✔ Updated · balanced pours per drink + an alcohol-free version
A butterscotch White Russian is the classic vodka and coffee liqueur cocktail with a sweet twist: a shot of butterscotch schnapps and a dusting of nutmeg. It’s my favorite holiday-party pour, built right in the glass.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Pour the milk last and slowly, over the back of a spoon, for the pretty swirl, then stir before drinking. Half-and-half makes it richer; whole milk keeps it lighter.
It takes 5 minutes, needs no shaker and tastes like an iced coffee with caramel and cream. Please note this is an alcoholic drink, for adults of legal drinking age only. If you'd rather skip the alcohol, there's an alcohol-free butterscotch "White Russian" below.
Why You'll Love This Butterscotch White Russian
- Dessert in a glass: coffee, butterscotch and cream with a hint of nutmeg.
- Just three spirits and milk, built right in the glass with no shaker needed.
- An easy alcohol-free version so everyone at the table can have one.
What Is a Butterscotch White Russian?
The White Russian is a classic cocktail of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream poured over ice. This version adds butterscotch schnapps, a sweet, caramel-flavored liqueur, so it tastes like a creamy iced coffee with butterscotch. Equal parts of the three spirits keep it balanced, and a pinch of nutmeg on top adds a cozy holiday note.
It's an alcoholic drink, so please enjoy it responsibly and only if you are of legal drinking age.
Alcohol-Free Butterscotch "White Russian"
For a non-alcoholic version with the same coffee, butterscotch and cream flavors, skip the spirits entirely. It's great for designated drivers, anyone not drinking and a kid-friendly treat if you use decaf.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz cold brew coffee concentrate (or decaf cold brew) and 1 tablespoon butterscotch sauce or syrup, and stir until the sauce dissolves.
- Slowly pour in 1/4 cup cold milk or half-and-half and a drop of vanilla extract.
- Dust with nutmeg and stir before sipping.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- This drink contains alcohol. Each one has 3 oz of spirits and liqueurs, roughly 1 1/2 standard US drinks. Serve it only to adults of legal drinking age, sip slowly and never drink and drive.
- Measure with a jigger. Free-pouring makes the drink stronger and sweeter than you expect. 1 oz of each is plenty.
- Use very cold dairy. Cold milk or half-and-half keeps the ice from melting fast and watering the drink down.
- Adjust the sweetness. Butterscotch schnapps and coffee liqueur are both sweet. For a less sweet drink, use 1/2 oz schnapps and add a splash of cold brew coffee.
- Make it dairy-free. Oat milk or a barista-style almond milk works well and swirls nicely.
Butterscotch White Russian
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minutesA butterscotch White Russian is a creamy cocktail of vodka, coffee liqueur and butterscotch schnapps poured over ice and topped with cold milk and a pinch of nutmeg. This drink contains alcohol; an alcohol-free version is included in the article.
Ingredients
- For 2 Drinks (contains alcohol)
2 oz vodka
2 oz coffee liqueur
2 oz butterscotch schnapps
1/2 cup cold whole milk or half-and-half
2 cups ice cubes
1 pinch ground nutmeg, to garnish
- Optional Rim
1 tablespoon butterscotch or caramel sauce
2 tablespoons finely crushed butterscotch candies or graham crackers
Directions
- Optional rim: dip the rim of two rocks glasses in the butterscotch sauce, then in the crushed candies or graham crackers.
- Fill the glasses with ice.
- Pour 1 oz each of vodka, coffee liqueur and butterscotch schnapps into each glass and stir briefly to combine. Or shake them with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into the glasses.
- Slowly pour 1/4 cup cold milk or half-and-half over the top of each drink so it swirls through the coffee layer. Dust with a pinch of nutmeg and stir before sipping.
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More Cocktail Ideas
If you like creamy, dessert-style drinks, try our Baileys cocktails. For something fruitier, make a coconut rum cocktail or a Texas Roadhouse-style strawberry margarita.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a butterscotch White Russian contain alcohol?
Yes. It is made with vodka, coffee liqueur and butterscotch schnapps, about 3 oz in each drink, which is roughly 1 1/2 standard US drinks. It is only for adults of legal drinking age. Use the alcohol-free version in the article if you want to skip the alcohol.
What is in a butterscotch White Russian?
Vodka, coffee liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, cold milk or half-and-half and ice, finished with a pinch of nutmeg. A butterscotch candy rim is an optional extra.
What is the difference between a White Russian and a butterscotch White Russian?
A classic White Russian is vodka, coffee liqueur and cream. The butterscotch version adds butterscotch schnapps for a sweet caramel flavor and is often finished with nutmeg. I prefer the butterscotch one.
Can I make a butterscotch White Russian without alcohol?
Yes. Pour 2 oz cold brew coffee concentrate and 1 tablespoon butterscotch sauce or syrup over ice, stir, then top with 1/4 cup cold milk or half-and-half, a drop of vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
I do this for every party: mix the vodka, coffee liqueur and schnapps in a pitcher and chill it for up to a day. Pour 3 oz over ice per glass and top each with cold milk just before serving, so the dairy stays fresh and cold.
