Creamy Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail: The Ultimate Dessert Drink Recipe

Have you ever found yourself torn between a rich, satisfying dessert and a sophisticated cocktail after a long day? Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds? This incredibly decadent Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail perfectly blends the creamy sweetness of a classic milkshake with the delightful kick of an adult beverage. It’s the ultimate treat for those moments when you crave something special, combining comforting nostalgia with a grown-up twist that’s sure to impress.

butterscotch milkshake cocktail in a martini glass with a cherry garnish

What Makes This Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail So Special?

This sweet and creamy cocktail isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. Imagine indulging in a cool, luscious treat after a long, hot day, or unwinding with something uniquely delicious while the kids enjoy their own ice cream. This butterscotch milkshake cocktail is designed for pure enjoyment. Its rich butterscotch flavor is beautifully complemented by a subtle hint of coffee from the Kahlúa, all suspended in a velvety vanilla ice cream base.

What sets this recipe apart is its incredible versatility. While the butterscotch version is a definite crowd-pleaser, you can easily adapt it to suit your cravings. Feeling like chocolate? A simple swap of Butterscotch Schnapps for Creme de Cacao transforms it into a dreamy chocolate milkshake cocktail. Prefer something lighter? Vanilla vodka can replace the schnapps for a classic vanilla milkshake cocktail with an adult kick. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion, offering endless possibilities for custom flavor combinations.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Adult Milkshake

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting this delightful dessert cocktail. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a subtle alcoholic kick. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips on why they’re important:

ingredients to make a butterscotch milkshake cocktail

2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps: This is the star of the show, delivering that unmistakable, sweet, buttery caramel-like flavor that defines the cocktail. Choose a good quality schnapps for the best taste.
1 oz Kahlúa Liqueur: A coffee-flavored liqueur that adds a fantastic depth and subtle roasted note. It beautifully complements the butterscotch, preventing the drink from being overly sweet and adding a touch of complexity. If you don’t have Kahlúa, any coffee liqueur will do, or you can omit it for a pure butterscotch flavor.
2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy foundation of your milkshake. High-quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream will give you the richest, smoothest texture. Feel free to experiment with butterscotch or even coffee-flavored ice cream for an intensified experience.
Butterscotch Ice Cream Topping (Optional, but highly recommended!): Essential for that extra visual appeal and an intensified butterscotch experience. Drizzle it inside the glass and on top for maximum flavor and presentation.
Maraschino Cherry (Optional Garnish): A classic, vibrant red touch that adds a pop of color and a hint of fruity sweetness, making your cocktail look as good as it tastes.

Essential Kitchen Tools You Will Find Helpful:

To whip up this delightful drink, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy, just the essentials to ensure a smooth and perfectly blended cocktail.

Blender: A sturdy and powerful blender is paramount for achieving a perfectly smooth, lump-free milkshake consistency.
Ice cream scoop: For easily and cleanly portioning your vanilla ice cream into the blender.
Martini glasses: While any glass will do, serving this elegant dessert cocktail in a martini glass truly elevates the presentation.

How to Craft Your Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail

Creating this delicious butterscotch milkshake cocktail is incredibly straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying your homemade dessert drink in no time. Follow these instructions for a perfectly blended and beautifully presented treat:

Step 1: Blend to Perfection

Place all of the cocktail ingredients – the butterscotch schnapps, Kahlúa liqueur, and two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream – into your blender. Secure the lid tightly. Begin to blend on a low speed, gradually increasing to high until the mixture is completely smooth and reaches your desired creamy consistency. For a thicker milkshake, add another half scoop of ice cream. If you prefer it slightly thinner, a tiny splash of milk or cream can help achieve the perfect pourable texture. Ensure there are no ice cream lumps for the smoothest experience.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass

Before pouring your beautifully blended cocktail, take your chosen martini glass (or other preferred cocktail glass) and artfully drizzle some butterscotch ice cream topping along the inside walls. Start from the rim and let it cascade down for an elegant and inviting look. This visual touch not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra burst of butterscotch flavor with every sip, making the experience even more indulgent.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Carefully pour the rich, creamy butterscotch milkshake cocktail into your prepared glass. For the perfect finishing touch, drizzle even more butterscotch topping artfully over the surface of the drink. Finally, crown your creation with a bright red maraschino cherry. This adds a pop of color and a classic touch, making your cocktail irresistible. Serve immediately with a straw and perhaps a long spoon, and prepare to indulge!

Creative Variations and Customizations

While the classic Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail is a delight on its own, its simple base makes it incredibly easy to customize and create new flavor experiences. Don’t be afraid to get creative in your kitchen!

Chocolate Dream: For chocolate lovers, swap out the butterscotch schnapps for Creme de Cacao. This will give you a rich, chocolatey milkshake cocktail that’s just as indulgent. A drizzle of chocolate syrup instead of butterscotch topping would be the perfect finish.
Vanilla Bean Bliss: If you prefer a more subtle, elegant flavor, substitute the butterscotch schnapps with vanilla vodka. This creates a smooth, sophisticated vanilla milkshake cocktail that highlights the quality of your ice cream.
Coffee Kick: For an extra boost, add a shot of freshly brewed, cooled espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the blender. This will enhance the Kahlúa’s coffee notes and add a delightful depth.
Spiced Butterscotch: Introduce warmth by adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of pumpkin spice to the blender. These spices pair beautifully with butterscotch and vanilla.
Caramel Craze: If butterscotch isn’t your only love, try replacing the butterscotch schnapps with a high-quality caramel liqueur. Use caramel topping for drizzling to create a luscious caramel milkshake cocktail.
Nutty Indulgence: Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) or almond liqueur (like Amaretto) for a delightful nutty undertone that complements the butterscotch wonderfully.
Minty Fresh: For a refreshing twist, add a small amount of crème de menthe or a few fresh mint leaves to the blend. Garnish with a sprig of mint for a vibrant touch.
Dairy-Free Option: This cocktail can easily be made dairy-free by using your favorite non-dairy vanilla ice cream (almond, coconut, or soy-based) and ensuring your schnapps and liqueur are dairy-free.

