Celebrate the holiday season in style with this Salted Caramel White Russian recipe, made with rich, heavy cream, caramel vodka, and a splash of Kahlua. Turn a classic creamy cocktail into a boozy beverage with a sweet and salty surprise. Perfect for those who enjoy a twist on traditional flavors!
Our Salted Caramel White Russian cocktail recipe makes a single 6-ounce serving in 5 minutes flat. Get ready to indulge in a delicious dessert-like drink that goes down smooth but is deceivingly strong!
Guess what happens when you give the timeless White Russian drink a sweet and slightly salty upgrade? You elevate the classic cocktail with a new layer of flavor to feel more modern and luxurious.
Vodka Kahlua cocktails are ideal for those who enjoy the comforts of salted caramel combined with the iconic taste of a White Russian. They’re perfect for sipping something sweet when hosting friends or family over the holidays.
What Is A White Russian
A White Russian is a classic cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. It is typically served over ice in an old-fashioned glass. The ingredients can be shaken in a cocktail shaker, or, like this recipe, carefully poured to create visually appealing layers of cream and alcohol.
Salted Caramel White Russian Ingredients
- Caramel Vodka: Provides a strong caramel flavor with a boozy kick, adding sweetness and depth. I used Smirnoff Kissed caramel vodka for this recipe because it was half the price of Crown Royal salted caramel whiskey. Feel free to use the liquor you love.
- Kahlua: This coffee liqueur introduces rich, roasted coffee notes that balance the sweetness of the caramel vodka.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Adds a creamy, smooth texture that softens the flavors and creates a luxurious mouthfeel. The creaminess also mellows the sweetness and alcohol, making the drink richer and more satisfying.
- Ice: A salted caramel Kahlua White Russian is typically served over ice. The ice helps to chill and slightly dilute the drink, enhancing the creamy texture while keeping it refreshing.
- Coarse Sea Salt: A touch of salt around the rim provides a slight contrast that prevents the sweetness from being overpowering.
- Caramel Sauce: This decorative element can be drizzled along the inside of the glass or on top of the drink. It boosts the caramel flavor while making the drink look as indulgent as it tastes. Make sure to use a thick caramel sauce so it will stay on the rim of the glass. You can use a caramel syrup, but you won’t be able to rim the glass with it.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Salted Caramel White Russian
- Add The Alcohol: Add the vodka and Kahlua to the glass and stir together. If desired, add ice to fill the cup.
- Cover With Cream: Pour the cream over the top of a spoon so that it sits in a separate layer.
- Garnish The Glass: Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick, and a whole star anise, if desired.
- Serve: Stir, serve, and enjoy!
How To Garnish The Glass
If garnishing the rim of your glass, dip it first into caramel sauce followed by the coarse sea salt. You can also drizzle the caramel sauce around the inside of the glass.
Serving Suggestions
Salted caramel cocktail recipes are perfect for holiday parties, Christmas gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or a New Year’s Eve bash. Its warm flavors and festive presentation make it a crowd-pleaser for guests. You can also serve it with your late-morning meal as a fun alternative to traditional brunch cocktails, like mimosas or Irish coffee.
I love sipping salted caramel vodka drinks as an after-dinner treat or dessert drink. Its creamy, indulgent flavors make it a great way to wind down a meal, especially when served with my caramel-stuffed chocolate chip cookies or a scoop of caramel pretzel ice cream! For cozy nights sitting by the fire, a Salted Caramel White Russian can be the ideal companion.
Tips & Variations
- Salted Caramel White Russians With Whiskey: You can make a salted caramel whiskey White Russian, although it will not really be a white Russian anymore! A Crown Royal Salted Caramel White Russian has an extra layer of richness and warmth, making this variation an excellent choice for those who enjoy the complexity of whiskey in their cocktails.
- Adjust The Alcohol Amount: This is a strong drink, but it is filled with flavor. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your tastes and strength.
- Decorate Your Drink: For a festive flair, add a sprig of fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick, and a whole star anise to your drink. For an extra indulgent treat, top your drink with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Proper Storage
- To Store: Do not store your salted caramel cocktails once combined. Assemble the drink when you’re ready to serve it.
More Holiday Cocktail Recipes
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Salted Caramel White Russian
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Caramel Vodka
- 2 ounces Kahlua
- 2 ounces Heavy Cream or Half n Half
- Ice optional
- Coarse Sea Salt optional garnish
- Caramel Sauce optional garnish
- Fresh Rosemary optional garnish
- Cinnamon Sticks optional garnish
- Whole Star Anise optional garnish
Instructions
- If garnishing the rim, place caramel sauce on a plate and dip the rim of the glass in it.Caramel Sauce
- Place the coarse sea salt on a clean plate and dip the rim into it.Coarse Sea Salt
- Add the caramel vodka and kahlua to the glass and stir.2 ounces Caramel Vodka, 2 ounces Kahlua
- Add ice to fill the cup, if desired.Ice
- Using the back of the cocktail spoon, hold it just barely above the ice and gently pour the cream over the top of the spoon. This should allow it to sit in a separate layer.2 ounces Heavy Cream or Half n Half
- Top with a sprig of fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick, and a whole star anise, if desired.Fresh Rosemary, Cinnamon Sticks, Whole Star Anise
- Stir and enjoy!
Jenn’s Notes
- You can make a salted caramel whiskey White Russian, although it will not really be a white Russian anymore! A Crown Royal Salted Caramel White Russian has an extra layer of richness and warmth, making this variation an excellent choice for those who enjoy the complexity of whiskey in their cocktails.
- This is a strong drink, but it is filled with flavor. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your tastes and strength.
- Feel free to add a sprig of fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick, and a whole star anise to your drink for a festive flair. You can also top your drink with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
