if desired, then drizzle with extra salted caramel. Serve immediately with a small cocktail stirrer so your guests can swirl the flavors together before sipping.

Variations & substitutions

If you don’t have butterscotch schnapps, you can replace it with caramel vodka or Irish cream for a similar richness. Want a lighter drink? Swap heavy cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. For a stronger coffee kick, double the coffee liqueur. You can also turn this into a frozen blended cocktail by mixing all ingredients with crushed ice in a blender.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the vodka, coffee liqueur, schnapps, and caramel mix ahead of time in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just add cream right before serving. Freezing isn’t recommended for the creamy portion, but you can freeze the spirit mixture in ice cube trays to make quick cocktails later.

Serving ideas & pairings

This Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian pairs beautifully with desserts like brownies, pecan pie, or even a simple biscotti. For savory pairings, serve it with salty snacks like pretzels or spiced nuts to balance the sweetness. It also makes a festive after-dinner cocktail for holiday meals or as part of a cozy cocktail night with friends.

FAQ

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use coconut cream, almond milk creamer, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

What’s the best vodka to use? A smooth, mid-range vodka works best. No need for ultra-expensive brands, but avoid bottom-shelf varieties.

Can I make this in a big batch? Yes, multiply the recipe and mix in a pitcher, then add cream individually to each glass.

Do I need a shaker? No, you can build this drink directly in the glass, though shaking ensures a smoother blend of flavors.

How strong is this cocktail? It’s moderately strong, with the vodka as the base. You can adjust the amount to your preference.

Final thoughts

The Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian is more than a cocktail—it’s an experience. With its creamy texture, balance of sweet and salty flavors, and stunning presentation, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. Whether you serve it at a dinner party, holiday celebration, or as a luxurious nightcap, this drink always delivers indulgence in a glass. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your signature cocktail.

Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

 A decadent twist on the classic White Russian, this cocktail blends vodka, coffee liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, and salted caramel for a creamy, indulgent sip. Perfect for holidays or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
• 1–2 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tbsp salted caramel sauce, plus extra for garnish
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Drizzle salted caramel sauce inside a rocks glass for a decorative touch. 
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes to keep the cocktail chilled and smooth. 
3. Pour in vodka, coffee liqueur, and butterscotch schnapps over the ice. 
4. Slowly layer the heavy cream or half-and-half on top by pouring over a spoon. 
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a drizzle of salted caramel before serving.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the spirits ahead and add cream just before serving. Pairs wonderfully with desserts like brownies or pecan pie.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stirred
• Cuisine: American