Salted Caramel Milkshake Shots Recipe
A heavenly sweet-and-salty treat, these Salted Caramel Milkshake Shots blend creamy vanilla ice cream, rich caramel sauce, and (optional liquor for a boozy twist). And indulgent mini dessert perfect for parties.
If you love indulgent desserts, these Salted Caramel Milkshake Shots are about to become your new favorite treat. Made with creamy vanilla ice cream, rich caramel sauce, fluffy vanilla cupcake pieces, and a touch of salt, this easy dessert recipe delivers the perfect sweet-and-salty flavor in every sip.
Whether you’re serving them as boozy milkshake shots with a splash of liquor or keeping them as a fun non-alcoholic treat, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, and entertaining. Not only are these mini milkshake dessert shots irresistibly delicious, but serving them in shot glasses also makes them extra cute and perfectly portioned. They’re a great way to enjoy a decadent dessert without overdoing it.
So it’s an easy option for both kids (virgin version) and adults (spiked version) to enjoy alike.
Ingredients Needed
- Vanilla ice cream: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy base.
- Vanilla cupcake: Adds extra sweetness and a fun cake-like texture (store-bought or homemade both work perfectly).
- Liquor (optional): Turn these into boozy milkshake shots with vodka (light flavor), caramel liqueur (enhances caramel notes), or bourbon (adds warmth and depth).
- Whole milk: Helps blend everything into a smooth, sippable milkshake consistency.
- Caramel sauce: The star flavor! Use a thick, high-quality caramel sauce for the best sweet and salty balance.
- Whipped cream (optional):For a creamy, dessert-style topping.
- Gold sprinkles (optional): For rimming shot glasses and adding a festive, party-ready touch.
How to Make Salted Caramel Milkshake Shots
Step 1 — Prep the shot glasses
Dip the rims of your shot glasses into caramel sauce. Then, coat them with gold sprinkles for a fun, party-ready finish. Set aside while you prepare the milkshake.
Step 2 — Blend the milkshake mixture
In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, whole milk, caramel sauce, vanilla cupcake pieces, and optional liquor. Blend until smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
Step 3 — Add caramel to the glasses
Spoon or drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce into the bottom of each shot glass for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4 — Pour and assemble
Carefully pour the salted caramel milkshake mixture into each prepared shot glass, filling just below the rim.
Step 5 — Garnish and serve
Top each shot with whipped cream and a pinch of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish. Serve immediately while cold for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Adjust thickness easily: Add more milk for a thinner, sippable consistency or more ice cream for a thicker, dessert-style shot.
- Blend just until smooth: Over-blending can melt the ice cream too much and make the milkshake runny.
- Make it kid-friendly: Simply skip the liquor for a fun non-alcoholic milkshake shot that’s perfect for parties with kids.
- For a dairy free option: Simply use vegan milk (like coconut milk), dairy free ice cream, and dairy free whipped cream. For a dairy free milkshake shot, try our chocolate salted fudge truffle milkshake recipe.
- Best served immediately: These milkshake shots taste best fresh while cold and creamy.
- Prep ahead tip: You can pre-rim the glasses and refrigerate them until ready to serve.
- Customize your flavor:Try caramel vodka, bourbon, or even a splash of coffee liqueur for a unique twist on this dessert shot recipe.
- Fun garnish ideas: Add cherries or drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for an elevated dessert presentation.
- Serving option: Prefer a full drink? This recipe makes 1 traditional milkshake (tall glass) or about 4 shot-sized servings.
- Creative serving idea: Skip traditional glassware and serve in our edible ice cream shot glasses for a fun, Instagram-worthy twist.
More Boozy Ice Cream Recipes
- Tropical Alcoholic Freeze Pops
- Halloween Ghost Shots
- Boozy Mudslide Ice Box Cake
- Boozy Salted Caramel Root Beer Float
Equipment
- Shot glasses
Ingredients
- 4 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1 vanilla cupcake
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce plus extra for rimming the glasses
- 2 oz liquor optional
- 1 pinch sea salt plus extra to garnish
- Whipped cream
- Gold sprinkles
Instructions
- Dip the rims of your shot glasses into caramel sauce. Then, coat them with gold sprinkles for a fun, party-ready finish. Set aside while you prepare the milkshake.
- In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, whole milk, caramel sauce, vanilla cupcake pieces, and optional liquor. Blend until smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Spoon or drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce into the bottom of each shot glass for an extra burst of flavor.
- Carefully pour the salted caramel milkshake mixture into each prepared shot glass, filling just below the rim.
- Top each shot with whipped cream and a pinch of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish. Serve immediately while cold for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Notes
- Your liquor choice is flexible. Vodka, bourbon, or a caramel-flavored liqueur all work especially well.
- Prefer a full drink? This recipe makes 1 traditional milkshake (tall glass) or about 4 shot-sized servings.
Don’t forget to share your salted caramel milkshake shots with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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Hey!
I was wondering how much this recipe makes ?
I want to make them for my 16th they look delicious!
xo
You’ve been featured on our blog! Check us out at crystalandconfetti.tumblr.com & crystalandconfetti.com
Cheers!
How many does this recipe yield and what size shot glasses did you use?
When adding a pinch of sea salt, do you put it on top of the whipped cream?
Where did you purchase your shot glasses?
Some “Birthday Cake” vodka would make these extra special.
These are adorable! I can’t wait to try them (:
I do have one question. From the top of the Ingredients list – you put the caramel in the bottom of shot glass – but then do you blend together ice cream, milk, sea salt AND cupcake? What do to with cupcake is the question. Thanks!!
Hi Sandi! Yes, you do blend the cupcake :) Trust me, it’s delicious!
The meaning of the phrase “ice cream” varies from one country to another. Phrases such as “frozen custard”, “frozen yogurt”, “sorbet”, “gelato” and others are used to distinguish different varieties and styles. In some countries, such as the United States, the phrase “ice cream” applies only to a specific variety, and most governments regulate the commercial use of the various terms according to the relative quantities of the main ingredients.
I just found your site and I LOVE it! Beautiful photos as well
I will definitely be trying out this recipe the next time I entertain. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome, thanks Naree!
These look amazing! How many does this recipe make? Where can I buy the gold sprinkles? and how much of them do I need? Thanks!
Thank goodness Pinterest led me here! These are amazing, hope you don’t mind if I stick around and drool for a while.
By all means :)
Do you just use a store bought vanilla cupcake minus the frosting?
Sure! What the heck, just leave the icing on it, it’s probably delicious!
I’m totally salivating right now.
Haha!That’s how I felt trying to wait to take pictures of them :)
When I saw the Blue Bell ice cream I thought of when I first had it in Texas. I am going to try this recipe. It looks so good!
Gotta love Blue Bell :)
Your blog is very enjoyable to read, and I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award! :)
Thanks, Millie!
AMAZING. As always. :)
Thanks, Alison :) so nice of you!
Where’s the love button?
All of your desserts are *fabulous*, and how innovative to add a dash of sea salt to give this scrumptious dessert a sweet/salty taste.
My question is, “How many of these did you eat yourself before posting”? haha
Answer: 2.5 :) Seth ate the others!