The Salted Caramel White Russian is a decadent twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, which traditionally combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. The salted caramel adds a luxurious touch, creating a sweet and salty experience that makes this drink a perfect choice for dessert or a special treat. Its rich flavors make it especially enjoyable during the colder months or whenever you’re craving a comforting drink with a little kick. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this cocktail offers a balance of creamy, caramel goodness with a hint of coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz (45 ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 oz (30 ml) salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 oz (60 ml) heavy cream or milk (for a lighter option)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
- Caramel candies or sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare a serving glass by drizzling some salted caramel sauce around the inside of the glass. If desired, dip the rim of the glass in salted caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the rim for an added salted caramel effect.
Step 2:
Fill the glass with ice cubes, ensuring there’s enough to fill the glass about three-quarters full.
Step 3:
Pour the vodka over the ice, followed by the coffee liqueur. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream (or milk) with the salted caramel sauce. Stir well until the caramel is fully incorporated into the cream.
Step 5:
Slowly pour the caramel-infused cream over the vodka and coffee liqueur mixture. This will create a beautiful layered effect in the glass.
Step 6:
Top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream and garnish with caramel candies or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
Variation:
- Spiced Salted Caramel White Russian: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream for a spiced twist on this cocktail.
- Vanilla Salted Caramel White Russian: Replace the regular vodka with vanilla-flavored vodka for a sweeter, richer taste.
- Salted Caramel Mocha White Russian: Add ½ oz (15 ml) of chocolate syrup to the drink for a mocha flavor.
- Non-Dairy Version: Use coconut cream or almond milk as a substitute for heavy cream to make the cocktail dairy-free.
Cooking Note:
- The salted caramel sauce should be at room temperature or slightly warmed to mix easily with the cream. If it’s too thick, you can briefly microwave it for about 5-10 seconds.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less salted caramel sauce according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Salted Caramel White Russian in a lowball or rocks glass for a classic presentation.
- Pair it with desserts like chocolate cake, caramel brownies, or coffee-flavored treats to complement the cocktail’s flavors.
- For a festive touch, add some holiday sprinkles or a cinnamon stick when serving during the holiday season.
Tips:
- For a stronger caramel flavor, increase the amount of salted caramel sauce used in the drink.
- Chilling the glasses before serving can keep the cocktail cold longer and enhance the drinking experience.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Sugar: 24 g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make the Salted Caramel White Russian fresh to maintain the creamy texture and layered look. However, you can prepare the salted caramel cream mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Q: What if I don’t have salted caramel sauce?
A: You can make your own salted caramel by mixing caramel sauce with a pinch of sea salt. Alternatively, use regular caramel sauce, and add a little salt to the rim of the glass for a similar effect.
Q: Is there a way to make it lower in calories?
A: Yes, use a lighter milk alternative, like almond milk or skim milk, and reduce the amount of salted caramel sauce. You can also skip the whipped cream.
Q: Can I use a different type of coffee liqueur?
A: Yes, any coffee liqueur will work in this recipe, though Kahlúa is a classic choice. For a different flavor profile, you could try Tia Maria or a homemade coffee liqueur.
Conclusion
The Salted Caramel White Russian is a delicious and indulgent cocktail that elevates the traditional White Russian with the sweet and salty richness of salted caramel. It’s versatile enough for various occasions and can be easily customized with different flavors or ingredients to suit personal preferences. Whether enjoyed as an after-dinner drink, a holiday treat, or just a special evening indulgence, this cocktail is sure to satisfy any craving for something sweet and creamy with a coffee kick. Give it a try, and you may find it becoming your new favorite go-to drink!
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Salted Caramel White Russian
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz (45 ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 oz (30 ml) salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 oz (60 ml) heavy cream or milk (for a lighter option)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
- Caramel candies or sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare a serving glass by drizzling some salted caramel sauce around the inside of the glass. If desired, dip the rim of the glass in salted caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the rim for an added salted caramel effect.
Step 2:
Fill the glass with ice cubes, ensuring there’s enough to fill the glass about three-quarters full.
Step 3:
Pour the vodka over the ice, followed by the coffee liqueur. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream (or milk) with the salted caramel sauce. Stir well until the caramel is fully incorporated into the cream.
Step 5:
Slowly pour the caramel-infused cream over the vodka and coffee liqueur mixture. This will create a beautiful layered effect in the glass.
Step 6:
Top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream and garnish with caramel candies or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
Notes
- The salted caramel sauce should be at room temperature or slightly warmed to mix easily with the cream. If it’s too thick, you can briefly microwave it for about 5-10 seconds.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less salted caramel sauce according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Protein: 1.5 g