This creamy, sweet-and-salty cocktail takes its name (and inspiration) from the classic candy bar that’s been a Midwest favorite since the 1930s. With peanut butter whiskey, a splash of butterscotch, and a creamy finish, the Salted Nut Roll cocktail is rich, comforting, and just a little indulgent—kind of like dessert in a glass. I’ve made this drink countless times—it’s my go-to for cozy nights or when I want to serve something fun at a get-together.
Salted Nut Roll
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Rocks glass (or highball, if you prefer more ice)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45ml) Peanut Butter Whiskey
– 0.5 oz (15ml) Butterscotch Schnapps
– 1 oz (30ml) Half-and-Half (or use whole milk or plant-based cream)
– Ice – enough to fill your shaker and glass
– Pinch of sea salt – for that perfect salty finish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the peanut butter whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, and half-and-half.
- Shake well—about 15–20 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This helps chill everything and gives the drink a nice smooth texture.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt right on top. It brings out the sweetness and balances the richness.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
– You can pre-mix the whiskey and schnapps and store in the fridge for a few days. Just add the half-and-half and shake before serving.
– If you’re hosting, scale up the ingredients and mix a batch in a pitcher—just shake individual servings with ice for best results.
– Don’t store once mixed with dairy—it’s best fresh.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra refreshing sip.
– If you want a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond or oat milk. It still gives a creamy finish without the dairy.
– For a slightly less sweet version, reduce the butterscotch schnapps to 0.25 oz (7ml).
– Sea salt is ideal—it adds a subtle crunch and a cleaner salty note than table salt.
What It Tastes Like
Creamy, nutty, sweet, and just a little salty. The peanut butter whiskey brings warmth and richness, while the butterscotch adds a soft caramel note. The half-and-half smooths it all out, and the sea salt on top wakes up the whole drink. It’s dessert-like, but not too heavy.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails—this one always gets a “wow” when I serve it, especially for folks who like something sweet but grown-up.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few easy twists:
Substitutions
– Peanut Butter Whiskey: Try a hazelnut or pecan whiskey for a nuttier spin.
– Butterscotch Schnapps: Swap with caramel liqueur for a deeper flavor.
– Half-and-Half: Use whole milk, cream, or non-dairy milk like oat or almond.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Nut Roll
– Peanut Butter Whiskey
– Chocolate Liqueur
– Half-and-Half
– Sea Salt
Shake with ice and serve over fresh ice. Great for chocolate lovers!
Caramel Nut Roll
– Peanut Butter Whiskey
– Caramel Liqueur
– Half-and-Half
– Sea Salt
Sweet and buttery, with a silky finish.
Spiced Nut Roll
– Peanut Butter Whiskey
– Spiced Rum
– Half-and-Half
– Sea Salt
Perfect for cooler weather—warm spices give it a cozy twist.
Non-Alcoholic (Virgin) Salted Nut Roll
– 1 oz (30ml) Peanut Butter Syrup
– 0.5 oz (15ml) Butterscotch Syrup
– 1 oz (30ml) Almond Milk
– Ice
– Sea Salt
Shake everything with ice, strain into a glass, and top with sea salt. It’s creamy, sweet, and still a treat.
Serving Suggestions
This drink shines as an after-dinner cocktail or a sweet nightcap. Serve it with:
– Chocolate truffles or anything fudgy
– A cheese board with creamy Brie, goat cheese, and dried fruit
– Spicy snacks like candied nuts or chili-dusted popcorn—the sweetness cools the heat
Common Questions
What does a Salted Nut Roll cocktail taste like?
It’s creamy, sweet, nutty, and just salty enough to balance it all out—like the candy bar it’s named after.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Use peanut butter and butterscotch syrups with almond milk. It’s still delicious and kid-friendly.
What’s the best glass to use?
A rocks glass is perfect—it keeps the drink chilled and lets the flavors shine. A highball works too if you like more ice.
Is it high in calories?
It can be, especially with cream and sweet liqueurs. To lighten it up, use almond milk and reduce the schnapps.
What foods go well with it?
Chocolate desserts, rich cheeses, and spicy snacks all pair beautifully.
Why is it called a Salted Nut Roll?
It’s named after the classic candy bar—peanutty, sweet, and salty. The drink version captures all those flavors in a creamy cocktail.
This cocktail is a playful nod to a nostalgic treat, and it’s always a hit at parties or when you’re craving something a little indulgent. Whether you stick with the classic or try a twist, the Salted Nut Roll is a fun and flavorful drink worth shaking up.
