Spiked Caramel Milkshake with Tennessee Whiskey
As the Georgia versus Tennessee game approaches, I am so excited to tailgate. As promised, I am sharing a milkshake for each team in partnership with my friends at The Dairy Alliance. First, we cheered on Georgia with my Spiked Peach Milkshake, and both shakes belong on the menu for any UT vs. UGA tailgate.
Now, we have to pass the ball to UT. I chose a caramel milkshake because it is the perfect partner for Tennessee whiskey, and the smooth, warm whiskey represents the Vols beautifully. In particular, it tastes like a salted caramel dessert with a little kick, which makes it just as good next to my favorite tailgating dip as it is after dinner. Moreover, if you want something with a coffee kick, my spiked iced coffee is its cousin.
What’s more, it takes about 5 minutes and one blender, and you can make a single shake or a full batch. You can use plant-based milk, but I recommend real milk here: it makes the creamiest shake, and it brings protein and calcium along with it. With this in mind, set it out next to a French fry board and a buffalo chicken flatbread. No matter which team you are cheering for, this is a real touchdown.
What Is a Spiked Caramel Milkshake
A spiked caramel milkshake is a thick vanilla milkshake blended with caramel sauce and a splash of Tennessee whiskey, then finished with whipped cream, more caramel and toffee bits. A pinch of sea salt turns it into salted caramel.
In essence, it is a dessert and a cocktail in one glass, and it is strictly for the grown-ups. Equally important, it is easy to make alcohol-free, so the whole crowd can enjoy a version.
Spiked Caramel Milkshake Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Vanilla Ice Cream
Two cups of good vanilla ice cream make the shake thick and creamy. It is the canvas for the caramel and whiskey.
Whole Milk
Whole milk gives the creamiest texture and brings protein and calcium with it. Lactose-free milk works just as well, and oat or almond milk are options if you need them.
Caramel Sauce
Two tablespoons go into the blender for flavor, and a little more drizzles down the glass and over the top.
Tennessee Whiskey
A quarter cup gives the shake its warmth and a smooth, slightly sweet finish that pairs naturally with caramel.
Flaky Sea Salt
Just a pinch balances the sweetness and turns the shake into salted caramel.
Whipped Cream and Toffee Bits
The finish. A tall swirl of whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of toffee bits make it look like a soda fountain treat.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
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Ninja Professional Blender
A powerful blender whips ice cream, milk and caramel into a silky shake in seconds.
Classic Milkshake Glasses
Old-fashioned soda fountain glasses make every shake feel like a treat.
Ice Cream Scoop
A sturdy scoop measures out the ice cream quickly, even straight from the freezer.
Whipped Cream Dispenser
Fresh whipped cream in seconds, piled high under the caramel drizzle.
Double Jigger
Measures the Tennessee whiskey exactly, so the shake stays balanced.
Paper Party Straws
Fun paper straws in team colors are made for game day.
Long Bar Spoons
Long spoons reach the bottom of the glass for every last caramel bite.
Cocktail Picks
Top each glass with a mini football pick or a caramel candy for game day flair.
Squeeze Bottles
Fill one with caramel sauce for neat drips down the inside of every glass.
Flaky Sea Salt
A pinch of flaky salt turns sweet caramel into salted caramel.
Glass Prep Bowls
Small bowls keep your toffee bits and garnishes ready to go.
Glass Measuring Cups
Pour the milk straight into the blender with an easy-to-read measuring cup.
How To Make a Spiked Caramel Milkshake
Step 1: Chill Your Glasses
Pop two glasses into the freezer for a few minutes while you gather your ingredients. A cold glass keeps the shake thick longer.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Pour the milk, whiskey and 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the blender, then add the ice cream and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Adjust the Thickness
If it is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time. If it is too thin, add another scoop of ice cream and blend again.
Step 4: Drizzle the Glasses
Drizzle caramel sauce down the inside of each chilled glass for that pretty dripping look.
Step 5: Pour, Top and Garnish
Pour in the shake, top with whipped cream, drizzle with more caramel and sprinkle with toffee bits. Serve right away with a straw.
Spiked Caramel Milkshake with Tennessee Whiskey
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup whole milk or lactose-free, oat or almond milk
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce plus about 2 tbsp more for drizzling
- ¼ cup Tennessee whiskey 2 oz
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt
- whipped cream for topping
- 2 tbsp toffee bits or crushed caramel candies for garnish
Instructions
- Chill your glasses. Place two glasses in the freezer for a few minutes while you gather your ingredients.
- Blend the base. Pour the milk, whiskey and 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the blender, then add the ice cream and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
- Adjust the thickness. Too thick? Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time. Too thin? Add a scoop more ice cream and blend again.
