Indulge your sweet tooth with the irresistibly smooth and utterly delicious Buttery Nipple Shot, a classic cocktail shot that promises a delightful experience in every sip. Crafted with just two simple yet decadent ingredients – rich Bailey’s Irish Cream and luscious Butterscotch Schnapps – this iconic shooter is renowned for its harmonious blend of creamy sweetness and warm, caramel-like notes. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of dessert drinks or simply looking for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing shot, the Buttery Nipple is a fantastic choice that consistently delivers on flavor and fun. It’s the perfect concoction for unwinding after a long day, igniting the spirit of a lively gathering, or adding a playful touch to any celebration. Prepare to elevate your cocktail game with this enchanting, fuss-free recipe.
The Alluring Legacy of the Buttery Nipple Shot
There’s no denying that the name “Buttery Nipple Shot” often elicits a chuckle, a blush, or at the very least, a raised eyebrow. This distinctive moniker is a charming throwback to the vibrant and often cheeky cocktail culture of the 1980s, an era when drink names were as audacious and memorable as the drinks themselves. During this period, bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts embraced a playful spirit, giving birth to a fascinating array of libations with suggestive or humorous titles that became legendary party starters.
The 80s were a time of bold flavors and even bolder expressions in mixology. While today’s cocktail scene often leans towards sophisticated, minimalist names, the 80s reveled in names that sparked conversation and curiosity. Think of other iconic drinks from the era that shared this provocative naming convention: the Blowjob Shot, Sex on the Beach, Red-Headed Slut, Screaming Orgasm, and the Slow Comfortable Screw Against the Wall. These names, while certainly not for the faint of heart, reflect a cultural shift towards more open and uninhibited social interactions. They encouraged patrons to step out of their comfort zones, order with a wink, and embrace the playful side of imbibing.
I recall my bartending school days, fresh-faced and eager, encountering these iconic recipes for the first time. The sheer audacity of the names often left me blushing, but the enduring popularity of these drinks spoke volumes. They weren’t just catchy; they were genuinely delicious and easy to enjoy, making them mainstays on bar menus for decades. The Buttery Nipple, with its captivating blend of flavors, truly embodies this spirit – a sweet, creamy shot that’s as fun to say as it is to drink, proving that sometimes, a name alone can make a drink unforgettable.
Decoding the Buttery Nipple Shot: Ingredients
At its heart, the Buttery Nipple Shot is a testament to simplicity and the power of two perfectly paired ingredients. This dessert-like shooter delivers a rich, sweet, and incredibly smooth flavor profile that’s reminiscent of a melted butterscotch candy with a creamy finish. Understanding each component is key to appreciating the magic of this popular shot.
Essential Components
- Butterscotch Schnapps: This is the cornerstone of the shot’s signature flavor. Butterscotch schnapps is a liqueur that faithfully captures the sweet, rich, and slightly caramelized taste of butterscotch candy. It provides the dominant flavor note, bringing warmth and a delightful sugary depth to the drink. When selecting your schnapps, opt for a reputable brand to ensure a smooth and authentic butterscotch experience. Look for spirits that clearly state “Butterscotch Schnapps” or “Buttershots” for the desired flavor and alcohol content (typically around 15% ABV).
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: The perfect counterpoint to the schnapps, Bailey’s Irish Cream introduces a luxurious creaminess and a subtle complexity. This world-famous liqueur blends Irish whiskey with cream, cocoa, and vanilla, offering notes of coffee, chocolate, and a silky-smooth texture. It mellows the intense sweetness of the butterscotch, adding a sophisticated depth and making the shot incredibly easy to drink. The combination creates a harmonious balance, where the Irish cream wraps the bold butterscotch in a comforting, velvety embrace.
Optional Garnish for an Extra Touch
While delicious on its own, a simple garnish can elevate the Buttery Nipple Shot, adding to its visual appeal and enhancing the overall experience:
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream on top is the most common and arguably the best garnish. It adds an extra layer of creaminess and a delightful lightness, making the shot feel even more like a decadent dessert.
- Raspberry: For a pop of color and a hint of tartness, place a fresh raspberry on top of the whipped cream. This brightens the flavor profile slightly and offers a lovely visual contrast.
- Drop of Grenadine: A small drop or swirl of grenadine on the whipped cream can add a beautiful reddish hue, creating an attractive visual similar to a cherry on top.
Crafting Your Perfect Buttery Nipple Shot
One of the many appeals of the Buttery Nipple Shot is its incredible ease of preparation. You don’t need to be a seasoned mixologist to create this delightful drink; just a few basic tools and our simple instructions will have you pouring perfect shots in minutes.
Essential Equipment
Having the right tools can make all the difference, especially when aiming for consistency and a professional touch.
- 2 Ounce Shot Glasses: Standard shot glasses are perfect. We particularly love those designed for layered shots, which often have a slightly taller and narrower profile, enhancing presentation.