Tips for the Perfect Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail

Achieving milkshake cocktail perfection is easier than you think. Here are some pro tips to ensure your drink is always top-notch:

Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are only a few ingredients, the quality of each really shines through. Use good quality butterscotch schnapps, a premium vanilla ice cream, and your favorite Kahlúa.
Chill Your Glasses: For an extra cold and refreshing experience, place your martini glasses in the freezer for about 15-30 minutes before preparing your cocktail. This helps keep the milkshake colder for longer.
Adjust Consistency: Everyone has a preferred milkshake consistency. If you like it thicker, add an extra scoop of ice cream. For a thinner, more sippable drink, a tablespoon of milk or cream can be added to the blender. Add liquids gradually until you reach your ideal texture.
Serve Immediately: Milkshakes, especially those with ice cream, are best enjoyed right after blending. Don’t let them sit too long, as they will melt and lose their creamy texture.
Garnish Generously: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! The butterscotch drizzle and maraschino cherry not only look appealing but also add to the overall flavor and fun of the drink. You could also add whipped cream for extra decadence.
Taste and Adjust: Before pouring, give your blended milkshake a quick taste. If you desire more butterscotch flavor, add a little more schnapps or topping. If it’s too strong, a bit more ice cream can balance it out.

Serving Suggestions

This Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail is versatile enough for various occasions, making it a delightful addition to your entertaining repertoire or a simple pleasure for yourself.

The Perfect Dessert Alternative: Skip the traditional cake or pie and serve this cocktail as a sophisticated, boozy dessert. It’s rich, satisfying, and a unique way to end a meal.
Relaxing Evening Treat: After a long week, there’s nothing quite like kicking back with a creamy, sweet drink. It’s perfect for unwinding on the couch.
Summer Refreshment: While it feels indulgent, its cold and creamy nature makes it a fantastic choice for cooling down on a warm summer evening.
Adult Party Pleaser: Serve these at your next adult gathering or BBQ. They’re fun, flavorful, and a great conversation starter. Consider making a larger batch if you’re serving a crowd.
Pair with Light Snacks: While substantial on its own, it can pair well with light, savory snacks that contrast its sweetness, like salted pretzels or mild cheese and crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail:

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
While you can measure out your liqueurs in advance, the milkshake itself is best blended and served immediately. Ice cream-based drinks tend to melt and separate if made too far in advance, compromising their texture and appeal.
How can I make a larger batch for a party?
Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Blend in batches if your blender isn’t large enough. Keep the blended portions in an insulated container in the freezer for a short period, stirring before serving.
What if I don’t have Kahlúa?
If Kahlúa isn’t available, you can substitute it with another coffee liqueur. For a purely butterscotch-flavored drink without coffee notes, you can omit it entirely, though the Kahlúa does add a nice complexity.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this milkshake?
Absolutely! For a family-friendly version, simply omit the butterscotch schnapps and Kahlúa. You can add a tablespoon or two of butterscotch syrup and a tiny dash of coffee syrup (if you like the coffee flavor) to vanilla ice cream and blend with a splash of milk.
What kind of ice cream works best?
A good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream provides the best base. Its neutral flavor allows the butterscotch and Kahlúa to truly shine. However, feel free to experiment with butterscotch ice cream for an extra boost of flavor.

Are you a fan of dessert-style cocktails? What kind of cocktail recipe would you like to see us share next?

Be sure to pin this butterscotch milkshake cocktail for the next time you can’t decide between dessert and a drink! It’s an irresistible choice for any sweet tooth.

For more delicious caramel-filled recipes, check out these Double Chocolate Caramel-Stuffed Cookies or these Caramel Apple Cupcakes.

More Irresistible Cocktail Recipes:

Looking for more delightful adult beverages to tantalize your taste buds? From tropical escapes to cozy classics, here are some other cocktail recipes you might love. Each offers a unique flavor profile and a perfect way to unwind or celebrate.

Enjoy a classic Pina Colada poolside; it’s perfectly refreshing for summer.
This Blue Mermaid Cocktail is just begging to accompany you to the beach or poolside with its vibrant color and tropical flavor!
For a refreshing and frothy drink that reminds you of your favorite coffee house treat, try this invigorating Kahlua Frappuccino!
The Rum Punch Cocktail hails from the Caribbean, with each island seemingly having its own delightful version of this classic, fruity concoction.
The Brandy Alexander is a smooth, creamy classic perfectly paired with appetizers or enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert cocktail.

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Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail

This creamy butterscotch milkshake cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day. Make different varieties by substituting Creme de Cacao or vanilla vodka.

5 from 5 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course:
Cocktails

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
1

5 minutes

Calories:
516

Author:
Amanda Davis

Ingredients

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2 oz butterscotch schnapps
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1 oz Kahlua liquer
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2 scoops vanilla ice cream
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Butterscotch ice cream topping optional
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Maraschino cherry optional garnish

Instructions

Place all of the cocktail ingredients in a blender and puree until you reach your desired consistency.
Drizzle some butterscotch ice cream topping inside of the glass before pouring the milkshake into it. Drizzle the top of the cocktail with even more butterscotch before garnishing with a bright red cherry.

Nutrition

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.

This post originally appeared on this blog on Aug 12, 2016.