This Vegan Salted Caramel White Russian has all of the creamy goodness and flavor of a traditional white russian with none of the dairy! Oh! It's also loaded up with coffee-salted caramel flavor for a festive delight. This drink has truly become my holiday cocktail of choice and I hope it gains the same favor with you. Let's learn how to make it!
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Vegan Salted Caramel White Russian Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- Vodka (1 oz): Vodka is a standard ingredient in a White Russian cocktail. It provides the alcoholic base for the drink, contributing to its classic composition.
- Kahlúa (1 oz): Kahlúa is a coffee-flavored liqueur that adds depth and a rich coffee flavor to the cocktail. It complements the sweetness of the salted caramel and balances the overall taste.
- Nondairy Heavy Cream or Full-Fat Coconut Milk (2 oz): This replaces traditional dairy cream, making the cocktail vegan. The creamy texture enhances the mouthfeel of the drink, creating a smooth and luxurious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Salted Caramel (recipe below): The salted caramel brings a sweet and salty flavor profile to the cocktail, elevating its taste. It adds richness and a distinctive caramel note, creating a unique twist on the classic White Russian.
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a sweet and aromatic flavor, complementing the caramel and enhancing the overall sweetness of the cocktail.
- Pinch of Sea Salt: The sea salt enhances the salted caramel flavor, creating a well-balanced and nuanced taste. It also helps cut through the sweetness, preventing the cocktail from becoming overly sugary.
For the Vegan Salted Caramel
- ½ cup Sugar: Sugar is the primary sweetener in caramel. It undergoes a caramelization process, turning into a rich and golden syrup that provides sweetness to the cocktail.
- 3 tablespoon Vegan Butter: Vegan butter replaces traditional dairy butter in the caramel. To illustrate, it contributes to the smooth and velvety texture of the caramel, enhancing its richness.
- 2 tablespoon Nondairy Milk: Nondairy milk helps achieve the desired consistency for the caramel sauce. It adds creaminess without the use of dairy, making the recipe vegan-friendly.
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt: The sea salt provides the "salted" element in salted caramel. It balances the sweetness, intensifies the caramel flavor, and adds a savory contrast, creating a more complex taste.
Steps to Make a Vegan Salted Caramel White Russian
- Make the Salted Caramel: Add sugar to a small saucepan and heat on stove over medium-low until completely melted. Do not stir! Just swirl the pan every 15-30 seconds to prevent burning. Once melted, remove pan from heat. Immediately add vegan butter to the pan and whisk vigorously. Mixture will bubble violently. Once bubbling stops, whisk in nondairy milk and salt. Transfer to a sealable jar and allow caramel to cool slightly before placing in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble: To a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the vodka, kahlúa, nondairy cream, caramel, vanilla and salt. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds before straining mixture into a cocktail glass filled with crushed ice. Top with dairy free whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a grizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Tips for Making a Vegan Salted Caramel White Russian
For the Salted Caramel
- Watch the Caramelization: Be attentive when caramelizing the sugar. Stir continuously and monitor the color closely to achieve a rich golden-brown caramel without burning.
- Use Vegan Butter Wisely: Choose a high-quality vegan butter for a rich and smooth caramel. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences; some may prefer a more buttery caramel, while others may prefer it slightly less rich.
- Careful with Nondairy Milk: Add the nondairy milk gradually to avoid clumping. Stir continuously as you pour it into the caramelized sugar to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Balancing Sweetness and Saltiness: Taste the caramel and adjust the amount of sea salt accordingly. Remember, the salt should complement the sweetness without overpowering it. Don't burn your mouth!
For the Cocktail
- Chill Ingredients: Ensure that the vodka, Kahlúa, and nondairy cream are well-chilled before assembling the cocktail. This will result in a refreshing and satisfying drink.
- Serve Over Ice: A Vegan Salted Caramel White Russian is best enjoyed over ice. To explain, the cold temperature enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing element to the cocktail.
- Adjust Ratios to Taste: Feel free to adjust the ratios of vodka, Kahlúa, and salted caramel based on your personal preferences. Some may prefer a stronger coffee flavor, while others may want a sweeter or boozier drink.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: When serving, drizzle a little extra salted caramel on top for visual appeal. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon for an additional flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any nondairy milk for the salted caramel?
