Enjoy the delicious twist on the classic White Russian cocktail with this recipe for a Salted Caramel White Russian. Creamy, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy night in or a festive holiday gathering!
Have you ever had a White Russian Cocktail? If so, you know just how creamy and delicious they are! In fact, it is one of my most favorite cocktails to enjoy when that sweet craving hits! I also have a Gingerbread White Russian, Peppermint White Russian, and of course, this Salted Caramel White Russian recipe for those that want some yummy variations!
Salted Caramel White Russian Ingredients Needed
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed for this cocktail recipe. To see printable recipe card with exact amounts, scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Vodka– I love using caramel vodka in this recipe, however, if you don’t have any on hand, plain vodka works great too. Use your favorite brand!
- Kahlua– this is a coffee liqueur that adds to the rich flavor of this drink. Any coffee liqueur works, however, Kahlua is my go-to.
- Milk– you can also use heavy cream or half and half in place of the milk.
- Ice– this helps chill the drink. You can add to your cocktail glass, or place in the cocktail shaker to chill before straining.
- Caramel Syrup– you’ll use this to drizzle or swirl inside the glass as well as add to the rim for a festive touch.
- Sea Salt– this is optional and mostly for garnish. You can add a pinch of sea salt to the drink just before serving, or also add a small amount to the rim.
How to make Salted Caramel White Russians
- Swirl some caramel sauce around the inside of your cocktail glass. You can also rim the glass in caramel sauce by adding some to a saucer and dipping the top of the glass into the sauce until coated.
- In a cocktail shaker, add in the salted caramel vodka, Kahlua, and milk. Shake gently to combine. PRO TIP: You can add additional ice to the cocktail shaker to make the drink even more chill or to avoid having to serve over ice.
- Strain over some ice and garnish with additional caramel and a pinch of salt if desired. Serve!
Salted Caramel White Russian Cocktail FAQ’s
What is the best cream for white Russians?
Personally, I use milk since it is what I almost always have on hand. However, heavy cream and half and half add more creaminess and are the preferred creamy addition to the drink.
Can I use anything other than vodka in this cocktail?
Absolutely! People use whiskey and rum in place of the vodka based on desired taste. Of course, this isn’t the method used in the classic cocktail, but if it’s a taste you enjoy, go for it!
What can I use in place of the coffee liqueur?
If you don’t have access to Kahlua or Bailey’s, you can use regular coffee. It won’t have the same depth of flavor, but will still be delicious.
What is a White Russian Cocktail?
A white Russian is a cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur and cream served with ice in an old-fashioned glass.
Where did the name White Russian Cocktail come from?
According to Wikipedia, the traditional cocktail known as a black Russian, which first appeared in 1949, becomes a white Russian with the addition of cream. Neither drink has any known Russian origin, but both are so-named due to vodka being the primary ingredient. It is unclear which drink preceded the other.
More Cocktail Recipes to try
- Salted Caramel Martini– perfect for a cozy night in or a Holiday celebration. Made with creamy caramel vodka, a touch of salt, and RumChata, this cocktail is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- White Christmas Cocktail– this White Christmas Cocktail only calls for two ingredients! Simple to prepare, this Christmas drink will be a hit at any party or even New Year!
- Bailey’s Peppermint Martini– a Holiday cocktail that is sure to please everyone! Using only two ingredients, this drink comes together in no time and is a festive way to celebrate the season!
- White Chocolate Peppermint Martini– these White Chocolate Peppermint Martini's make the perfect Holiday drink during the Holiday season! Creamy, festive, and flavorful!
- Tiramisu Martini– this Tiramisu Martini tastes just like the classic dessert, only in drinkable form! Coffee flavors, chocolate, and vanilla combined into one tasty cocktail!
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Salted Caramel White Russian Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 oz Caramel Vodka
- 1 ½ oz Kahlua
- 2 oz Cream, Milk, or Half & Half
- ¾ cup ice
- Caramel Syrup/Sea Salt *for garnish
Instructions
- Swirl caramel sauce around the inside of the cocktail glass. You can also rim the glass in caramel by adding some sauce to a saucer and dipping the top into the syrup to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the caramel vodka, Kahlua, and milk (or cream).
- Shake gentle to combine.
- Pour over ice in a cocktail glass and garnish with additional caramel and pinch of salt if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Vidhya says
What a great holiday drink! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kristin says
Glad you enjoy too! It’s a favorite cocktail in my house!
Angela Campos says
This Salted Caramel White Russian turned out so delicious. I can’t wait to make it again…YUM!!!
Kristin says
So glad you enjoyed! Definitely one of our favorite cocktail drinks to enjoy!
Catalina says
I tried this for a cozy night in and it was delicious. Sweet, creamy, with just the right kick!
Kristin says
So glad you enjoyed!! It’s one of my favorite cocktails!
Maria says
I see many of these in my future. Not all at once, though. LOL. It looks so good!
Kristin says
Haha! They are hard to resist! Enjoy!
Beth says
I’m going to be serving this all summer long. The khalua and whipped cream are perfect for the summer.
Kristin says
I like your thinking! We enjoy them during the Holiday season, but summertime sounds delicious too! In fact, year round is even better, haha!
Cara says
What a festive drink! I’ll be saving this for all our holiday parties
Kristin says
Great plan! We love this one during the Holiday season! Enjoy!