Hot Butterscotch Recipe

A close-up of a tapered glass full of hot butterscotch beverage with butterscotch sauce dripping down the sides. The drink is topped with mini marshmallows and a lot of butterscotch whipped cream and has a glass straw in it.

This hot butterscotch satisfies that hot beverage craving even if you don't like hot chocolate or coffee. With rich butterscotch flavor, this drink is a fitting treat for Santa or for anyone who wants a little butterscotch holiday cheer.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Servings

Calories 532kcal

Author Jennifer Field

Ingredients

8 oz heavy cream hot but not boiling
4 oz dark brown sugar
2.5 oz unsalted butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt I use Morton. If using a different type of salt, shoot for 5 grams, by weight
1 oz water just to help dissolve the brown sugar
24 oz whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt dark brown sugar, butter, salt, and water together over medium-low heat.
Once the butter is melted and the sugar is mostly dissolved, turn the heat up to medium and cook the butterscotch, stirring frequently, until the butter has browned and the sugar is beginning to caramelize. This may take 10-15 minutes. You will know it's ready when you smell caramelized sugar. A few wisps of smoke may come off the mixture too.
As soon as you smell caramel, carefully pour the hot cream into the pan. It will bubble and sputter and boil up, so be careful. Turn the heat off and stir/whisk the butterscotch until it is smooth.
Pour in the milk and heat until very hot and steaming. Don't let it boil, though.
Taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Remember, salt is one component of the butterscotch flavor profile, so it should be prominent but not overpowering. I generally use a total of 1 1/4 teaspoons or 7 grams, but you may be happy with the flavor without adding more salt.
Stir in vanilla before serving. As a serving suggestion, rim your glasses/mugs with butterscotch sauce, allowing some to drizzle down the insides and outsides of your glasses. Top with whipped cream and mini marshmallows. To carry through the butterscotch flavor, sweeten the whipped cream with butterscotch sauce.

Video

Notes

To make your hot butterscotch a bit less rich, use 4 oz of heavy cream 28 oz of whole milk.

If you like a thicker beverage, whisk 2-3 teaspoons of cornstarch into your cold milk before adding to the butterscotch. Then cook until it comes to a boil. Allow it to boil, whisking the whole time, for about 1 minute. This will give your drink a bit more body.

Nutrition