Yes, you can use various nondairy milk options such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Choose a nondairy milk that complements the flavors you enjoy.
Is it necessary to use vegan butter in the salted caramel?
Yes, using vegan butter is essential to keep the recipe vegan. Also look for a high-quality vegan butter to ensure a rich and smooth caramel.
Can I make the salted caramel in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salted caramel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before using in the cocktail.
What if I don't have Kahlúa?
If you don't have Kahlúa, you can use a coffee-flavored syrup or make a strong coffee concentrate to substitute. Adjust the sweetness accordingly to maintain the balance in the cocktail.
FAQ's Continued
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version by omitting the vodka and Kahlúa. To clarify, you'll need to increase the amount of nondairy cream or coconut milk to maintain the volume and creaminess. Also, replace Kahlúa with strong, brewed coffee.
Can I use a store-bought vegan caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use a store-bought vegan caramel sauce, but ensure it has a good balance of sweetness and saltiness. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of vodka?
Yes, you can experiment with different spirits such as rum or a vegan-friendly whiskey to create variations of the cocktail. Adjust the proportions to maintain balance.
How to Serve a Vegan Salted Caramel White Russian
Serving a Vegan Salted Caramel White Russian involves more than just pouring the drink into a glass. Here's a guide on how to present and enjoy this delicious cocktail:
- Chilled Glassware: Start by chilling the glassware in the freezer for a short time before serving. This enhances the refreshing quality of the cocktail.
- Prepare the Cocktail: Combine the vodka, Kahlúa, nondairy heavy cream, salted caramel, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt in a shaker with ice. Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Strain Over Ice: Strain the shaken cocktail over a glass filled with ice. This maintains a cold temperature and also dilutes the drink slightly for a smoother taste.
- Top with Nondairy Whipped Cream: If using nondairy whipped cream, carefully spoon or pipe it onto the surface of the cocktail. Afterward, create a smooth and even layer for a visually appealing presentation.
- Drizzle with Additional Salted Caramel: Add a finishing touch by drizzling a little extra salted caramel on top of the whipped cream. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a decorative element.
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or ground cinnamon over the whipped cream for added flavor and also for aesthetics. Consider adding a cinnamon stick, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few coffee beans for a sophisticated touch.
- Serve with a Stir Stick: Place a stir stick or a long spoon alongside the cocktail. To explain, this allows the drinker to mix the layers of the cocktail as they prefer.
- Accompany with Cinnamon Sticks or Vegan Cookies: Serve the cocktail with a cinnamon stick as a garnish, or pair it accordingly with vegan cookies or other dessert options that complement the flavors of the drink.
If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!
PrintVegan Salted Caramel White Russian
This Vegan Salted Caramel White Russian is a dairy-free, festive holiday twist on a beloved cocktail. Sweet, salty, creamy and delicious!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 Drink 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop/Shake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
1 oz vodka
1 oz kahlúa
2 oz nondairy heavy cream (or full fat coconut milk)
1 tbsp salted caramel (recipe below)
½ tsp vanilla extract
pinch sea salt
nondairy whipped cream + cinnamon to serve
For the Salted Caramel
½ c sugar
3 tbsp vegan butter
2 tbsp nondairy milk
¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Make the Salted Caramel: Add sugar to a small saucepan and heat on stove over medium-low until completely melted. Do not stir! Just swirl the pan every 15-30 seconds to prevent burning. Once melted, remove pan from heat. Immediately add vegan butter to the pan and whisk vigorously. Mixture will bubble violently. Once bubbling stops, whisk in nondairy milk and salt. Transfer to a sealable jar and allow caramel to cool slightly before placing in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble: To a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the vodka, kahlúa, nondairy cream, caramel, vanilla and salt. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds before straining mixture into a cocktail glass filled with crushed ice. Top with dairy free whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a grizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Equipment
Notes
*If you’d like to get ahead you can purchase dairy-free salted caramel sauce from the grocery store. Be sure to read the ingredient label as caramel sauce is traditionally made with dairy.
*Drinks should not be made in advance. Only make cocktails to order.
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