- Drizzle the glasses. Drizzle caramel sauce down the inside of each chilled glass for that dripping look.
- Pour and top. Pour in the milkshake and top with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
- Garnish and serve. Drizzle with more caramel, sprinkle with toffee bits and serve right away with a straw.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More gameday-ready sips and bites to keep the whole crowd cheering.
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Spicy, cheesy, and built for the crowd — this flatbread is the gameday snack everyone reaches for.
Get the Recipe →
Spiked Peach Milkshake for Game Day
Creamy, boozy, and ready for kickoff — a sweet peach milkshake with a grown-up twist.
Pour a Glass →
Spiked Iced Coffee
A smooth, spiked iced coffee to keep the celebration going from tailgate to fourth quarter.
Pour a Glass →Spiked Caramel Milkshake Variations
Alcohol-Free Caramel Milkshake
Leave out the whiskey and add 2 more tablespoons of milk for a treat the whole family can enjoy.
Bourbon Caramel Shake
Swap the Tennessee whiskey for bourbon for a deeper, oakier sip.
Mocha Caramel Shake
Blend in a shot of cooled espresso for a caramel macchiato vibe.
Caramel Apple Shake
Add a splash of apple cider and top with a thin apple slice. It pairs beautifully with my air fryer apple fries with caramel cream dip.
Chocolate Caramel Shake
Use chocolate ice cream in place of vanilla for a turtle-inspired treat.
Dairy-Free Shake
Use oat milk and a dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert. The caramel carries the flavor.
When I Love Serving a Spiked Caramel Milkshake
Tennessee Game Day
This is my Vols shake. It is the drink I blend when the game is on and everyone is cheering.
Tailgates
Blend a batch before you head out, keep it in an insulated jug and pour it into cups at the stadium. For more ideas, see my tips for the best tailgate.
Game Night at Home
A round of milkshakes makes one of my elevated game nights feel like an occasion.
After-Dinner Dessert
It is dessert and a nightcap in one glass, and it is perfect after a casual dinner with friends.
Fall Get-Togethers
Caramel and whiskey feel so cozy when the weather cools. Serve it alongside a mug of pumpkin hot chocolate for guests who want something warm.
Birthdays and Celebrations
A spiked shake for the adults and an alcohol-free version for the kids keeps everyone happy.
What To Serve With a Spiked Caramel Milkshake
A Burger Board
A build-your-own burger board and a milkshake is the classic diner pairing.
A Fried Chicken Board
Crispy fried chicken and a salted caramel shake is sweet-and-salty perfection.
A Taco Board
Feeding a crowd? Set out a taco board and let everyone build their own plate.
The Spiked Peach Milkshake
Serve both shakes side by side and let your guests pick a team.
A Dessert Board
Pair it with an Oreo ice cream cake board or a mini cheesecake board for a full dessert spread.
A Sweet and Salty Board
My peanut butter board is a fun, snackable partner for caramel.
Spiked Caramel Milkshake Make-Ahead Tips
Chill Everything
Keep your glasses in the freezer and your milk and whiskey in the refrigerator so the shakes stay cold and thick.
Drizzle the Glasses Ahead
Drizzle caramel into the glasses and keep them in the freezer until you are ready to pour. The caramel sets and drips beautifully.
Blend Right Before Serving
Milkshakes melt quickly, so blend just before serving. If you need to hold a batch, keep it in the freezer for up to 30 minutes and give it a quick re-blend.
Set Up a Topping Station
Put out whipped cream, caramel sauce and toffee bits so guests can finish their own shakes.
Spiked Caramel Milkshake FAQs
What is the best whiskey for a caramel milkshake?
Any Tennessee whiskey you enjoy sipping works well. Its smooth, slightly sweet profile pairs naturally with caramel.
How strong is this milkshake?
The recipe uses ¼ cup (2 ounces) of whiskey for two shakes, so about 1 ounce per glass. Please enjoy responsibly.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. Leave out the whiskey and add 2 more tablespoons of milk.
Can I make a big batch?
Yes. Double or triple the recipe and blend in batches so each round stays thick.
What caramel sauce should I use?
A thick store-bought caramel sauce or ice cream topping works perfectly, or use homemade if you have it.
Can I use a different ice cream?
Absolutely. Chocolate, coffee or butter pecan ice cream all work beautifully with caramel.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: a rich, salted caramel milkshake with a smooth Tennessee whiskey finish. All things considered, it is one of the easiest ways to turn game day into a celebration, whichever side you are on. If you want more sweet ideas for your spread, my pound cake bar and hot chocolate bar are two of my favorites. If you make this shake, tag me on Instagram. I would love to see it!
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
