Mom's Best Recipes

Recipe

Buttery Nipple Shot

A sweet, creamy two-ingredient layered shot with butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A neat row of three Buttery Nipple shots with visible layers of golden butterscotch schnapps and pale Irish cream on a warm kitchen counter under soft lighting

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Some recipes are a whole thing. This is not that. The Buttery Nipple is a two-bottle, two-ingredient shot that tastes like a tiny liquid dessert. Sweet butterscotch on the bottom, silky Irish cream floating on top, and suddenly everyone at the table is asking who made the “fancy layered ones.”

If you’ve ever tried to layer a shot and ended up with beige soup, you’re in the right place. We’re keeping ingredients accessible, steps super clear, and the vibe relaxed. This is momsbestrecipes.com, not bartending school.

Butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream set on a kitchen counter with two clean shot glasses beside them, ready to pour

Why It Works

Clean layers without stress: A spoon pour slows the cream so it floats instead of mixing.
Dessert flavor in one sip: Buttery caramel notes plus creamy vanilla.
Easy to scale: Make one, or line up a tray for a party.
Flexible: Works with plenty of swaps if you only have one of the two bottles.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Shots like this are best fresh because the layers slowly relax into each other. That said, life happens.

Short-term holding

Fridge: If you have to, you can pour them and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. For the cleanest layers, they’re best within 30 to 60 minutes. If possible, cover the glasses so they don’t pick up fridge odors.
Freezer: Not recommended for pre-poured shots. Cream liqueur can thicken oddly and may separate a bit as it warms back up.

Best make-ahead move

Chill both bottles, set out shot glasses, and pre-measure into a small measuring cup if you want. Then layer right before serving.

Common Questions

What is a Buttery Nipple made of?

A popular retro Buttery Nipple shot is made with butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream liqueur. The schnapps goes on the bottom and the Irish cream is gently layered on top.

Why won’t my shot layer?

Layering mostly comes down to density (and yes, different brands can behave differently because of sugar content). Temperature and technique matter too. Common culprits: you poured too fast, poured straight into the middle, or your bottles were warm. Chilling helps, and pouring the Irish cream slowly over the back of a spoon gives it the best chance to float.

Can I use Bailey’s?

Yes. Bailey’s is the most common Irish cream for this shot, but any Irish cream works.

Is a Buttery Nipple strong?

It’s sweet and goes down easy, which can be sneaky. Strength depends on the brands you use, but it’s usually a dessert-style shot, not a high-proof shooter.

Can I make it as a drink instead of a shot?

Absolutely. Pour 1 1/2 ounces butterscotch schnapps and 1 1/2 ounces Irish cream over ice in a rocks glass. Stir for a creamy butterscotch cocktail, or layer it if you want the look.

Any non-dairy option?

Yep. There are a few dairy-free cream liqueurs on the market. The key is using a cream-style liqueur with enough thickness to float. Layering may be a little less crisp, but the flavor can still be great.

Dairy note

Most Irish cream liqueurs contain dairy. If you’ve got an allergy or are avoiding dairy, use a dairy-free cream liqueur instead.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

2 shot glasses (ideally 2-ounce or tall shooters)
Bar spoon or teaspoon (for layering)
Small jigger or measuring spoon (optional but helpful)
Small tray if serving multiple shots

I love a recipe that makes people think you tried harder than you did. The first time I made a Buttery Nipple at home, I was fully convinced layering was bartender magic. Turns out it’s just patience and a spoon. Now it’s my go-to “we need a fun little moment” party shot, especially when everyone’s hovering in the kitchen pretending they’re not waiting for snacks.