- Bar Spoon: An elongated spoon is invaluable for stirring and, more importantly, for creating beautiful layered shots by allowing liquids to gently float atop one another. A regular small spoon can serve as a substitute if a bar spoon isn’t available.
- Cocktail Shaker: Essential for thoroughly chilling and mixing your ingredients, ensuring a harmonized flavor and a perfectly cold shot. Many shakers come in complete sets with other useful tools.
- OXO Angled Jiggers: These measuring tools are excellent for precise pours, particularly useful for layering cocktails with accuracy.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Flawless Buttery Nipple Shot
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own irresistible Buttery Nipple Shot. Remember, precision in pouring and proper chilling are key to achieving the best results.
Step 1: Prepare Your Shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with fresh ice. The ice will rapidly chill your ingredients, ensuring your shot is refreshingly cold upon serving. For an even colder shot, you can also chill your shot glass in the freezer beforehand.
Step 2: Combine and Chill the Liquids
Measure 1 ounce of Butterscotch Schnapps and 1 ounce of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Pour both liqueurs into the shaker over the ice. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You’ll know it’s sufficiently chilled when the outside of the shaker feels very cold to the touch and condensation forms.
Step 3: Strain and Garnish
Remove the lid from the shaker. Place a strainer over your chosen 2-ounce shot glass and pour the chilled mixture, separating the ice from the liquid. The result should be a smooth, evenly blended, and perfectly cold shot. For that signature dessert touch, finish with a generous swirl of whipped cream on top. Optionally, add a raspberry or a tiny drop of grenadine for an extra flourish.
Expert Tips for the Best Buttery Nipple Shot
While the Buttery Nipple is inherently simple, a few expert tips can elevate your creation from good to outstanding, ensuring every shot is a memorable treat.
- Layered vs. Mixed Shot: The standard Buttery Nipple recipe involves mixing the two ingredients for a smooth, homogenous drink. However, you can create a visually stunning layered shot by carefully pouring the Butterscotch Schnapps over the back of a bar spoon onto the Irish Cream. Since the schnapps is typically lighter in density, it will float on top, creating distinct layers. For the best flavor, we recommend mixing as described in the steps, as it ensures optimal chilling and a perfect blend of flavors.
- Chill Your Glassware: For an extra cold and crisp shot experience, place your shot glasses in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes before pouring. This simple step helps maintain the drink’s temperature longer, enhancing the creamy, dessert-like qualities.
- Scaling for a Crowd: Planning a party? You can easily transform this shot into a “Buttery Nipple Cocktail” by doubling (or tripling) the recipe and serving it in a rocks glass with a large ice cube. This makes for a delightful sipper that guests can enjoy at a more leisurely pace.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, the quality of your Bailey’s Irish Cream and Butterscotch Schnapps will directly impact the final taste. Opt for brands you enjoy for a richer, more authentic flavor.
- The “Butterball Shot” Connection: This recipe is sometimes also known as a “Butterball Shot” due to its rich, buttery flavor profile. It’s the same delicious concoction, just with a slightly different name.
- Nutritional Insight: As with any sweet dessert cocktail, the Buttery Nipple Shot is high in calories and sugar. Enjoy it as an occasional treat. Nutritional information (calories, carbs, fat, etc.) is typically provided on the liqueur bottles or can be estimated with online calculators.
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
The Buttery Nipple Shot is a versatile drink, perfectly suited for a variety of occasions thanks to its sweet, dessert-like profile and playful name.
- Dessert Replacement: Whenever you crave something sweet and indulgent, this shot serves as an instant liquid dessert. It’s perfect for capping off a meal without the need for a full dessert course. The creamy butterscotch flavor is incredibly satisfying.
- Adult-Themed Gatherings: Its suggestive name makes it a natural fit for any “adults-only” party or get-together where humor and playful banter are welcome. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a memorable addition to the drink menu.
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Given the prominent inclusion of Irish Cream, the Buttery Nipple Shot is a fantastic choice for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Pair it with other Irish-themed drinks and don’t forget to raise a glass with a hearty Irish toast!
- Cozy Nights In: For a more intimate setting, a Buttery Nipple can be the perfect warm-up for a quiet evening at home, perhaps alongside a movie or good book.
- Holiday Parties: The rich, sweet flavors of butterscotch and cream make it an ideal candidate for holiday gatherings, especially during the colder months when comforting, decadent drinks are particularly appreciated.
Exploring Buttery Nipple Variations & Dietary Adaptations
The core Buttery Nipple recipe is fantastic, but its flavor profile lends itself well to creative twists and modifications, including options for various dietary needs.
Exciting Flavor Twists
- Brain Hemorrhage Shot: A Halloween favorite, this variation adds peach schnapps and grenadine syrup to the mix. The grenadine “curdles” the Irish cream, creating a creepy, brain-like effect.
