The first time I encountered this drink was at a friend’s holiday gathering. A small, layered shot was passed around, and its surprisingly smooth, dessert-like quality stood out. It was nothing like the harsh, bitter shots I had experienced before. This encounter led me to investigate the components and technique behind it.
You might be looking for a simple, sweet cocktail to serve at a party or to understand the appeal of this particular combination. The Buttery Nipple is a straightforward mix with a specific presentation. Its popularity stems from its approachable flavor and visual appeal.
This guide provides the complete method for creating this drink, from the basic recipe to advanced variations. We will examine its ingredients, nutritional content, and history. You will learn how to achieve the perfect layered effect and adapt the recipe for different dietary needs.
How to Make a Buttery Nipple Drink
This section details the standard preparation for a single serving. The process is simple, but attention to detail ensures the signature layered look and balanced flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Servings: 1 shot
- Course: Beverage, Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ounce butterscotch schnapps
- 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys Original Irish Cream)
Instructions
- Chill a shot glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before you begin. A cold glass helps maintain the layer separation.
- Pour the butterscotch schnapps directly into the chilled shot glass. Tilt the glass slightly and pour slowly to avoid splashing.
- Take a bartending spoon and place it upside down, just touching the inside of the glass above the schnapps.
- Slowly pour the Irish cream liqueur over the back of the spoon. The liquid should trickle down the side of the glass and float on top of the denser schnapps.
- Serve immediately. The distinct golden butterscotch layer on the bottom and creamy white layer on top is the hallmark of a properly made drink.
Nutrition
- Calories: 168 kcal
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Sugar: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Cooking Method
This is a no-cook, cold-assembly recipe. The primary technique involved is layering, which relies on the different densities of the two liqueurs. Butterscotch schnapps is denser than Irish cream, allowing the cream liqueur to rest on top when poured correctly.
Tools Needed
- Chilled shot glass (1.5 to 2 oz capacity)
- Bartending spoon or a regular teaspoon
- Jigger or small measuring cup for accuracy
Ingredient Analysis
Understanding the components of this drink explains its flavor profile and texture. Each ingredient plays a specific role in the final product.
Butterscotch Schnapps
Butterscotch schnapps is a sweet, syrupy liqueur flavored to mimic butterscotch candy. Its base is typically neutral grain spirits. The flavor comes from a combination of brown sugar, butter flavoring, and vanilla.
The high sugar content gives it a greater density than many other liqueurs. This physical property is what makes the layered presentation possible. Its role is to provide the foundational “buttery” sweetness.
Irish Cream Liqueur
Irish cream is a cream-based liqueur. It blends Irish whiskey, cream, sugar, and other flavorings like chocolate and vanilla. Brands like Baileys have made it a household name.
The cream content makes it less dense than the schnapps, allowing it to float. It contributes a rich, smooth texture that cuts the intense sweetness of the butterscotch. The slight alcohol note from the whiskey adds complexity.
Nutritional Perspective
From a dietary standpoint, this is a high-sugar, moderate-calorie alcoholic beverage. The primary macronutrients are carbohydrates from sugars and a small amount of fat from the cream.
The caloric content comes almost entirely from the alcohol and added sugars. There is minimal protein, fiber, or essential vitamins. Consuming one shot provides a significant amount of added sugar relative to daily intake recommendations.
For those monitoring sugar intake, this is a drink to enjoy sparingly. The rapid absorption of simple sugars can affect blood glucose levels. The alcohol content also contributes empty calories without nutritional benefit.
Variations and Adaptations
The basic formula is versatile. You can adjust it for different serving styles, occasions, and dietary restrictions.
Full-Size Cocktail Version
To make a full drink, simply multiply the ingredients and use a rocks glass or coupe. Combine 2 ounces of butterscotch schnapps and 2 ounces of Irish cream in a glass filled with ice. You can stir it gently or serve it layered in the larger vessel.
Non-Alcoholic Buttery Nipple
Creating a version without alcohol is straightforward. Use butterscotch syrup or a non-alcoholic butterscotch flavored syrup as the base. For the top layer, use a non-dairy creamer, cold brew foam, or a thick Irish cream-flavored coffee syrup that contains no alcohol.
Flavor Twists
Some variations include a float of coffee liqueur for a mocha note. A “Slippery Nipple” uses Sambuca instead of butterscotch schnapps, offering an anise flavor. A “Butterball” shot incorporates cinnamon schnapps for a spiced profile.
Historical and Social Context
The Buttery Nipple shot emerged in the late 20th century, likely in the 1980s or 1990s. This era saw a rise in the popularity of sweet, shootable cocktails and cream-based liqueurs.
It belongs to a category of “shooter” cocktails designed for quick consumption. These drinks were staples at college bars and parties, valued for their sweetness that could mask the taste of alcohol. Its name is part of a trend of giving cocktails playful, sometimes provocative, titles to make them memorable.
Common Preparation Errors
Avoiding these mistakes will improve your results significantly. The most common issue is the layers mixing together instead of separating.
Using a warm glass will cause the ingredients to combine more easily. Pouring the Irish cream too quickly or without a spoon will make it plunge through the lower layer. Using brands with different specific gravities than standard products can also prevent proper layering.
Always start with a thoroughly chilled glass. Practice the slow, steady pour over the back of a spoon. If your layers do not separate, check the temperature of your glass and the density of your liqueurs.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This drink functions as a dessert or a party starter. Its sweet, rich character dictates what it pairs well with.
Serve it well-chilled immediately after preparation. It pairs nicely with bitter elements, like a cup of black coffee afterward, to balance the sweetness. Salty snacks like pretzels or nuts can also provide a pleasant contrast.
It is not a drink that stores well. The layers will eventually blend, and the fresh texture is part of the experience. It is best made and consumed straight away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Buttery Nipple drink?
A Buttery Nipple is a layered shot cocktail. It consists of butterscotch schnapps on the bottom and Irish cream liqueur floated on top. It is known for its sweet, candy-like flavor and creamy texture.
Why won’t my Irish cream float on the schnapps?
This usually happens if the glass is warm, the Irish cream is poured too fast, or you did not use a spoon as a buffer. Ensure everything is cold and pour the top layer very slowly over the back of a bartending spoon.
Can I make a large batch of this cocktail for a party?
You can mix the two liqueurs in a large pitcher, but you will lose the layered effect. For individual layered shots, you must prepare them one at a time just before serving to maintain the presentation.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes. Use a vegan butterscotch syrup for the base. For the top layer, use a plant-based Irish cream alternative or a thick, sweetened vegan cream. The layering technique remains the same.
How much alcohol is in one shot?
The total alcohol by volume (ABV) depends on the specific brands used. Butterscotch schnapps is typically around 15-20% ABV, and Irish cream is about 17% ABV. A standard 2-ounce shot will have a moderate alcohol content.
What is the difference between a Buttery Nipple and a Butterscotch Snap?
These names often refer to the same drink. “Buttery Nipple” is the most common name, while “Butterscotch Snap” is a less common alternative, likely referencing the butterscotch flavor.