Long Tall Cowboy

Sometimes you just want something that tastes like a dessert without the fork. The Long Tall Cowboy delivers exactly that: a creamy, sweet, and surprisingly potent sipper. It's the kind of drink you order when you're done pretending to be sophisticated and just want to enjoy yourself. Don't underestimate the boozy kick hiding behind all that dairy and butterscotch.

Long Tall Cowboy

4.43 from 52 votes

Calories: 356kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

The Long Tall Cowboy Cocktail is a smooth and creamy drink that combines the rich flavors of butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream with the lightness of milk. This indulgent cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and velvety beverage, making it an ideal choice for any special occasion or relaxing evening.

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
▢ 1 oz Irish Cream
▢ 3 oz Milk
▢ 1 Cup(s) Ice Cubes

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:

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Pour 2 oz butterscotch schnapps, 1 oz Irish cream, and 3 oz milk into a cocktail shaker over 1 cup of ice cubes.

Shake:

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Shake well until the mixture is chilled.

Strain:

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Strain the mixture into a long frosted glass.

Serve:

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Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

The Long Tall Cowboy Cocktail is a delightful and indulgent drink that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. The combination of butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream creates a rich and flavorful base, while the milk adds a smooth and creamy finish. This cocktail is best enjoyed chilled, so be sure to shake well with ice.

Ideal for dessert or as a luxurious drink at a party, the Long Tall Cowboy Cocktail is sure to impress. Its creamy and sweet profile makes it a standout choice for any occasion. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a caramel drizzle.

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Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 356kcal (18%)Carbohydrates: 40g (13%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mg (3%)Potassium: 128mg (4%)Sugar: 38g (42%)Vitamin A: 138IU (3%)Calcium: 105mg (11%)

Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks

Beverage Recipe, Cocktail Recipe, Drink Recipe

Where it came from

No one's quite sure who mixed up the first Long Tall Cowboy, but it's a solid bet this drink didn't emerge from the speakeasies of the 20s. This is a modern creation, born from a drive to combine dessert flavors with a serious kick, likely surfacing in bars sometime in the late 20th century or early 2000s.

Consider the Long Tall Cowboy a distant cousin to the Mudslide or a creamy rendition of a White Russian, but with a distinct butterscotch twist. It's squarely in the dessert cocktail camp, offering a rich, sweet experience that doesn't pretend to be anything else. This isn't a complex botanical journey; it's a straightforward good time.

You'll find this drink gracing menus at casual eateries, sports bars, or anywhere people aren't afraid to indulge their sweet tooth. It's a solid choice for an after-dinner treat or a weekend gathering where the goal is easy drinking and good vibes. Don't expect to see it at a high-end craft cocktail bar, and that's just fine.

What it tastes like

The first sip is all about that creamy, sweet butterscotch hit, quickly followed by the mellow, comforting notes of Irish cream. The milk smooths everything out, making it feel decadent and easy to drink. It's a liquid dessert, pure and simple, with enough booze to let you know it's a grown-up treat.

With 2 ounces of schnapps and an ounce of Irish cream, this drink clocks in around 8% ABV. That puts it a fair bit stronger than your average beer, so don't let the milkshake vibes trick you into thinking it's a light sipper. Treat it with respect, or you'll find yourself a little wobbly.

The technique

Building a Long Tall Cowboy is about as complicated as making a chocolate milk. Combine the butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, and milk in a shaker with plenty of ice. Give it a good, solid shake until it's properly chilled, then strain it into a tall, frosted glass. Get it served before it warms up.

The trick here is really getting it cold. Don't just give it a few lazy shakes. You want that milk and cream to emulsify and get frothy, and a thoroughly chilled drink tastes miles better. Frosting the glass ahead of time isn't just for show; it keeps things frosty longer.

Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Butterscotch Schnapps

Use: DeKuyper or Bols for a consistent, sweet base.
Skip: Anything labeled 'butterscotch liqueur' if it's too thin or overly sweet without depth.
Why: This is the star of the show. It brings the defining sweet, caramel notes that make the drink what it is. No schnapps, no Cowboy.

Irish Cream

Use: Baileys is the standard, but Carolans or Saint Brendan's also work for a rich, creamy texture.
Skip: Any cheap, watery 'cream liqueur' that tastes like artificial vanilla. You need actual cream here.
Why: Adds a velvety texture and a subtle whiskey kick, balancing the intense butterscotch. It's the smooth operator.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.

Tall Dark Cowboy

Add a shot of coffee liqueur: Introduce 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur for a mocha twist. It adds depth and a hint of bitterness to cut through the sweetness, making it a bit more complex.

Spiced Cowboy

A dash of cinnamon: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the shaker before mixing, or dust it on top as a garnish. It brings a warm, cozy spice that complements the butterscotch well.

Short Stack Cowboy

Swap milk for half-and-half: For an even richer, thicker drink, replace the milk with 3 oz of half-and-half or light cream. It's a more indulgent version, almost a dessert on its own.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Butterscotch Schnapps?

Try a caramel liqueur or a blend of vanilla vodka and a touch of simple syrup. It won't be quite the same, but it'll get you in the ballpark.

No Irish Cream?

A shot of regular whiskey or bourbon with a splash of heavy cream will give you a similar boozy, creamy base. Not exact, but close.

No Milk?

Any dairy or non-dairy milk alternative works here: almond, oat, or soy milk will all do the job. Just know the flavor will shift slightly.

No Shaker?

Stir all ingredients vigorously in a glass with plenty of ice for about 30 seconds. It won't be as frothy, but it'll be chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Long Tall Cowboy?

A Long Tall Cowboy typically contains butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, and milk, shaken with ice and served chilled.

Is the Long Tall Cowboy a strong drink?

It's stronger than most beers, usually around 8% ABV. The sweetness can hide the alcohol, so sip it slow.

Can I make a Long Tall Cowboy without alcohol?

You can skip the schnapps and Irish cream, using butterscotch syrup and a flavored coffee creamer instead for a sweet, non-alcoholic treat.

What kind of milk should I use?

Any kind of milk works: whole milk for richness, skim for a lighter feel, or even a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk.

What glass should I use for a Long Tall Cowboy?

A tall, frosted glass is traditional to keep it cold and show off its creamy color. A highball or a large tumbler works just as well.

Is this a dessert drink?

Absolutely. It's sweet, creamy, and indulgent, making it a solid choice for an after-dinner treat or when you're craving something sweet with a kick.

Can I make a batch of Long Tall Cowboys?

Yes, you can multiply the ingredients and mix them in a pitcher. Just add ice to individual servings, or keep the batch chilled in the fridge and shake with ice when serving.

What's the difference between butterscotch schnapps and butterscotch liqueur?

Schnapps are typically sweeter and less alcoholic, focused on a specific flavor. Liqueurs can be more complex and often higher proof, though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.