How to Make a Buttery Nipple – This classic buttery nipple shot recipe includes butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream, plus a rum floater on top for a sweet, rich layered cocktail with a kick!

Closeup view of buttery nipple shot glass with layers.

Why We Love This Buttery Nipple Shot Recipe

If the name of this recipe makes you crack a smile, know that you are not alone. Go ahead, get the giggles out now – you know you want to!

Whew, ok.

Now, get ready to meet your new favorite party drink made with just a handful of simple ingredients: A classic Buttery Nipple shot is a layered alcoholic beverage that includes Butterscotch liqueur (hence the name buttery) such as schnapps, plus Irish Cream liqueur.

It’s a sweet (and saucily named) shot that is perfect for the holidays. And if there was ever a time for shots, New Years Eve is the day. This deceptively simple and tasty shot cocktail offers smooth sipping (or knocking back) even for the light drinker.

The original recipe for Buttery Nipples include 1 oz Butterscotch Schnapps + ½ oz Irish cream on top. However, we’ve changed the recipe up a bit by tweaking the proportions and adding a rum floater for a sweet cocktail that packs a punch…

Top view of five shot glasses with buttery nipple cocktails.

Ingredients You Need

  • Butterscotch schnapps – or other butterscotch liquor
  • Irish cream – we love the original Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • Aged white rum – or vodka, if you prefer
View of ingredients needed for this recipe which include bottles of Irish cream, butterscotch schnapps, and aged rum.

How to Make a Buttery Nipple Shot

  1. Pop your shot glass in the freezer for a few minutes and make sure your Irish cream is nice and cold. A frosty glass makes all the difference!
  2. Measure out the butterscotch schnapps and pour it straight into the chilled shot glass. This is your sweet, buttery base.
Closeup of hand adding irish cream to the butterscotch schnapps in a shot glass.
  1. Grab a spoon (or the back of a bar spoon), hold it just above the schnapps, and slowly pour the Irish cream over it. This keeps the layers separate and gives your shot that classic silky look!
  2. Use the same spoon trick to gently float the aged white rum on top. It’s the final boozy touch!

Get the Complete (Printable) Buttery Nipple Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!

Buttery Nipple Shot - adding aged rum to the layered butterscotch schnapps and irish cream

Serving Suggestions

There are so many fun and creative ways to garnish this dessert drink! I love to add a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon or brown sugar for a punchier finish. Another optional garnish that your guests will love, is a dollop of fresh whipped cream. And if you’re feeling a little bit more extra, top it off with a creamy butterscotch candy for an ultra rich twist.

For a more sip-able buttery nipple drink, you can easily prepare this recipe as a full cocktail.

Add the butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well, and strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Now add the rum to create a top layer. Like when you make a single shot, slowly pour the liquor onto the back of a spoon and into the glass. Let the rum sit on top of the drink, and enjoy!

Pair this creamy, indulgent shot with chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, or a caramelized dessert like my salted caramel cheesecake to complement its rich, buttery flavor.

Closeup of hand adding a rum floater to the buttery nipple shot.

Recipe Variations

  • Hazelnut liqueur – Swap the butterscotch schnapps for hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) for a nuttier version.
  • Chocolate liqueur – Add a drizzle of chocolate liqueur or swap the butterscotch schnapps for it to make this extra rich.
  • Vanilla vodka – Add a splash of vanilla vodka for a smooth, extra-layered flavor.
  • Sambuca – Swap the rum with a dash of sambuca for a licorice-like kick.
  • Milkshake – Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen shot that’s like a boozy milkshake!
  • Cherry grenadine – Add a tiny drop of grenadine on top of the shot for a hint of cherry sweetness.
two hands each with a shot glass cheers-ing

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shot glass should I use to make a buttery nipple shot?

Since this is a layered shot, it is best to use a tall, clear shot glass so you can see those beautiful layers!

Why is it called a buttery nipple?

This shot came into popularity around the 1980s when lots of drinks were named with suggestive names! The only reason this shot is called a buttery nipple is because of the addition of butterscotch schnapps! It makes both a great dinner drink or a straight shooter.

What does this shot recipe taste like?

Buttery nipple shots, also known as a butterball, tastes like a caramel candy. For real, the butterscotch schnapps with the Irish cream make a creamy, sweet shot that is perfect for dessert! The rum adds a hint more alcohol, and can be omitted if you want.

Looking for More Delicious Drinks? Try These Cheers-Worthy Recipes:

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Buttery Nipple Shot Recipe + VIDEO

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
This classic Buttery Nipple shot recipe includes butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream, plus a rum floater on top for a sweet, rich layered cocktail with a kick!
Servings: 1 shot

Video

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric
  • ¾ ounce butterscotch schnapps
  • ½ ounce Irish cream chilled
  • ½ ounce aged white rum

Instructions

  • For each shot, chill a 2-ounce shot glass. Chill the Irish cream as well.
  • Once cold, measure and pour the butterscotch schnapps into the glass.
  • Use a cocktail spoon to gently pour the Irish cream over the schnapps in a separate layer. To do this, place the spoon right at the level of the top of the schnapps. Then slowly pour the Irish cream over the spoon so it stays separate from the schnapps.
  • Pour the rum floater over the spoon to create a third layer on top of the Irish cream. Serve!

Notes

  • This shot or cocktail is best when made with cold ingredients. Be sure the Irish cream is chilled, and we also suggest that you chill the shot or cocktail glass before making the drink.
  • Some people like to pour it over the back of the spoon or even down the handle. You may want to make a “practice shot” so you find your perfect technique. Just know, the colder the Irish cream is, and the slower you pour the neater the layers will be.
  • The ingredients are layered in this order so they stay separate. If you try to put the rum in a lower layer, the Irish cream will not stay on top.
  • As-is this recipe is for one layered shot. Use these proportions to make as many buttery nipple cocktails as you need.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shot, Calories: 134kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 1mg, Sugar: 8g, Iron: 1mg
Course: Beverage, cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American, Irish
Author: Sommer Collier
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