- Golden Butterball: For a shimmering, spicy kick, try a Golden Butterball. This shot combines Goldschläger (a cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes), cinnamon schnapps, and butterscotch schnapps for a warmer, spicier profile.
- Slippery Nipple: This popular variation often uses grenadine, Irish cream, and Sambuca, an anise-flavored liqueur from Italy. Another common version simply combines Irish cream and vodka in equal measure for a less sweet, more potent shot.
- Peach Nipple: A lesser-known but equally delightful variation incorporates Peach Schnapps with Irish Cream Liqueur, adding a fruity brightness to the creamy sweetness.
- Spicy Buttery Nipple: For those who love a bit of heat, try adding a dash of a spicy cinnamon schnapps liqueur, such as Dekuyper Hot Damn!, to your Buttery Nipple for a surprising kick.
Catering to Dietary Needs
- Vegetarian Option: All ingredients in the traditional Buttery Nipple Shot are naturally vegetarian-safe, making it an easy choice for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Vegan Option: While traditional Irish cream contains dairy, it’s possible to create a delicious vegan version. Look for plant-based Irish cream alternatives readily available in many stores. Alternatively, you can adapt a homemade Irish cream recipe by swapping dairy products (like sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream) with your favorite vegan alternatives such as coconut condensed milk and cashew cream.
- Gluten-Free: Good news for those avoiding gluten! Both butterscotch schnapps and most brands of Bailey’s Irish Cream are considered gluten-free, making this shooter a safe and enjoyable option. Always double-check labels if you have severe sensitivities.
- Alcohol-Free + Sugar-Free: Achieving a truly sugar-free, alcohol-free Buttery Nipple is challenging as both main ingredients are liqueurs. However, you can simulate the taste using sugar-free butterscotch and Irish cream flavored syrups, mixed with a non-alcoholic cream base (like a splash of milk or non-dairy creamer) and a little sparkling water for a light, mocktail version.
- Larger Serving Size: As mentioned, this shot easily scales into a full-sized cocktail. Simply double or triple the ingredients and serve over ice in a rocks glass for a longer-lasting, delightful drink.
Preparation and Storage Insights
Thoughtful preparation and proper storage can enhance your Buttery Nipple experience and prevent waste.
- Make Ahead: While best served freshly shaken and cold, a batch of Buttery Nipple mixture (without whipped cream) can be prepared ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, give it a quick shake with ice to chill, strain into shot glasses, and then add your whipped cream garnish.
- Storage: If you find yourself with leftover mixed Buttery Nipple, don’t discard it! Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. These leftovers are perfect for transforming into delicious buttery nipple slushies. Simply add the chilled mixture to a blender with ice and blend until you reach your desired consistency for a frosty, dessert-like treat.
- Freezing: Due to the dairy content in Irish cream, we generally do not recommend freezing the mixed Buttery Nipple. Freezing liquid dairy can lead to undesirable texture changes upon thawing, often resulting in a separated or grainy consistency. It’s best to consume refrigerated leftovers within a few days or transform them into slushies.
More Sweet Shot Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the Buttery Nipple Shot’s sweet and creamy charm, explore these other fantastic cocktail shots that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:
- Jelly Bean Shot
- Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot
- Cherry Bomb Shot
- Brain Hemorrhage Shot
- Ninja Turtle Shot
- Baby Guinness Shot
- Funny Drink Names – Dive into our collection of cocktails with delightfully quirky names.
Our comprehensive Butterscotch Schnapps Cocktail Guide features even more creative ways to enjoy this sweet liqueur.
Discover a wide array of Cocktail Recipes, get into the spirit with our festive Halloween Drinks, or simplify your entertaining with our easy 2 Ingredient Cocktail Shots.
For more delicious culinary inspiration, explore our Copycat Recipes, decadent Dessert Recipes, and convenient Crock Pot Recipes.
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Buttery Nipple Shot Recipe Card
Summary
How to make a Buttery Nipple Shot recipe with butterscotch schnapps and Irish Cream. This sweet, creamy, and easy-to-make shot is a delightful dessert in liquid form, perfect for parties or a relaxing evening.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 197 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1 Ounce Butterscotch Schnapps
- 1 Ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add Butterscotch Schnapps and Irish Cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled and cold to the touch.
- Strain the mixture into a 2 oz shot glass. Garnish generously with whipped cream on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Shot Glasses
- Bartending Spoon (optional, for layered shots)
- Cocktail Shaker
Nutrition Facts
Buttery Nipple Shot Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197 (Calories from Fat 36)
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g (6%)
Saturated Fat 2g (13%)
Cholesterol 0.01mg (0%)
Sodium 0.02mg (0%)
Carbohydrates 18g (6%)
Sugar 17g (19%)
Protein 1g (2%)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.