The Ultimate Salted Caramel White Russian co*cktail Recipe (2024)

The Classic White Russian co*cktails get a contemporary and delicious upgrade with one of the most popular flavors of the season: salted caramel. These Salted Caramel White Russians are the perfect co*cktail for fall and the upcoming holiday season.

As the chill in the air deepens and the leaves start to turn, I’ve been craving something warm, sweet, and oh-so indulgent. I’m beyond excited to share with you a special treat perfect for sipping – Salted Caramel White Russians!

This drink is a delightful twist on the classic White Russian co*cktail, with the addition of salted caramel making it the ultimate cozy drink for the fall and upcoming holiday season. Grab your favorite blanket, put on some cozy fall tunes, and let’s get mixing!

Several years back my oldest brother unknowingly started a new Thanksgiving tradition. He invited me to join him and his wife for a White Russian on Thanksgiving morning to watch the parade on TV.

As the years have passed, more family members have joined us and we now have snacks (of course!) to accompany the fun. In fact, this gathering has become one of my favorite new traditions. (I realize that some people might question kicking off a long day of drinking and eating with White Russians, but somehow we make it work.)

What is a White Russian co*cktail?

A classic White Russian is a popular co*cktail made with a combination of vodka, coffee liqueur (usually Kahlua), and cream served over ice in a lowball glass. It is renowned for its smooth and creamy texture, which contrasts with the kick of the vodka and the richness of the coffee liqueur. The resulting co*cktail is like a thin chocolaty milkshake with vodka. Personally, I’m a big fan.

By simply replacing classic Kahlua and regular vodka with the salted caramel varieties, a completely new drink was born. With the increasing popularity of salted caramel, especially at this time of year, it couldn’t be more appropriate.

More Unique White Russian Recipes

You may know I’m a big fan of White Russians. It is especially wonderful when I am able to create different and unique flavorful variations of the traditional White Russian. I have experimented with a few. In the past, I’ve made the following:

• Pumpkin Spice White Russian
• Chai Tea White Russian
• Peppermint White Russian
• Gingerbread White Russian
• Butterscotch White Russian

Now that you know a bit about the classic recipe, let’s make this salted caramel version. We’ll start with the recommend ingredients and then get into the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Modern Twist on a Classic: The timeless charm of a White Russian meets the irresistible allure of salted caramel. This fusion gives you a delightful experience of old and new, wrapped into one velvety co*cktail.
2. Perfect for Autumn Vibes: As the leaves change and the air becomes crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a drink that embodies the flavors of fall. The rich caramel and hint of salt will have you reminiscing about cozy sweaters and crackling fires.
3. Simple Yet Sophisticated: Don’t let the luxurious taste fool you; these Salted Caramel White Russians are a breeze to whip up. Ideal for both co*cktail newbies and seasoned mixologists.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Planning a get-together? Whether it’s a festive holiday party or a casual movie night, this drink is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

While the ingredient list for this Salted Caramel White Russian is similar to the classic co*cktail, there are a few substitutions to make this flavorful variation.

1. Salted Caramel Coffee Liqueur (Bailey’s or Kahlua): This is the star of the show! A luscious blend of coffee liqueur with a hint of salted caramel, it adds depth and a rich, velvety sweetness to the co*cktail. Bailey’s and Kahlua are both great options, but feel free to use your preferred brand.
2. Salted Caramel Vodka: Enhancing the caramel notes of the drink, this vodka infuses a smooth, salted caramel flavor without being overly sweet. It’s the perfect companion to the coffee liqueur, adding a little kick while balancing the overall taste.
3. Half & Half: This mix of equal parts milk and cream adds a creamy, luxurious texture to the co*cktail. It’s the secret to making your White Russian incredibly smooth and sippable.
4. Caramel Sauce for Garnish: Drizzling caramel sauce inside of the glass not only makes for a visually appealing presentation but also adds a final touch of gooey sweetness that complements the salted caramel flavors perfectly.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to contribute to the richness and depth of flavors in this Salted Caramel White Russian. From the velvety coffee liqueur to the smooth vodka and creamy half & half, each component plays a vital role in making this co*cktail a delight for the senses. And, of course, the caramel sauce garnish is the cherry on top, both visually and taste-wise.

How to Make

Now we’re ready shake up these Salted Caramel White Russians. The process is so simple! I’ll walk you through the steps below. For your convenience,I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. In a co*cktail shaker, combine the Kahlua, vodka, and half & half. Stir with a spoon to combine.
2. Drip caramel sauce down the side of a drinking glass. Add ice until the glass is about three quarters full.

3. Pour in your co*cktail.
4. Garnish with a straw and serve.

With streaks of caramel running down the side of the glass, there’s no question what this co*cktail is going to taste like. All that’s left to do is serve, sip, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

And if you love this recipe, I have a few more variations you can try. You’re going to love them!

• Chocolate Salted Caramel White Russian: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup along with the caramel sauce for a delicious chocolatey twist. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and a chocolate stick.
• Spiced Salted Caramel White Russian: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the co*cktail for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
• Coconut Salted Caramel White Russian: Replace the half & half with coconut milk for a tropical twist on the classic. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
• Vanilla Salted Caramel White Russian: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a vanilla pod to infuse the drink with a sweet, aromatic vanilla flavor. Garnish with a vanilla bean.
• Mocha Salted Caramel White Russian: Add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee to the co*cktail for a caffeine kick and a deeper coffee flavor. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

And there you have it, my friends – the perfect Salted Caramel White Russian. I hope you enjoy making and sipping on this delicious co*cktail as much as I do. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, this drink is sure to be a hit.

More Seasonal co*cktails You’ll Love

• Apple Pie Moonshine
• Harvest Apple Mule
• Cranberry Bourbon co*cktail
• Mulled Wine
• Caramel Apple Martini

I hope you enjoyed this Salted Caramel White Russian recipe. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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