The Ultimate Butterfinger Shot Recipe: A Decadent Dessert Cocktail
Are you ready to indulge in a dessert cocktail that perfectly captures the irresistible flavor of your favorite Butterfinger candy bar? Look no further than this incredibly easy and absolutely delicious Butterfinger Shot recipe! It’s the ultimate treat for parties, celebrations, or simply as a sweet, satisfying after-dinner delight. With just three key ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a memorable drink that will have everyone asking for more.
What Exactly is a Butterfinger Shot?
A Butterfinger Shot is a delightful alcoholic beverage designed to emulate the iconic taste of a Butterfinger candy bar in liquid form. Known for its distinct crispy, crunchy peanut butter core covered in chocolate, the Butterfinger candy is a flavor sensation. This shot recipe masterfully translates those notes into a cocktail by combining key liqueurs that mirror the chocolate, peanut, and butterscotch elements. It’s a rich, creamy, and sweet concoction that serves as both a cocktail and a dessert, making it a standout addition to any gathering.
Imagine sipping on a blend of smooth coffee liqueur, creamy Irish cream, and sweet butterscotch, all harmoniously coming together to create that familiar Butterfinger experience. It’s a truly unique drink that caters to anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for creative cocktails. This particular recipe focuses on simplicity without compromising on taste, ensuring even novice mixologists can whip up a batch of these delectable shots.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Butterfinger Shot
This Butterfinger Shot is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll want to make it your new go-to recipe:
- Unforgettable Flavor: It perfectly captures the essence of a Butterfinger candy bar – a delightful blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch.
- Effortlessly Simple: With only three main ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy your party or relax.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves candy, and transforming it into a sophisticated yet fun shot makes it an instant hit at any event.
- Versatile Dessert: It doubles as both a festive cocktail and a liquid dessert, offering a unique way to end a meal or celebrate.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit different dietary needs or taste preferences, from vegan options to larger batch preparations.
After creating this amazing Butterfinger cocktail, my mind is buzzing with ideas for more candy-inspired cocktail shots. Imagine the possibilities: a nostalgic PayDay Shot, a rich Snickers Shot, a refreshing Peppermint Patty Shot, or even a tangy Sweet Tart Shot. The world of dessert cocktails is vast and exciting! We recently perfected an Oatmeal Cookie Shot that was absolutely epic, proving that classic treats can inspire truly fantastic drinks.
I’m also keen to experiment further with this Butterfinger cocktail recipe, perhaps incorporating Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey for an even more pronounced peanut butter flavor, alongside a generous drizzle of chocolate. The potential for delicious variations is endless!
Essential Ingredients for Your Butterfinger Shot
Crafting this epic Butterfinger drink shot requires a careful selection of simple yet potent ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in mimicking the beloved candy bar’s flavor profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur: This rich, dark coffee liqueur provides a deep, slightly bitter, and sweet coffee base that acts as the chocolate element in our Butterfinger mimicry. Its robust flavor helps anchor the sweetness of the other liqueurs, adding complexity and depth.
- Butterscotch Schnapps/Butterscotch Liqueur: The star of the show for achieving that signature butterscotch and caramel note from the Butterfinger. This sweet, syrupy liqueur delivers a smooth, buttery flavor that is absolutely essential for the authentic taste.
- Baileys Irish Cream: Lending a creamy texture and a subtle hint of Irish whiskey, Baileys brings the “peanut butter” smoothness and richness to the shot. It rounds out the flavors, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dessert cocktail truly irresistible.
Optional Garnishes: To elevate your Butterfinger Shot from fantastic to truly phenomenal, consider these garnishes:
- Chocolate Syrup: Essential for rimming the shot glass, adding an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and helping the Butterfinger pieces adhere.
- Crushed Butterfinger Pieces: The ultimate garnish! Rolling the rim in finely crushed Butterfinger candy provides an authentic crunch and an unmistakable visual cue of the shot’s inspiration.
- Whipped Cream: For a more decadent dessert experience, a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light, airy contrast to the rich liquid below.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes all the difference in crafting the perfect shot. These items will ensure precision and efficiency:
- OXO Angled Jiggers: These are invaluable for accurately measuring your liqueurs. Their angled design allows for easy reading from above, minimizing spills and ensuring your ratios are perfect every time for a balanced flavor. They are especially useful for creating visually appealing layered shots.
