The Buttery Nipple Shot For A Creamy Delight

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.

I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!

Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

A Boozy Birth in the Dessert Craze: Unveiling the Buttery Nipple’s History

The Buttery Nipple Shot was born in the 1980s — a decade that gave us bold fashion, big hair, and even bolder cocktails. Bartenders were experimenting with layering techniques, colourful presentations, and playful names that made drinks memorable.

The Buttery Nipple fit right in:

Sweet and approachable for non-whiskey drinkers.
Visually striking thanks to its layered effect.
Cheeky name that made it a conversation starter.

It wasn’t about sophistication — it was about fun, indulgence, and blurring the line between dessert and drinks.

The Buttery Nipple Shot Recipe (AU Measurements)

Ingredients (per shot):

15ml butterscotch schnapps
15ml Irish cream liqueur (Bailey’s or equivalent)

Method:

Chill a shot glass in the freezer or with ice water.
Pour butterscotch schnapps into the glass as your base.
Slowly layer Irish cream on top using the back of a bar spoon.
Optional: adjust to 20ml schnapps / 10ml cream for stronger butterscotch flavour.

Why It Works: A Symphony of Indulgence

The Buttery Base: Butterscotch schnapps delivers caramelised sugar and toffee notes.
The Velvety Caress: Irish cream adds creaminess and soft chocolate-coffee undertones.
The Textural Dance: Layering creates both visual appeal and a two-step flavour journey.

It’s essentially a liquid dessert — indulgent, nostalgic, and impossible to sip without smiling.

When to Serve the Buttery Nipple Shot

Cozy autumn evenings: Comforting and warming.
Dessert replacement: When you crave something sweet but don’t want to bake.
Girls’ night in: Sweet, cheeky, and easy to batch.
Festive holidays: Its butterscotch & cream combo pairs beautifully with Christmas treats.

Variations on the Classic

Slippery Nipple: Add sambuca for a licorice kick.
Nutty Nipple: Use amaretto instead of schnapps for almond flavour.
Chocolate Nipple: Layer crème de cacao for a choc-butterscotch hit.
Non-Alcoholic Nipple: Use butterscotch syrup + vanilla cream soda, topped with whipped cream.

Food Pairings: Beyond the Glass

Cookies & biscuits: Pair with Anzac biscuits or oatmeal raisin cookies.
Ice cream: Vanilla or caramel scoops with a Buttery Nipple “float.”
Fruit platter: Fresh pears, apples, or grapes to cut the sweetness.

For another dessert-inspired drink, try my Oatmeal Cookie Shot — the perfect winter warmer with cinnamon sugar spice.

Pro Bartender Tips

Pour slowly: Layering makes or breaks the look.
Chill everything: A cold glass and liqueurs keep the layers distinct.
Batch carefully: Best served fresh; cream can curdle if left too long.
Presentation counts: Serve on a tray with mini cookies or chocolate shavings.

Responsible Enjoyment

This shot may taste like dessert, but it still packs a punch. Remember:

Enjoy in moderation — it’s easy to lose count with sweet drinks.
Always alternate with water.
Keep servings small if offering multiple rounds.

The Final Sip

The Buttery Nipple Shot is cheeky, comforting, and indulgent — a true 1980s cocktail icon that still holds its charm today. With just two ingredients, it proves that sometimes simplicity is the sweetest luxury.

Perfect for parties, dessert courses, or cozy nights in, this layered beauty is one of those drinks that will never go out of style.

The bartending community…

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?

Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW