Delight in 1 Perfect Milk Tart Shooter (Melktertjies) for a Sweet Treat

Melktertjies (Milk Tart Shooter) are a yummy and creamy drink that tastes like milk tart, but -with a bit of a kick.

“Try Milk Tart Shooters with Bran Muffins—you’ll absolutely love the perfect blend of flavors!”

Milk tart is one of my favorite desserts because it’s so comforting. The creamy milk tart with a sprinkle of cinnamon makes me feel happy and brings good memories. It’s also a favorite in South Africa.

It’s no surprise that someone turned this tasty dessert into a cocktail shooter.

Because it’s so popular, some companies started making it to sell. But the homemade version always tastes the best. You can make it as strong as you like.

When are milk tart shooters served?

Milk tart shooters can be enjoyed at any occasion—whether it’s a celebration, a party, or a braai (barbecue). Let me paint the picture…

The salads, potato dishes, and braaibroodjies (toasted sandwiches cooked on the grill) are ready. Someone is slicing biltong for a snack. The meat is seasoned and resting in its roasting dish. The rugby game has ended, and there were cheers or some sighs of disappointment.

While someone slices biltong with a knife, the fire has been burning since halftime. Now, everyone is gathered around, enjoying their wine, whisky, or Klippies and coke (brandy and coke). Music is playing, people are laughing and chatting. When Kurt Darren’s songs start, some people roll their eyes, while others start dancing.

Before the first lamb chop even hits the grill, shots of milk tart shooters are being poured. Someone shouts, “Waar is die kaneel?” or “Where is the cinnamon?” as they hand out a round of these tasty treats.

Ingredients

Here are some notes on the ingredients used in this recipe. Please see the recipe card for quantities.

Sweetened Condensed Milk
This gives the melktertjies (milk tart shooters) their creamy flavor and sweetness, which also balances out the vodka. It’s made by heating milk until 60% of the water is gone and then adding sugar. This makes a milk product that doesn’t spoil easily.

Can I use plant-based sweetened condensed milk instead? Yes, you can use your favorite plant-based sweetened condensed milk. Just remember, it might make the melktertjies taste a little different from the traditional milk tart.

Evaporated Milk
This adds a tasty caramel flavor and extra creaminess to the melktertjies.

You can replace evaporated milk with regular whole milk, cream, or half-and-half. For a plant-based option, use your favorite plant-based evaporated milk.

Vodka
Use a vodka you like to drink. For this recipe, choose a plain, unflavored vodka. I used Absolut, a classic Swedish Vodka.

Ground Cinnamon
Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of the milk tart shooter. It helps bring out the traditional milk tart flavor.

How to Make Milk Tart Liqueur/Melktertjies

• In a mixing bowl or large jug, combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vodka.

• Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

• Pour the mixture into a bottle.

• Chill the bottle in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving.

Storage

The best-before date for this milk tart liqueur depends on the best-before dates and storage conditions for the condensed milk and evaporated milk. Typically, evaporated milk lasts for 3 days once opened, and condensed milk lasts for 5 days once opened. If you use milk, cream, or half-and-half, consider their best-before dates as well.

Tart Shooters

As Shooters

Fill the shooter glasses almost to the top with the melktertjie mixture. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top and enjoy! This is the most common way to enjoy milk tart liqueur.

On the Rocks…So We Discovered

Once, I made a batch of melktertjies and left it in the fridge for a weekend gathering. We ended up with about a liter of this delicious drink between my husband and me.

Instead of taking shots like we were 20 years old, we enjoyed the drink poured over ice with a dash of cinnamon on hot summer evenings. It’s similar to how you might enjoy Amarula or Bailey’s.