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Cozy, creamy, and full of fall flavor, the salted butterscotch white Russian is a fun twist on the classic cocktail. This version combines smooth vodka, rich coffee liqueur and sweet butterscotch schnapps, all poured over ice and finished with heavy cream and a hint of nutmeg. The rim is dipped in butterscotch and salt for an extra layer of flavor. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels a little indulgent and completely satisfying, perfect for sipping on chilly evenings.
A salted butterscotch white Russian blends vodka, coffee liqueur and schnapps with cream for a rich, cozy cocktail that offers both sweet and salty notes.
Cocktail fans might also enjoy cranberry margaritas, elderflower rum mojitos or what about a strawberry lime daiquiri? Treat yourself!
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet and salty combo: Butterscotch and sea salt add depth to every sip.
Gorgeous presentation: The rim and drizzle make this cocktail extra special.
Easy to make: Just a few ingredients and a couple of steps.
Perfect for fall: Warm flavors make it a great choice for the cooler season.
Salted Butterscotch White Russian Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Butterscotch sauce: Used for rimming and drizzling, adds rich sweetness. I used Mrs. Richardson’s Butterscotch Dessert Sauce. Smucker’s also makes a butterscotch topping. Both are usually found near the ice cream in grocery stores.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Ice: Keeps the drink chilled and smooth.
Butterscotch schnapps: Brings sweet, buttery flavor. I used DeKuyper’s Buttershots. Hiram Walker and Mr. Stacks are two other popular brands of butterscotch schnapps. If you see the 99 Brand of butterscotch schnapps, be aware that it contains 49.5% alcohol while the other brands I have mentioned are around about 15%.
Coffee liqueur: Adds richness and pairs perfectly with the butterscotch. I used Kahlúa but other popular coffee liqueurs are Tia Maria, Kamora, Kova, and Mr Black.
Vodka: Offers a clean base that lets the other flavors shine.
Heavy cream: Adds body and a creamy finish to butterscotch drinks.
Ground nutmeg: Finishes the drink with a cozy, spiced touch.
How to Make Salted Butterscotch White Russian
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Rim the glass: Dip the rim into butterscotch sauce, then into sea salt.
Add the drizzle: Drizzle more butterscotch inside the glass walls.
Fill with ice: Add ice to the glass to chill the drink.
Build the cocktail: Pour schnapps, coffee liqueur, vodka and cream over the ice.
Top with spice: Sprinkle nutmeg on top before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream or oat milk instead of heavy cream.
Use caramel sauce: Substitute for butterscotch if needed.
Make it alcohol-free: You can use coffee syrup, butterscotch syrup and milk or cream for a mocktail version.
Try flavored vodka: Vanilla vodka adds an extra layer of flavor.
Add mocha flavor: Add ½ ounces of chocolate syrup to the drink.
Serving Suggestions
With savory bites: Serve some jalapeno popper tacos, cheese puff pastry twists or million dollar deviled eggs with your white Russians.
With something sweet: Enjoy some salted caramel snickerdoodle cookies or chocolate fudge cookies.
How to Store Salted Butterscotch Cocktails
Store: These are best served fresh, to maintain the layered look and creamy texture, so only make as much as you need.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these.
Top Tips
Chill the glass: For an even more refreshing sip.
Stir or layer: Choose your presentation depending on your mood.
Use high-quality liqueurs: The better the ingredients, the smoother the cocktail.
White Russian with Butterscotch FAQs
Yes, but it adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
A rocks glass or short tumbler works best for this drink.
It’s up to you. Stir for blended flavor or leave it layered for presentation.
Salted Butterscotch White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Salted Butterscotch White Russian
Equipment
- Squeeze Bottle
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces butterscotch schnapps, such as DeKuyper’s Buttershots
- 1 Ounce coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa
- 1 Ounce vodka
- 1 Ounce heavy cream
- 1 Pinch ground nutmeg
- ice
For the Rims
- butterscotch sauce, ice cream topping
- sea salt
Instructions
- Pour butterscotch sauce and sea salt onto their own individual shallow plates.
- Carefully dip top edge of glass into butterscotch sauce, then into the salt.
- Using a squeeze bottle or a spoon, drizzle some of the butterscotch sauce around the inside wall of the glass. Fill glass with ice.
- Pour schnapps, coffee liqueur, vodka, and cream over ice. You can stir to mix the cocktail or leave it layered, depending on your preference.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg over top.
Notes
Stir or layer: Choose your presentation depending on your mood.
Use high-quality liqueurs: The better the ingredients, the smoother the cocktail.
Nutrition
The salted butterscotch white Russian is the ultimate fall cocktail for anyone who loves creamy drinks with a little twist. The mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and butterscotch schnapps creates a smooth, indulgent base, while the salted rim and nutmeg finish bring balance and warmth. Whether you’re serving this tasty fall cocktail for a small get-together or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this cocktail is easy to love and even easier to make. Keep this butterscotch drink in your fall cocktail rotation.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Where do you get Mrs. Richardson’s Butterscotch Dessert Sauce? I can’t find it in Southern California. Can I use Mrs. Richardson’s Butterscotch? Or is that too thick?
I believe it’s the same thing, they changed the name in 2019 according to their website. The Smuckers butterscotch topping would also be good if you prefer that one.
This was AMAZING!! The salt really made it!
So glad you loved it!
That salted butterscotch white Russian cocktail is dangerously delicious—my friends keep asking for more!