- Cocktail Shaker: A high-quality cocktail shaker is essential for thoroughly chilling and mixing your ingredients. It ensures that all flavors are well-integrated and the shot reaches its ideal cold temperature without becoming watered down.
- 2 Ounce Shot Glasses: The ideal size for serving these delightful dessert shots. We particularly love these 2 oz shot glasses for their versatility, especially when showcasing layered shots, allowing the beautiful colors to shine through.
Crafting Your Butterfinger Shot: Step-by-Step Guide
You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily this delicious cocktail comes together. While detailed instructions are in the recipe card below, here’s an expanded, quick overview of how to create your masterpiece:
Step 1: Prepare Your Garnish
Begin by crushing a Butterfinger candy bar into fine, small pieces. You want them fine enough to stick to the rim but still coarse enough to provide texture. Place these crushed pieces on a small plate. Next, pour a shallow layer of chocolate syrup into a separate small bowl. Ensure the bowl is wide enough for the rim of your shot glass to easily dip into it.
Step 2: Rim the Shot Glass
Take your shot glass and gently dip its rim into the chocolate syrup, turning it until the entire rim is evenly coated. Immediately after, gently roll or press the chocolate-coated rim into the crushed Butterfinger candy pieces. Make sure the pieces adhere well, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust. Set the garnished shot glass aside to allow the chocolate to slightly set.
Step 3: Combine and Chill Ingredients
Fill a cocktail shaker with a generous amount of ice. Carefully measure and pour the Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur, Butterscotch Schnapps, and Baileys Irish Cream into the shaker. The ice is crucial here for achieving a perfectly chilled shot without diluting the flavors too much.
Step 4: Shake and Serve
Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This ensures the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and well-chilled. Once shaken, carefully strain the mixture directly into your prepared shot glass or a small cocktail glass. If desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream before serving immediately.
Preparation and Storage Tips
Make Ahead & Storage: This party shot can be partially prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy your event without last-minute scrambling. Mix the liquid ingredients (Kahlúa, Butterscotch Schnapps, Baileys) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply give the mixture a quick shake with ice, then garnish the shot glasses with chocolate syrup and Butterfinger pieces just before pouring.
Freezing/How to Freeze: While freezing the shot directly isn’t recommended as it can separate, you can upsize this concept into a fantastic boozy milkshake! Blend the prepared Butterfinger shot mixture with a handful of ice and a scoop or two of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. This creates a decadent, frozen dessert, much like our Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Milkshake. The choice of vanilla or chocolate ice cream depends on how intensely chocolatey you desire your milkshake to be.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Accommodations
Substitutions: Don’t have the exact brands? No problem! Any good quality coffee liqueur can substitute Kahlúa, and your favorite Irish cream will work in place of Baileys. For an adventurous twist, if you’re feeling crafty, try our Homemade Irish Cream recipe to truly personalize your shots.
Vegetarian Option: This delightful candy-inspired cocktail recipe is inherently vegetarian, making it suitable for those who follow a vegetarian diet.
Vegan Option: To make this Butterfinger Shot vegan-friendly, you’ll need to make a couple of substitutions. Kahlúa, according to its FAQs, is generally not considered suitable for a vegan diet due to certain processing agents. Look for a plant-based coffee liqueur alternative. For Irish cream, Baileys Almande is an excellent choice, as it replaces dairy with almond milk. Always double-check the ingredient list for your butterscotch schnapps, as contents can vary significantly across different brands to ensure it aligns with vegan standards.
Gluten-Free: Achieving a fully gluten-free Butterfinger Shot requires careful label checking. Kahlúa does not explicitly confirm that its products are free of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients, so those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should opt for a certified gluten-free coffee liqueur. Similarly, Baileys states in its FAQs that it cannot guarantee its products are entirely safe for a gluten-free diet. Therefore, seek out a clearly labeled gluten-free Irish cream. Finally, ensure your chosen butterscotch schnapps bears a “gluten-free” label to avoid any potential cross-contamination.
Alcohol-Free Option: For a delightful mocktail version, simply replace each of the three alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic (NA) alternatives. You can find NA coffee syrups, cream liqueurs, and butterscotch flavoring syrups that will allow everyone to enjoy this sweet treat.
