Tulo

Buttery Nipple Shot Recipe

A small shot glass showing two distinct layers, amber butterscotch schnapps on the bottom and pale cream-colored Irish cream floated on top, on a dark bar surface.
Photo by Denys Gromov on Pexels

Butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream liqueur are close enough in density that the cream liqueur floats cleanly on top when poured slowly over a spoon, giving the shot its signature two-tone look and a sip that starts caramel-sweet and finishes rich and creamy.

Prep
5 min
Cook
0 min
Total
5 min
Servings
1

Ingredients

Servings1
  • 3/4 fl oz butterscotch schnapps
  • 3/4 fl oz Irish cream liqueur

Nutrition per serving

Calories
139
Protein
1g
Carbs
12g
Fat
3g

Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.

Need different units or a different yield? Try our Conversion Calculator →

Instructions

  1. 1Chill a shot glass in the freezer for a few minutes if you have time; a cold glass keeps the layers from blending as you pour.
  2. 2Pour the butterscotch schnapps into the shot glass first, filling it about halfway.
  3. 3Turn a bar spoon upside down and rest the back of the spoon just above the surface of the schnapps, touching the inside wall of the glass.
  4. 4Slowly pour the Irish cream liqueur over the back of the spoon so it trickles down the side and settles on top of the schnapps without breaking through the layer.
  5. 5Serve immediately, either sipped in one go or through a straw to taste both layers as they mix.

Tips & variations

  • For a Buttery Nipple with a kick, add a quarter ounce of vanilla or whipped-cream-flavored vodka shaken with the Irish cream before layering it on top.
  • Use a small, narrow shot glass rather than a wide one; a narrower glass gives the layers more depth and makes the float more visible.
  • If the layers won't separate, the glass or liqueurs are likely too warm. Chill both bottles in the fridge for 20 minutes before making another round.
  • Swap the butterscotch schnapps for caramel vodka for a slightly less sweet, boozier version.

Storage & reheating

This shot is meant to be made and served immediately since the layered effect breaks down within a few minutes. Unopened bottles of butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream liqueur keep at room temperature for years, but once opened, store Irish cream liqueur in the refrigerator and use it within the time frame printed on the label, usually about six months, since it contains dairy.

Tips from the Tulo kitchen

  • A narrow-bowled bar spoon with a twisted handle gives better control over the pour than a regular teaspoon.
  • Pouring too fast is the number one reason the float fails; slow the pour down more than feels natural.

FAQ

What is a Buttery Nipple shot made of?

The classic version is equal parts butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream liqueur, layered so the cream liqueur floats on top of the schnapps.

Why did my layers mix together instead of staying separate?

This usually happens when the liquids are too warm or the pour is too fast. Chill both bottles beforehand and pour the top layer slowly over the back of a spoon.

Can I make a batch of these for a party?

Layering only works reliably in individual glasses, so for a group, premix the schnapps and Irish cream in equal parts in a pitcher and pour into shot glasses without attempting the layered look.

Does Irish cream liqueur need to be refrigerated?

Yes, once opened. It contains dairy cream and should be kept in the refrigerator and used within about six months of opening for best flavor and safety.