Cocktail Recipes

Salted Caramel White Russian

Millie Pham

Oh, you’re going to LOVE this one! This Salted Caramel White Russian is everything cozy and indulgent wrapped into one creamy cocktail.

It’s like your classic White Russian took a little trip to dessert town and came back with caramel vibes and a touch of salt to balance it all out.

Perfect for date nights, holidays, or just when you need to treat yourself with something fancy but super simple to make.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over again!

What You’ll Need

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
  • 2 oz salted caramel syrup (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 oz heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • Ice cubes
  • Caramel sauce (for drizzling inside the glass and on top)
  • Whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • A pinch of flaky sea salt

Pro Tips

  1. Chill your glass – Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making your drink to keep it extra cold.
  2. Go homemade if you can – Making salted caramel syrup at home is surprisingly easy and takes this drink to the next level.
  3. Adjust sweetness – If you like it less sweet, use less caramel syrup or opt for unsweetened cream.
  4. Layer like a pro – Pour the cream over the back of a spoon to get that pretty layered look!
  5. Kid-friendly version – Skip the alcohol, and just mix salted caramel syrup, cream, and a splash of coffee for a delicious mocktail!

Tools You’ll Need

  • Measuring jigger or shot glass
  • Cocktail shaker (optional, for mixing)
  • Stirring spoon
  • Rocks glass or any short glass

Substitutions and Variations

  • Swap vodka for rum for a caramel-spiced twist.
  • Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
  • Try chocolate liqueur instead of coffee liqueur for a mocha vibe.

Make-Ahead Tips

Mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and salted caramel syrup ahead of time, then store in a sealed container in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with cream!

How to Make a Salted Caramel White Russian

1. Drizzle caramel inside the glass.

Take your caramel sauce and drizzle it around the inside of your glass for a fancy look.

2. Add ice.

Fill the glass with ice cubes.

3. Pour in vodka, coffee liqueur, and caramel syrup.

Add 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of coffee liqueur, and 2 oz of salted caramel syrup over the ice. Stir gently to combine.

4. Top with cream

Slowly pour 2 oz of heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a beautiful layered effect.

A glass of Salted Caramel White Russian being topped with heavy cream poured over the back of a spoon

5. Garnish and finish.

Top with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.

 Salted Caramel White Russian

Tips for Leftovers and Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you mix a batch of the vodka, coffee liqueur, and salted caramel syrup, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Just add cream and ice when ready to serve.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a Salted Caramel White Russian that feels like a warm hug in a glass! It’s easy, indulgent, and just fancy enough to impress anyone you serve it to. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how you liked it in the comments below. I’d love to hear your twists on it or answer any questions you have. Cheers!

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!