Larger Group / More Servings: Easily scale this recipe up for larger gatherings or to create full-sized Butterfinger Cocktails. Simply double, triple, or quadruple the recipe as needed. Feel free to adjust the ounces of each ingredient to fine-tune the flavor profile to your personal preference, making it more or less sweet, coffee-forward, or creamy.
Sugar-Free: The standard recipe contains approximately 15 grams of sugar per serving, as all three liqueurs are sweet. To make a sugar-free version, you would need to source sugar-free replacements for Kahlúa (or coffee syrup), Baileys (or a sugar-free cream liqueur), and butterscotch schnapps (or a sugar-free butterscotch syrup). Keep in mind that finding exact sugar-free alcoholic equivalents can be challenging, but non-alcoholic syrups offer more options.
Expert Tips for the Best Butterfinger Shot
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the coldest, most refreshing shot, consider chilling your Kahlúa, Baileys, and Butterscotch Schnapps in the refrigerator before mixing. This reduces the need for excessive shaking and minimizes ice melt.
- Perfect Layering: To transform this into a visually stunning layered shot, carefully pour each ingredient over the back of a bartender’s spoon. Start with the densest liquid first (Kahlúa), followed by Baileys, and then Butterscotch Schnapps. This creates a beautiful, distinct look.
- Quality Garnishes: Don’t skip the chocolate rim and crushed Butterfinger pieces! They not only enhance the flavor but also make the shot look incredibly appealing and authentic to its candy inspiration.
- Shake, Don’t Stir (for mixed shots): For a uniform, well-chilled shot, shaking with ice is crucial. It fully incorporates the creamy and alcoholic components, ensuring every sip is consistent.
- Leftover Halloween Candy Use: This candy-inspired shot is a fantastic and fun way to utilize any leftover Halloween candy, especially those forgotten Butterfingers!
- Taste Test and Adjust: Before pouring all your shots, taste a small amount of the mixed liquid. You might prefer a slightly stronger coffee flavor, more butterscotch sweetness, or extra creaminess. Adjust the ratios to suit your palate.
What to Serve with a Butterfinger Shot
This three-ingredient shot, combining Kahlúa, Baileys Irish cream, and butterscotch schnapps, delivers a party-ready flavor that’s remarkably like Butterfinger candy. While it’s a dessert in itself, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of other dishes. Here are some menu planning suggestions for a full spread:
Complementary Sides & Appetizers:
- Easy Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the shot.
- 3 Ingredient Creamy Hidden Valley Ranch Dip: A savory, cool dip for vegetables or chips.
- 7 Layer Taco Dip: A classic party dip that’s always a hit.
- Funeral Potatoes: Comforting and cheesy, perfect for a hearty gathering.
- CrockPot Bourbon Little Smokies: Sweet and savory bites that are effortlessly delicious.
- Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip: A spicy, creamy crowd-pleaser.
Delicious Main Dishes:
- Crock Pot Spicy Mango Jerk Wings: A flavorful main course with a sweet and spicy kick.
- Slow Cooker Beer Chili: A warm, hearty, and satisfying dish for a casual get-together.
- Slow Cooker Nacho Chicken: Easy to make and perfect for building individual nacho plates.
- Bisquick Impossible Cheeseburger Pie: A comforting and quick family-friendly meal.
- 3 Ingredient Lazy Enchiladas: Simple, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Even More Dessert Pairings:
- 3 Ingredient Marshmallow Fluff Fruit Dip: A light and sweet dip for fresh fruit.
- Rolo Pretzel Turtles: Sweet, salty, and crunchy—a perfect bite-sized treat.
- Fluffernutter Cupcake: Combines peanut butter and marshmallow for a delightful indulgence.
- Apple and Snickers Salad: A surprisingly delicious sweet and crunchy salad.
- Oreo Fluff: A light, creamy, and chocolaty dessert.
- Nutter Butter Cupcakes: More peanut butter goodness in cupcake form.
- Butterfinger Cake: If you truly can’t get enough Butterfinger, this cake is a must-try!
Other Fun Drinks & Shots:
- RumChata Pudding Shots: Creamy, spiced, and fun.
- Pink Starburst Shot and Cocktail: Sweet and fruity for a different palate.
