Ingredients
- 1/3 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
- 1/3 oz Irish Cream
- 1/3 oz Peach Liqueur
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 1/3 oz butterscotch schnapps, 1/3 oz Irish cream, and 1/3 oz peach liqueur into a mixing glass with a few ice cubes.
Stir Well:
- Stir well until the mixture is chilled.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The history's hazy on this one, which makes sense for a drink named like this. No clean attribution, but it feels like a product of the late 20th century, probably born in a bar where they weren’t afraid of a laugh or a strong shot.
This is a modern layered shot, a member of the 'dessert shooter' family. Think of it as a cousin to things like the Slippery Nipple or a Butterball, where the goal is pure, unadulterated sweetness with a bit of a kick. It separates itself with that peach and butterscotch combo.
You're ordering this one in a dive bar, maybe at a party, or when someone dares you to. It's not a quiet sipper for contemplation. This is for when the night is already loud and you're not looking for anything sophisticated, just a good time.
What it tastes like
First sip delivers a rich hit of butterscotch, quickly followed by the smooth, familiar comfort of Irish cream. The peach liqueur cuts through that sweetness with a bright, fruity tang, keeping it from getting too cloying. It’s sweet, creamy, and surprisingly balanced for a shot with such a name.
Coming in around 15-16% ABV, this shot has some teeth. That's roughly three times the alcohol of your average 5% ABV beer, packed into a single ounce. Treat it like the quick hit it is, not a session drink.
The technique
Building a Cowboy Cocksucker is about as simple as it gets. Grab a mixing glass, toss in your liqueurs and a few cubes. Give it a good, solid stir until everything is properly chilled. Then, just strain it clean into your shot glass. No fancy moves required here.
The key is making sure it's genuinely cold. A lazy stir leaves you with a lukewarm, syrupy mess. Really get that ice working to chill the mixture down. It makes a difference to how smoothly it goes down.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Butterscotch Schnapps
- Use
- DeKuyper, Bols, or any good quality butterscotch liqueur.
- Skip
- Caramel syrup, butterscotch flavoring for coffee. These lack the boozy depth.
- Why
- It lays down the rich, sweet, slightly salty foundation. Without it, you're missing the 'cowboy' part of the equation.
Irish Cream
- Use
- Baileys is the standard, but Carolans or Saint Brendan's work just as well.
- Skip
- Plain cream, milk, or a non-dairy creamer. You need the alcoholic body and specific flavor profile.
- Why
- It brings the creamy texture and a hint of whiskey warmth, smoothing out the other flavors and giving the shot its characteristic mouthfeel.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Dirty Cowboy
- Feeling a bit more kick?
- Add a splash of whiskey or bourbon to the mix before stirring. It’ll toughen up the sweetness.
Peachy Cream
- Lean into the creamy peach
- Swap the butterscotch for a vanilla liqueur or a touch more Irish cream if you want to lean heavier into the creamy peach notes.
Tropical Cowboy
- A sunnier twist
- Replace the peach liqueur with a coconut rum or pineapple liqueur for a surprising, sunnier twist on the original.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a caramel liqueur or a coffee liqueur for a similar depth of sweetness.
Use a coffee liqueur and a splash of heavy cream, or another cream liqueur like RumChata.
Apricot brandy or even a touch of orange liqueur can give a similar fruity brightness.
Any sturdy glass will do. Just make sure it's big enough for ice and you can stir it without spilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Cowboy Cocksucker?
A Cowboy Cocksucker contains butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, and peach liqueur.
How strong is a Cowboy Cocksucker?
It's a relatively strong shot, typically around 15-16% ABV, which is about three times the alcohol content of a standard beer.
Is the Cowboy Cocksucker a sweet drink?
Yes, it is a distinctly sweet and creamy shot, designed to go down smoothly with a fruity finish.
Do you shake or stir a Cowboy Cocksucker?
This shot is typically stirred with ice to chill it, then strained. Shaking isn't necessary and can make it too frothy.
What kind of glass for a Cowboy Cocksucker?
Serve it in a standard shot glass. It's meant for a quick, single gulp.
Can I make a batch of Cowboy Cocksuckers?
You can pre-batch the liqueurs, but don't add ice until just before serving. Stir individual shots with ice as needed for best chill.
What's the best way to serve a Cowboy Cocksucker?
Serve it immediately after stirring and straining, while it's still ice-cold.
Why is it called a Cowboy Cocksucker?
The exact origin of the name is lost to time, but it's likely a playful, attention-grabbing name given its sweet, strong nature.
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