Introduction

Hello, fellow cocktail enthusiasts! Jason Griffith here, and I’m about to introduce you to the ultimate winter warmer, the most decadent dessert-in-a-glass you’ll ever sip: the Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian.

You know the classic White Russian—the simple, creamy mixture of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, famously popularized by The Dude? Well, we’re taking that cool, low-key vibe and injecting it with a shot of pure, buttery indulgence. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a cozy night in, a velvety indulgence, and a mandatory encore. We’re swapping out the vodka for a layer of rich butterscotch schnapps and introducing a drizzle of salty, sweet caramel. It’s smooth, it’s sweet, and it’s dangerously easy to make.

If you’re ready to upgrade your cocktail hour from “meh” to “must-have,” grab your ice and let’s get started.

Why I Love This Recipe

As a food writer, I’ve mixed up my share of drinks, but this one holds a special place in my heart for three simple reasons:

1. It’s Foolproof: Seriously, if you can pour liquids into a glass, you can make this. There’s no shaking, no muddling, and no fancy equipment required. It’s practically instant gratification.
2. It Tastes Like Dessert: The combination of coffee, butterscotch, and caramel is essentially a boozy candy bar in a glass. It satisfies that after-dinner sweet craving perfectly. For more dessert-inspired drinks, you might also like my recipe for The Slippery Drank is my favorite sweet sipper for dessert-inspired vibes.
3. It’s Versatile: While I use butterscotch here, the base is incredibly adaptable. You can easily tweak the flavors to match any holiday or season. But honestly? The butterscotch and caramel combo is tough to beat.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)	1 oz	Provides the rich, coffee base.
Butterscotch Schnapps	1 oz	Adds that essential buttery, caramel note.
Cream or Half-and-Half	1 oz	Use whole milk for a lighter drink, or heavy cream for extra richness.
Ice Cubes	As needed	Fill the glass generously.
Caramel Sauce	For drizzle	The star garnish! Use a quality, thick sauce.
Flaky Sea Salt	Pinch (Optional)	For the garnish or rim, to cut the sweetness.

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Swaps and Notes

• For the Cream: If you are dairy-free, oat milk or almond milk works well, though it will be slightly less thick. For a more decadent mouthfeel, use heavy cream.
• Adding Vodka (The Classic Way): If you want to make this closer to a traditional White Russian, you can add 1/2 oz of vodka. The schnapps replaces the kick of the vodka, but you can always add it back for a stronger cocktail.
• The Salt: Don’t skip the salt! A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon or similar) sprinkled on top or a salted caramel rim really balances the intense sweetness of the butterscotch and caramel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cocktail comes together faster than you can say “caramel swirl.”

Step 1: Prep the Glass (Optional but Recommended) If you want to go the extra mile, run a small amount of caramel sauce around the rim of your glass, then gently dip the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt.

Step 2: Fill and Chill Fill an Old Fashioned glass (or a similar rocks glass) generously with ice cubes. The colder the drink, the better.

Step 3: Build the Base Pour 1 oz of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) over the ice. Next, pour in 1 oz of butterscotch schnapps.

Step 4: The Cream Float Gently pour 1 oz of cream (or half-and-half) over the back of a spoon and onto the liquid. This helps it sit nicely on top for that beautiful, layered, swirled look.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the top of the drink. You can serve it immediately, allowing the drinker to swirl and mix it in as they sip.

Tips for Success

• The Stir: Do not vigorously shake or stir this drink right away. The beauty of a White Russian is that slow, cloudy diffusion of cream into the dark liqueur. Gently stir just before sipping for the perfect mix.
• Quality Ingredients: Since there are so few ingredients, the quality really shines through. Use your favorite coffee liqueur and a thick, rich caramel sauce.
• Make it Cold: Pre-chill your glass. A perfectly chilled drink elevates the entire experience.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This rich cocktail is a dessert in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with equally decadent sweets.

• Sweet Pairings: This drink is divine alongside a bite of dark chocolate, or try it with a comforting baked good like These Pecan Pie Bars are my favorite make-ahead holiday dessert or This Pumpkin Delight Dessert is my favorite no-bake fall treat.
• Savory Contrast: The sweetness of the White Russian is beautifully balanced by a small, salty cheese plate. Think sharp cheddar, blue cheese, and salted nuts.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Disclaimer: This is an approximation and can vary greatly based on the specific brands of liqueur and cream used.
• Calories: Approximately 250–300 calories
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20–25g
• Alcohol Content: 2 oz of spirits and liqueurs (around 15-20% ABV)

Storage and Leftover Tips

This cocktail is meant to be mixed and enjoyed immediately. Do not pre-mix the drink and store it, as the cream will separate. If you want to prep ahead for a party, you can:

1. Pre-Measure: Combine the coffee liqueur and butterscotch schnapps in a sealed jar and refrigerate.
2. Serve: When ready to serve, pour 2 oz of the mixture over ice, and add the cream and caramel.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you have a sweet tooth that only a boozy treat or a creamy confection can fix, try some of these other fantastic recipes:

• These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are my favorite sweet obsession
• This Blueberry Lemonade is my favorite refreshing drink for sunny days

Final Thoughts

The Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian is the perfect cocktail for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or just when you need a little liquid comfort. It’s a simple recipe that delivers massive flavor and a truly indulgent experience. It’s one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know your favorite caramel sauce to use in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com on social media for more cocktail and dessert ideas.