- Girl Scout Cookie Shot: Another candy-inspired favorite.
- Jelly Bean Shot: A colorful and playful option.
- Sweet Tart Shot: For those who enjoy a sour kick.
- Tootsie Roll Shot: Another beloved candy transformed into a shot.
- Orange Tic Tac Shot: Bright and zesty.
When to Serve Your Butterfinger Shot
- Parties & Celebrations: A perfect conversation starter and a guaranteed hit at any social gathering, from casual get-togethers to more formal events.
- Cocktail Night: Elevate your home bar experience with a unique and delicious dessert option.
- Birthdays: A fun and festive way to celebrate, especially for those with a sweet tooth.
- Holiday Gatherings: A rich, decadent treat that fits perfectly into holiday menus, whether it’s for Christmas, Halloween, or New Year’s Eve.
- After-Dinner Treat: Skip traditional dessert and offer this delightful shot as a satisfying, boozy end to any meal.
- Game Nights: A fun and easy-to-prepare drink that keeps the good times rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the Butterfinger Shot as a full-sized cocktail instead of a shot?
A: Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities by two or three, pour it into a larger cocktail glass with ice, and garnish generously. It makes for a wonderful, decadent dessert drink.
Q: How long can I store the mixed liquid ingredients?
A: When mixed and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the liquid base (Kahlúa, Baileys, Butterscotch Schnapps) can last for up to 2-3 days. Always garnish the shot glasses fresh right before serving for the best presentation and taste.
Q: What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
A: No problem! You can use a jar with a tight-fitting lid as an alternative. Just ensure it’s clean, has enough space for ice, and you can shake it vigorously without spills. A whisk or spoon can also work in a large glass with ice, though shaking provides the best chill and aeration.
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the rim?
A: Yes, you can. While chocolate syrup is easy to work with, you could also melt chocolate chips or use a chocolate liqueur to create the rim. Just ensure it’s sticky enough for the Butterfinger pieces to adhere. Experiment to find your favorite!
Q: Is this shot very sweet?
A: Yes, it is designed to be a sweet dessert shot, mimicking the candy bar. If you prefer it less sweet, you can slightly reduce the amount of butterscotch schnapps or balance it with a tiny splash of unsweetened coffee. However, its sweetness is part of its charm!
Explore More Great Recipe Collections
If you loved this Butterfinger Shot, be sure to explore our other fantastic recipe collections for more inspiration:
- Epic Guide to Butterscotch Schnapps Drinks: Discover more delicious ways to use this versatile liqueur.
- 20+ Spooktacular Spirits: Halloween Drinks and Cocktails: Perfect for festive fall gatherings.
- 17 Baileys Drinks and Cocktails That Taste Great!: Dive into the creamy world of Baileys.
- Kahlúa Drinks That Taste Amazing!: Explore the many uses of coffee liqueur.
- 3 Ingredient Recipes (Appetizers, Entrees, Desserts): For quick and easy meal solutions.
Do you love recipes of all kinds? Check out our copycat recipes to recreate restaurant favorites, indulge in our vast collection of dessert recipes, and simplify your meal prep with our convenient CrockPot Recipes.
Stay connected and never miss a delicious update! Follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest recipe posts and culinary adventures.
Butterfinger Shot Recipe Card
Easy Butterfinger Shot
This incredible 3-ingredient Butterfinger Shot recipe tastes amazing and is perfect for any occasion!
3 minutes
3 minutes
1
147kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 0.5 Ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 0.5 Ounce Butterscotch Schnapps
- 0.5 Ounce Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
- Optional: Chocolate Syrup (for rimming)
- Optional: Butterfinger candy bar (crushed, for rimming)
Instructions
- Crush a Butterfinger candy bar into small pieces and place them on a small plate. Pour chocolate syrup into a separate small bowl.
- Dip the rim of your shot glass into the chocolate syrup, then gently roll it in the crushed Butterfinger pieces until well coated. Set aside.
- Add Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Butterscotch Schnapps, and Baileys Irish Cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled, then carefully strain into your prepared shot glass. Serve immediately.
Kitchen Tools
- Shot Glasses
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger (for measuring)
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 18
Love this recipe? Follow @TammileeTIps on Pinterest!
Tried this recipe? Mention @TammileeTipsLife when you share a photo!