Ingredients
- 1 Part(s) Butterscotch Schnapps
- 1 Part(s) Irish Cream
- 1 Part(s) Coffee Liqueur
- 1.5 oz Whipped Cream
Instructions
Mix Ingredients:
- In a big glass, mix the butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, and coffee liqueur together.
Pour into Shot Glasses:
- Pour the mixture into shot glasses.
Top with Whipped Cream:
- Top each shot off with a dollop of whipped cream.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Like many popular shots, the exact origin of the Kellys Buttery Nipple is murky. It’s a variation on the more common Buttery Nipple, likely emerging from a bartender’s experimentation in a busy bar sometime in the late 20th century. It fits into the tradition of sweet, mixed shots designed for quick, enjoyable consumption, rather than serious contemplation.
This shot belongs to the ‘Nipple’ family of drinks, which typically features Irish cream and a contrasting liqueur. The original Buttery Nipple uses only butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream. The Kellys variant sets itself apart by adding coffee liqueur, giving it a deeper, more robust flavor profile compared to its simpler, two-ingredient relatives.
You’d typically encounter a Kellys Buttery Nipple in a lively college bar, a casual pub, or at a house party. It’s a low-fuss drink that doesn’t require a quiet, contemplative setting. It’s best suited for social gatherings where quick, sweet shots are the order of the day, rather than a sophisticated cocktail lounge.
What it tastes like
On the palate, Kellys Buttery Nipple leads with the rich, caramel notes of butterscotch, quickly followed by the smooth, milky sweetness of Irish cream. The coffee liqueur grounds the sweetness with a pleasant, roasted bitterness in the mid-palate, leading to a creamy, slightly boozy finish, softened by the dollop of whipped cream.
With each ‘part’ roughly 0.5 oz, this shot weighs in around 17% ABV. That makes it stronger than most beers, which usually sit between 4-6%, but generally less potent than a strong whiskey neat or many stirred cocktails. It’s designed for flavor and a gentle buzz, not for knocking you off your feet.
The technique
Building this shot is straightforward. Combine the butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, and coffee liqueur in a small mixing glass or directly in a shot glass if you’re making just one. Give it a quick stir to ensure the liqueurs are well integrated. Pour the mixture into your shot glass and finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.
The key technique here is ensuring a proper mix of the liqueurs before adding the whipped cream. If you don’t combine them thoroughly, you risk distinct layers of unmixed alcohol, which can lead to an inconsistent taste and a less pleasant drinking experience. A quick stir makes all the difference for a harmonious shot.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Butterscotch Schnapps
- Use
- Brands like DeKuyper or Bols offer a reliable butterscotch flavor. Look for a schnapps around 15% ABV.
- Skip
- Caramel syrup alone. While sweet, it lacks the boozy depth and specific buttery notes that schnapps provides, fundamentally changing the drink.
- Why
- This ingredient delivers the signature buttery, sweet profile that defines the ‘Buttery Nipple’ family. Without it, you just have a creamy coffee shot.
Irish Cream
- Use
- Baileys is the classic choice, but Carolans or Saint Brendan’s also work well. Aim for a product around 17% ABV.
- Skip
- Plain heavy cream or milk without whiskey. The Irish cream provides both the creamy texture and a crucial whiskey kick that balances the sweetness.
- Why
- Irish cream is load-bearing for the drink’s creamy texture and its characteristic milky, slightly boozy mouthfeel. It brings the ‘nipple’ to the party.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Classic Buttery Nipple
- Simpler, two-ingredient sweetness
- Skip the coffee liqueur for a straightforward shot of butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream. It’s all about that pure sweet and creamy hit.
Slippery Nipple
- Anise twist on a classic shot
- Substitute sambuca for the butterscotch schnapps. This variation introduces a distinct anise flavor, offering a different kind of sweet kick.
Dessert Nipple
- A more indulgent treat
- Serve the shot in a small coupe glass, add a chocolate drizzle to the inside of the glass, and garnish the whipped cream with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a mini chocolate chip.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a caramel liqueur or a hint of caramel syrup with a neutral spirit, but expect a noticeable shift in the signature flavor.
Heavy cream with a splash of Irish whiskey and a touch of sugar can work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor won’t be identical.
Kahlua is the standard. If unavailable, a strong, cold brew coffee concentrate with a touch of sugar and a neutral spirit could approximate it.
A dollop of plain heavy cream or even a splash of milk will add creaminess, but you’ll miss the light, airy texture of whipped cream.
A small cordial glass or even a small espresso cup will do the job; just adjust the pour volume accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Kellys Buttery Nipple?
It contains butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and is topped with whipped cream.
Is Kellys Buttery Nipple a shot or a cocktail?
It is typically served as a shot, designed for quick consumption.
What does Kellys Buttery Nipple taste like?
It’s sweet and creamy, with prominent butterscotch and coffee flavors balanced by the smooth Irish cream.
How strong is a Kellys Buttery Nipple?
It’s moderately strong, usually around 17% ABV, making it stronger than beer but less potent than many spirits served neat.
What’s the difference between a Buttery Nipple and a Kellys Buttery Nipple?
The Kellys Buttery Nipple adds coffee liqueur to the traditional Buttery Nipple recipe, which only uses butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream.
Do I need a shaker for this shot?
No, a quick stir in a mixing glass or directly in the shot glass is sufficient.
Can I make Kellys Buttery Nipple ahead of time?
You can mix the liqueurs a bit ahead, but it’s best to top with whipped cream and serve immediately to maintain freshness and texture.
What kind of whipped cream should I use?
Any good quality canned whipped cream works, or you can make fresh whipped cream for a richer texture and flavor.
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