Salted Caramel White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Salted Caramel White Russian Nutrition Facts

Calories:300

Fat:10g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Salted Caramel White Russian is a modern twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, which was popularized in the 1960s. The cocktail was further popularized by the 1998 film 'The Big Lebowski'. The Salted Caramel version adds a sweet and salty dimension to the traditional creamy and coffee flavors. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet, indulgent drink.

How Salted Caramel White Russian Tastes?

The Salted Caramel White Russian is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of saltiness. The caramel and cream give it a smooth, velvety texture, while the vodka provides a subtle kick. The coffee liqueur adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Interesting facts about Salted Caramel White Russian

  • The Salted Caramel White Russian is a variation of the classic White Russian cocktail.
  • The addition of salted caramel adds a sweet and salty twist to the traditional flavors.
  • Despite its name, the White Russian cocktail is not Russian in origin. The name comes from the use of vodka, a typical Russian spirit.

Ingredients

  • Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Kahlua: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Heavy cream: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Salted caramel sauce: 1 tbsp

A few good options for Salted Caramel White Russian are:

  • Absolut
  • Belvedere
  • Ciroc

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka: 1.5 oz

Vodka is the canvas of our liquid masterpiece – it provides a strong alcohol base without overpowering the other flavors. If you’re aiming for a knockout, adding more vodka might seem tempting, but it will overshadow the dessert-like harmony we're after. Less vodka? You might as well call it a milkshake. An alternative could be white rum for a slightly sweeter, more nuanced flavor.

Mary Mitkina

Kahlua: 1 oz

Ah, Kahlua, the coffee-flavored liqueur that makes this libation a White Russian in the first place. Its sweet and rich coffee essence balances the vodka and adds depth. Too much could send you into a caffeinated sugar rush, while too little would make the drink flat. A substitute? Try a chocolate liqueur if you're feeling wild but prepare for a sweeter ride.

Emma Rose

Heavy Cream: 1 oz

The smooth operator of the drink, heavy cream adds a luxurious texture and rounds out the edges of the alcohol. It’s what separates the amateurs from the pros. Skimping on the cream will yield a harsher drink, more cream, and it becomes a boozy dessert. If lactose isn’t your friend, a full-fat coconut milk could be a great vegan twist.

Alex Green

Salted Caramel Sauce: 1 tbsp

This is the crowning glory, the sweet and salty ribbon that weaves through the cocktail creating an irresistible allure. Without it, the character of the drink would be lost in a creamy, coffee abyss. Too much, and it’s cloying. The beauty lies in the balance. As for swapping, maple syrup could add an autumnal vibe, but you'll miss the iconic salted edge.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Salted Caramel White Russian Drink

  1. Drizzle the inside of a glass with salted caramel sauce.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Pour in the vodka and Kahlua.
  4. Top with heavy cream.
  5. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Garnish with a drizzle of salted caramel on top.

Pro Tips

  • For a colder drink, you can shake the vodka and Kahlua with ice before straining into the glass.
  • For a more pronounced caramel flavor, you can add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the drink and stir well.
  • The cream should be poured slowly over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.

Perfect Pairings

Desserts

Pairing a sweet cocktail like the Salted Caramel White Russian with food can be delightful if you choose the right items. For this decadent drink, you want to go with desserts that have a contrasting texture but can complement the sweet and creamy nature of the cocktail.

  • Cheesecake: The richness of cheesecake and the slight tanginess can work well with the smooth, sweet caramel tones.

  • Dark Chocolate: A piece of rich, bitter dark chocolate can balance the sweetness of the drink.

  • Nutty Desserts: Think pecan pie or walnut brownies, which can stand up to the bold flavors and add a different dimension.

Savory Bites

You could also opt for something savory to cut through the sweetness.

  • Salted Nuts: The saltiness will play off the caramel notes perfectly.

  • Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, particularly aged or smoked ones, could be a surprisingly good match.

Coffee

A small cup of strong, black coffee can cleanse the palate between sips and enhance the coffee notes from the Kahlua.

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What you could change in Salted Caramel White Russian

  • You can substitute the vodka with a caramel flavored vodka for an extra caramel kick.
  • If you don't have Kahlua, any coffee liqueur will do.
  • For a dairy-free version, you can use a non-dairy creamer or milk substitute.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Bourbon Salted Caramel White Russian

  • Ingredients: Swapping vodka for bourbon.
  • Recipe: Proceed with the same steps but use bourbon instead of vodka, introducing a new layer of caramel-like sweetness and a hint of oak.
  • Flavor: Expect a warmer, richer taste with a smoky backdrop. This twist is for those who like a hint of Southern charm in their cup.

Nutty Caramel White Russian

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur.
  • Recipe: Keep the foundation, but include 0.5 oz of hazelnut liqueur.
  • Flavor: The nuttiness will gracefully dance with the salted caramel, creating a symphony in your mouth. For nut lovers, this twist is a dream come true.

Spiced Caramel White Russian

  • Ingredients: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
  • Recipe: Sprinkle the spice on top of the heavy cream before stirring.
  • Flavor: A seasonal delight that’ll give your taste buds a warm hug. This twist is perfect for a cozy night in or to impress your guests with a festive twist on a classic.

In case you forgot basics how to make Salted Caramel White Russian

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Salted Caramel White Russian

What type of glassware is best for serving this cocktail?

This cocktail is typically served in an old-fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass.

Are there any seasonal variations of this cocktail?

Yes, for a festive twist, you could add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the top during the holiday season.

Can this cocktail be batched for serving at parties?

Yes, you can simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Just be sure to add the cream and caramel sauce just before serving.

What types of meals or snacks pair well with this cocktail?

Because of its sweet flavor profile, this cocktail pairs well with dessert-like snacks, such as chocolate or cookies.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes, you could substitute the vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit and the Kahlua with a coffee syrup for a mocktail version.

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