Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
- 1.5 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 2 oz Milk
- 1 splash Cola (optional)
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1.5 oz butterscotch schnapps, 1.5 oz coffee liqueur, and 2 oz milk.
Shake:
- Shake the mixture well to blend the flavors and chill the drink.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into your cocktail glass.
Optional Splash:
- If you like a bit of fizz, add a splash of cola to the glass.
Garnish:
- Garnish with chocolate shavings for a touch of indulgence.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, creamy flavors of the Butterfinger Cocktail #2!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Butterfinger Cocktail #2 likely emerged from the modern wave of dessert cocktails, a category that gained popularity in home bars and casual establishments seeking to mimic candy bar flavors in liquid form. Its exact origin is hazy, but it fits squarely within the tradition of sweet, after-dinner drinks designed for pure enjoyment rather than historical gravitas.
This drink sits comfortably alongside other creamy, sweet concoctions like the Mudslide or a White Russian, but it carves its own niche with the specific, pronounced flavor of butterscotch. While those classics rely on broader cream or coffee notes, the Butterfinger Cocktail #2 leans into the distinct, sugary profile of its namesake candy, offering a more playful and direct sweetness.
You would typically find or serve this drink in a relaxed setting, perhaps as a nightcap at a friend’s place, or at a bar that caters to a crowd looking for something decidedly sweet after dinner. It is not a cocktail for a serious tasting menu, but rather for pure, unpretentious enjoyment.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, the Butterfinger Cocktail #2 delivers a blast of sweet butterscotch, immediately followed by the rich, roasted notes of coffee liqueur. The milk smooths out the edges, creating a creamy, dessert-like texture that carries the flavors through the mid palate. The finish is sweet and lingering, with the butterscotch and coffee fading gently, especially if that optional splash of cola adds a subtle, effervescent lift.
With 1.5 oz of 15% ABV butterscotch schnapps and 1.5 oz of 20% ABV coffee liqueur, this drink contains about 0.525 oz of pure alcohol. When combined with 2 oz of milk and a splash of cola, the total volume makes for a cocktail around 9 to 10% ABV. This means it is roughly as potent as a strong craft beer, making it a relatively approachable and sessionable dessert drink compared to many spirit-forward cocktails.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward: combine your schnapps, coffee liqueur, and milk in a shaker filled generously with ice. The goal here is not just to mix, but to chill thoroughly and create a smooth, integrated texture. Once shaken until very cold, strain it into your chosen glass. The optional cola is a last-minute addition, poured directly into the glass for a slight fizz and a hint of extra flavor.
The most important technique for the Butterfinger Cocktail #2 is a robust and sustained shake. You are working with ingredients of varying densities, and the milk needs to be fully emulsified and chilled to prevent separation and ensure a velvety mouthfeel. A weak shake will leave you with a drink that is not cold enough and has a less appealing, thin texture, missing the creamy indulgence it aims for.
Drink Buddy Exclusive
Tell us what's in your cabinet.
Our Cocktail Builder takes whatever bottles you've got and hands you every drink you can actually make tonight.
Open the Builder →Get the Drink Buddy newsletter
One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.
Plus the recipes we drop before they hit the site. Zero spam.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Butterscotch Schnapps
- Use
- Look for a quality butterscotch schnapps from brands like DeKuyper or Bols. These will offer a clear, sweet butterscotch flavor without tasting artificial. Most are around 15% ABV, providing a good base for the drink’s sweetness.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with caramel liqueur. While similar, caramel has a different, often richer and slightly burnt sugar profile that will shift the drink away from the distinct Butterfinger candy flavor this cocktail aims for.
- Why
- This ingredient is the undisputed star, defining the drink’s namesake flavor. Without its distinctive sugary, buttery notes, the Butterfinger Cocktail #2 loses its identity and becomes just another sweet, creamy coffee drink.
Coffee Liqueur
- Use
- Kahlua is the standard here, offering a sweet coffee base around 20% ABV. For a more sophisticated coffee note, consider Mr. Black or Tia Maria, which can add deeper, less sugary coffee complexity.
- Skip
- Do not use plain coffee or espresso. These lack the sweetness and body of a liqueur, resulting in a bitter, thin drink that will clash with the butterscotch and milk.
- Why
- Coffee liqueur provides essential depth and a counterpoint to the butterscotch’s sweetness. It adds richness and a subtle bitterness that prevents the drink from being cloyingly sweet, rounding out the overall flavor profile.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Espresso Kick
- For a bolder coffee presence
- Add 0.5 oz of chilled espresso or strong cold brew concentrate to the shaker for a more pronounced coffee flavor and an extra jolt.
Creamy Dream
- Richer and more decadent
- Swap the milk for half and half or light cream to achieve an even richer, more luxurious mouthfeel, leaning further into its dessert cocktail status.
Spiced Butterfinger
- A hint of warmth
- Add a small dash of cinnamon liqueur or a pinch of ground cinnamon to the shaker for a subtle, warming spice note that complements the butterscotch and coffee.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a caramel liqueur for a similar sweet profile, though the distinct ‘Butterfinger’ flavor will be less pronounced.
A strong, sweetened cold brew coffee concentrate can work in a pinch, but you will miss some of the liqueur’s body and sweetness.
Half and half, light cream, or a neutral plant-based milk like oat milk can be used for a similar creamy texture.
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir vigorously until very cold, though it will not be as aerated or emulsified as a shaken drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Butterfinger Cocktail #2?
A Butterfinger Cocktail #2 contains butterscotch schnapps, coffee liqueur, milk, and an optional splash of cola.
Is the Butterfinger Cocktail #2 strong?
It is moderately strong, typically around 9 to 10% ABV, comparable to a strong beer. It is a dessert drink meant for enjoyment rather than a potent punch.
What does a Butterfinger Cocktail #2 taste like?
It tastes like a creamy, sweet dessert, with prominent flavors of butterscotch and rich coffee, smoothed out by milk.
Can I make the Butterfinger Cocktail #2 dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a neutral-flavored plant-based milk like oat milk or almond milk.
What kind of glass should I use?
A rocks glass or a coupe is suitable for serving the Butterfinger Cocktail #2.
Can I make a batch of Butterfinger Cocktail #2?
You can pre-mix the schnapps and coffee liqueur. Add the milk and cola just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What’s the best butterscotch schnapps for this drink?
For the best flavor, use a reputable brand like DeKuyper or Bols, which offer a balanced and authentic butterscotch profile.
Why is it called Butterfinger Cocktail?
It is named for its flavor profile, which mimics the sweet, buttery, and slightly nutty taste associated with the popular Butterfinger candy bar.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family when the night calls for them.
